Regional Preparedness Coordinator - Region 6 #00233

DHRM•Salem, VA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Regional Preparedness Coordinator represents the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) and implements statewide emergency preparedness initiatives in an assigned region. The role coordinates regional preparedness programs, advances hazard mitigation and resilience, and supports emergency operations across all four phases of emergency management. It provides preparedness-related technical assistance to local governments, Planning District Commissions, institutions of higher education, tribal nations, state agencies, nonprofit organizations, and private-sector partners, while serving as the regional implementation lead for preparedness initiatives established by VDEM Headquarters. The position supports VDEM’s mission by strengthening local emergency management capability, promoting hazard mitigation and resilience, and improving coordination among Commonwealth, regional, and local partners before, during, and after disasters. The employee must complete the FEMA Basic Academy and the Planning Practitioner Program if not already completed. The position is eligible for two telework days per week, but regular onsite presence is required because of its public-facing nature. VDEM employees are designated essential personnel and may be required to work during emergencies, at irregular hours, or at locations other than the official duty station, and may be assigned duties beyond those in the official position description.

Requirements

Working knowledge of emergency management principles across mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery.
Working knowledge of FEMA doctrine, including NIMS, Comprehensive Preparedness Guides, and the Local Mitigation Planning Policy Guide, as well as applicable state and federal emergency management laws, policies, and guidance.
Working knowledge of local, regional, and state emergency management response and recovery operations and information management systems.
Proficient skills in emergency management planning, technical writing, project and program support, meeting facilitation, stakeholder engagement, and public speaking.
Ability to analyze data, assess risks and capability gaps, support operational decision-making, manage multiple complex projects, facilitate planning initiatives, and communicate technical information to diverse audiences.
Proficient skills in Microsoft Office and emergency management information systems.
Ability to independently coordinate, implement, and drive multiple regional programs, projects, and initiatives while implementing statewide preparedness priorities at the local level.
Ability to develop and maintain effective partnerships with local, state, federal, tribal, nonprofit, private-sector, and higher education partners.
Ability to analyze complex information, identify mitigation and preparedness opportunities, and provide technical guidance that strengthens regional capability.
Ability to effectively support local, regional, and state emergency operations.

Nice To Haves

Plan development experience in government.
Experience in group facilitation, program management, and disaster operations.
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Business Administration, Public Management, Public Administration, Emergency Management, physical or social sciences, or a related discipline; an equivalent combination of training and experience may substitute for a degree.
Experience working in emergency management, incident management systems, and disaster response in field disaster operations.
Current emergency management certification from IAEM or VEMA is preferred.

Responsibilities

Implement statewide emergency preparedness initiatives within the assigned region.
Coordinate regional preparedness programs and serve as the regional implementation lead for VDEM Headquarters preparedness initiatives.
Advance hazard mitigation and resilience.
Support emergency operations across mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery.
Provide preparedness-related technical assistance to local governments, Planning District Commissions, institutions of higher education, tribal nations, state agencies, nonprofit organizations, and private-sector partners.
Strengthen local emergency management capability and improve coordination among Commonwealth, regional, and local partners before, during, and after disasters.
Coordinate and implement multiple regional programs, projects, and initiatives while carrying out statewide preparedness priorities locally.
Analyze data, assess risks and capability gaps, support operational decision-making, facilitate planning initiatives, and communicate technical information to diverse audiences.
Develop and maintain effective partnerships with local, state, federal, tribal, nonprofit, private-sector, and higher education partners.
Provide technical guidance to strengthen regional capability and support local, regional, and state emergency operations.
Complete the FEMA Basic Academy and the Planning Practitioner Program if not already completed.
Work during emergency situations as directed, potentially at irregular hours and locations other than the official duty station.