JOB The Emergency Manager leads the development, implementation, administration, and maintenance of Arkansas Tech University's comprehensive emergency management program. This position provides strategic leadership and oversight for the university's emergency management, preparedness, mitigation, continuity of operations, response, and recovery efforts associated with natural, technological, and human-caused hazards. Reporting to the Chief of Public Safety within the Department of Public Safety, the Emergency Manager works collaboratively with campus and community partners to promote a culture of readiness that supports the university's educational mission. Through a commitment to proactive planning, engagement, and stakeholder education, the Emergency Manager fosters positive relationships with students, faculty, staff, external first responders, and other stakeholders to ensure a resilient campus community.

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES

Develops, reviews, updates, and maintains the university's Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (CEMP). Evaluates campus safety trends, vulnerabilities, and emerging risks to develop proactive crisis management strategies and enhance overall institutional emergency preparedness. Designs, coordinates, and conducts campus-wide emergency training, drills, and exercises (tabletop, functional, and full-scale) for leadership, staff, faculty, and students. Directs and manages the operations of the campus Emergency Operations Center (EOC) during activations, critical incidents, and major university events. Serves as a key member of the university's Incident Management Team, providing technical expertise on the Incident Command System (ICS) and National Incident Management System (NIMS) protocols. Manages and maintains the university's mass notification and emergency alert systems, ensuring rapid, accurate communications during critical incidents. Develops and delivers emergency preparedness education, outreach materials, and presentations tailored to student body, faculty, staff, and campus visitors. Oversees the collection, analysis, and reporting of emergency management metrics and assessment measures to evaluate program effectiveness and inform strategic planning. Develops, implements, and maintains the university's Continuity of Operations (COOP) and business continuity program by coordinating university-wide planning, training, and exercises to ensure the preservation and restoration of essential university functions during emergencies, disasters, and other disruptive events. Represents the Department of Public Safety and the university's emergency management interests before leadership, community groups, and external agencies. Collaborates with the Emergency Management and Homeland Security academic program to support internships, applied learning experiences, joint training and exercises, guest lectures, research initiatives, and other collaborative efforts that enhance student learning while strengthening the university's emergency management program. Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of emergency management principles, phases (mitigation, preparedness, response, recovery), and incident command systems. Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws and regulations governing emergency preparedness, including NIMS and ICS. Knowledge of mass notification technologies, emergency communication platforms, and EOC management tools. Ability to analyze hazard vulnerabilities, assess risks, and prepare comprehensive emergency operations plans, continuity of operations (COOP), and business continuity plans. Ability to develop, facilitate, and evaluate emergency drills and educational training exercises. Ability to manage complex operational logistics and remain calm and decisive during high-stress critical incidents. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, faculty, staff, external public safety agencies, and community stakeholders. Ability to communicate effectively and professionally, both orally and in writing, to community stakeholders. Knowledge of COOP, business continuity planning, organizational resilience principles, and continuity best practices.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Must be available to respond to campus emergencies, critical incidents, and crisis situations at any time and may be required to work evenings, weekends, and other non-traditional hours to fulfill the responsibilities of the position. Must be able to perform the physical requirements associated with managing an emergency operations field presence and respond to crisis situations across a large campus in a variety of indoor and outdoor environments.