Posting Information

Department

Emergency Mgt and Planning-230120

Career Area

Environment, Health and Safety

Posting Open Date

07/24/2026

Application Deadline

08/24/2026

Open Until Filled

Position Type

Permanent Staff (EHRA NF)

Working Title

Executive Director of Emergency Management & Planning

Appointment Type

EHRA Non-Faculty

Position Number

01000824

Vacancy ID

NF0009920

Full Time/Part Time

Full-Time Permanent

FTE

Hours per week

Position Location

North Carolina, US

Hiring Range

Proposed Start Date

10/05/2026

Position Information

Be a Tar Heel!

A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation’s top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.

One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.

University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.

Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit

The Office of Emergency Management and Planning is responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining disaster planning and preparedness for the University performed within the five mission areas of emergency management (prevention, protection, mitigation, response, and recovery) to provide for the safety and well-being of all university stakeholders. This includes comprehensive planning, training, and exercise programs aimed to enhance the university’s ability to manage large-scale and/or multi-agency incidents or events that affect the UNC campus.

Position Summary

The Executive Director of Emergency Management and Planning is a senior-level position that is responsible for directing and coordinating disaster planning and preparedness for the University. This position develops, implements, and coordinates the University’s Emergency Plan; serves as primary emergency management liaison with campus, local, state, and federal officials; trains top-level administrators on disaster response and compliance; coordinates and serves as expert on funding issues related to disasters; oversees the University’s emergency communications systems; and maintains the campus Emergency Operation Center (EOC). This position reports to the Associate Vice Chancellor of Campus Safety and Risk Management.

Primary duties include: (1) Emergency Planning and Strategy: Develop, implement, and coordinate the University Emergency Plan in conjunction with other division and campus personnel. Streamline emergency planning efforts across University departments and develop a single point of reference for dissemination of this information. Revise and continually maintain the campus Emergency Plan, an all-hazards plan used in the event of a natural disaster or human-made incident, ensuring that it meets National Incident Management System (NIMS) standards. Collaborate with University Emergency Response Officials (ERO) to maintain current contact information and revise ERO policies and procedures as needed. Manage and administer the Tar Heel Mission Ready program, which is the University’s Continuity of Operations Plan to preserve maximum possible service levels during campus emergencies. (2) Campus Liaison and Outreach: Provide briefings and input to University leadership and key designated officials on emergency planning and disaster events. Serve as the primary campus representative to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA); coordinate FEMA disaster relief applications by the campus. Represent the University in negotiations and communications with federal, state, and local officials on emergency matters; serve as the University’s primary representative on the Orange County Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC). (3) Training and Compliance: Develop training for top-level administrators on campus, including training in responsibilities of disaster response for policy makers and key management staff. (4) Systems Oversight: Serve as the acknowledged campus expert on emergency disaster response operations, and be available at all times. Oversee the University’s emergency communication system, Alert Carolina. (5) Emergency Operations: Maintain the campus Emergency Operation Center (EOC), ensuring the proper functioning of all electrical equipment and storage of adequate supplies, and assist as needed with the maintenance of the Mobile Command Center to ensure its field readiness at all times.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

Relevant post-Baccalaureate degree required (or foreign degree equivalent) with three years or greater of related professional experience; for candidates demonstrating comparable professional backgrounds, will accept a relevant Bachelor’s degree (or foreign degree equivalent) and five years or greater of relevant experience in substitution.

Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

Seven (7) years of progressively responsible emergency management experience, including at least three (3) years of supervisory and program management experience.

Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of emergency management programs including developing response plans; coordinating manpower, resources, and efforts of numerous departments, agencies and services; providing training; and performing related administrative functions. Thorough knowledge of the laws, ordinances, standards, and regulations pertaining to the essential duties and responsibilities of the position. Ability to maintain cooperative and effective relationships with intra- and interdepartmental personnel, as well as any external entities with which position interacts. Ability to use Microsoft Office software.

This position is designated as a Mandatory Employee. The position must be available on short notice to respond to emergency situations. During activation of the EOC, relocation or visits to emergency or disaster sites on campus may be required during response and recovery operations. Must be available for call-back during significant emergencies and disasters.

Employee must reside within 30 miles of UNC Chapel Hill main campus or ability to meet this requirement within six months of hire.

Must have a valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record at the time of hire.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

FEMA or other disaster training is desirable. The ideal candidate will be financially and technologically savvy, innovative, customer-focused, and a collaborative leader.

Certifications and Special Requirements:

FEMA Professional Development Series within three months of employment.
FEMA HSEEP Course completion within one year of employment.
Formal adult instructor training (40 hour minimum) through accredited agency/institution accepted by NC Division of Emergency Management (or equivalent EM entity of another state), or ability to obtain this certification within two years of employment.
Incident Command System (ICS) 100 – 400 Certification, or ability to obtain this certification within one year of employment.
Certified Master Exercise Practitioner or ability to obtain certification within two years of employment.
Certification as an Executive Emergency Manager by the North Carolina Emergency Management Certification Program (or equivalent by other state EM program), or ability to obtain this certification within two years of employment. Certified Emergency Manager status through IAEM exempts this requirement.

Other qualifications include: Strong leadership skills; ability to integrate strategies and network and coordinate services with a broad range of participants; understanding of the Incident Command System, the National Incident Management System, legal concepts, and interpretations relative to emergency operations; familiarity with FEMA application and documentation procedures; experience leading knowledgeable subject matter experts, and developing staff; experience leading change management, both from an organizational/structural and technical/system perspective; strong organizational skills; exceptional written, oral, and presentation skills; and coalition building and collaboration skills.

This position requires on-call work and the ability to be available on short notice for emergency situations. During activation of the Emergency Operation Center, relocation or visits to emergency or disaster sites on campus may be required during response and recovery operations.

Special Physical/Mental Requirements

N/A

Campus Security Authority Responsibilities

This position is designated as a Campus Security Authority in accordance with the Clery Act. This position will be required to report Clery crimes to the Clery Compliance Manager and complete annual training about reporting responsibilities.

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

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Executive Director of Emergency Management & Planning