Assistant Director, Homeland Security & Emergency Management

Job Description:

Assistant Director, Homeland Security & Emergency Management

Description

JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM

At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer-we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. Our guiding principles-Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity - anchor our approach in delivering services that significantly impact the lives of Austin residents. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.

What Makes the City of Austin Special?

• Make a Difference: Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.
  
• Diverse and Inclusive Workplace: Work in an environment where every voice is valued, and Innovation thrives.
  
• Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
  
• Retirement Security: Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
  
• Sustainable Transportation Options: Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.
  
• Focus on Wellness: Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
  
• Career Growth: Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.
  
• Modern Workspaces: Work in innovative and sustainable environments designed to foster collaboration and inspiration.
  

By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.

Job Description:

Purpose:

Under the direction of the Director, this position oversees the operations of the City of Austin Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management (HSEM), including emergency preparedness, response, recovery, mitigation, prevention, and continuity planning.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Directs emergency operations activities to ensure preparedness, and efficient and effective response.
  
• Prepares short- and long-range planning goals and objectives for emergency response operations.
  
• Oversees the accomplishment of goals, objectives, and resource requirements for HSEM activities.
  
• Ensures compliance with city, state and federal government rules and regulations.
  
• Assists in the preparation and monitoring of the operating budget; identifies budgetary needs.
  
• Coordinates and collaborates with multiple stakeholders on interdepartmental and interagency issues, projects, and protocols.
  
• Monitors and evaluates program effectiveness and implements improvement strategies.
  
• Represents the department before the Mayor and Council, City departments, County, State and Federal officials, customers, professional associations, and the general public.
  

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

• Responsible for the full range of supervisory activities including selection, training, evaluation, counseling, and recommendation for dismissal.
  

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge and understanding of technical requirements, logistics, materials and operations, policies, rules, regulations, and laws associated with emergency management and preparedness activities and programs.
  
• Knowledge of fiscal planning and budget preparation.
  
• Knowledge of the principals and practices of public administration.
  
• Knowledge of supervisory and managerial techniques and principles.
  
• Skill in oral and written communications.
  
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
  
• Skill in using computers and related software applications. Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
  
• Skill in management of emergency-related incidents.
  
• Skill in handling conflict and uncertain situations.
  
• Skill in problem-solving.
  
• Ability to maintain effective communication and working relationships with elected officials, city employees and the public.
  
• Ability to multi-task with demanding timeframes.
  
• Ability to handle sensitive, highly-nuanced interactions during situations/events that may be complex, stressful, and/or unfamiliar.
  

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Liberal Arts, Public Administration, Business Management, Emergency Management, Homeland Security, or in a field related to the job, plus five (5) years of progressively responsible work in emergency management/public safety administration, two (2) years of which were in a managerial capacity.
  

Licenses and Certifications Required:

• Associate Emergency Manager, Certified Texas Emergency Manager or Certified Emergency Manager or ability to be certified within two (2) years.
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Extensive background in emergency management experience at the managerial or executive level.
  
• Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) designation through the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM).
  
• Completion of FEMA Incident Command System (ICS) courses 100-400 and National Incident Management System (NIMS) course 700.
  
• Strong understanding of Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) and other federal grant funding programs.
  

Notes to Candidate:

To view the detailed Recruitment Profile for this position, please click here.

To view the City of Austin recruitment video, please click here.

Working with the City of Austin provides a number of health and welfare benefits such as low-cost medical, dental, vision, paid leave time, a highly competitive retirement plan, training opportunities and more. Please click HERE for more information.

Homeland Security and Emergency Management

The City of Austin Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management is committed to enhancing the city’s readiness and resilience by planning and preparing for emergencies, educating the public on disaster preparedness, developing a trained volunteer network, and managing grant funding to strengthen public safety and homeland security capabilities. The office also coordinates emergency response and recovery operations, supports planned events, and works closely with public agencies and community partners to protect the Austin community when it is most at risk. Guided by its vision of a disaster-prepared and resilient community, HSEM serves as the central coordinating hub for preparedness, response, recovery, and public education during any emergency or disaster that disrupts the community.

The Position

Under the direction of the Director, this position oversees the operations of the City of Austin Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management (HSEM), including emergency preparedness, response, recovery, mitigation, prevention, and continuity planning.

Salary Range: $162,000 to $172,000 annually

Location: 5010 Old Manor Rd #330, Austin, TX 78723

Days and Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM; Monday - Friday

*Hours may vary depending upon business needs. This position is on-site.

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a strategic, equity-driven leader with extensive experience in emergency management, organizational operations, and community resilience. This individual brings deep expertise in crisis response, intergovernmental coordination, and program implementation within complex public sector environments. They excel in collaborative settings, building trust with diverse communities and key stakeholders while leveraging data and technology to inform decisions and enhance preparedness. With a strong foundation in strategic planning, federal grant administration, and workforce development, the Assistant Director will play a critical role in advancing the department’s vision and operational effectiveness. A hands-on and inclusive leader, they will inspire staff, strengthen internal systems, and drive results that prioritize safety, equity, and public service.

The following core competencies are important for this role:

• Strategic Leadership & Operational Management - Demonstrated ability to lead through complexity by aligning strategic vision with day-to-day operations, managing high-performing teams, and streamlining internal systems to enhance organizational effectiveness.
  
• Emergency Preparedness & Crisis Response - Extensive experience directing large-scale emergency management programs, including preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery, with a focus on resilience and continuity of operations.
  
• Grants & Federal Funding Administration - Deep understanding of UASI and other federal grant programs, with the ability to navigate complex compliance requirements, maximize funding impact, and align resources with community risk profiles.
  
• Community Engagement & Public Trust - Skilled in cultivating strong partnerships with diverse communities and stakeholder groups, advancing transparency, and translating input into actionable emergency management strategies.
  
• Training, Exercises & Workforce Readiness - Proven success in designing, implementing, and refining departmental training and exercise programs to ensure staff readiness and regulatory compliance.
  
• Inclusive & Participative Leadership - A collaborative leader who champions equity, fosters team cohesion, and supports professional development while empowering staff to deliver results with integrity and innovation.
  

Regarding Your Application:

• A detailed and complete Employment Application is required. A Résumé and Cover Letter are required.
  
• Verification of employment history dates on resume should match online Employment Application.
  
• Employment history dates must include month and year.
  
• Successful candidates must pass a a Criminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS) fingerprint-based background check and maintain CJIS eligibility.
  
• A first review of candidates will occur on August 15, 2025. To apply, candidates must complete this online application. Interested candidates should apply early in the process for optimum consideration.
  

Note: Information submitted for consideration may be made available to the public in compliance with the Texas Open Records Act.

EEO Statement for City of Austin:

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.