Hazard Mitigation Program Manager

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What we offer

• Impact - The work you do here matters to millions. 
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Agency Description

The Office of Emergency Management (OEM) works to mitigate, plan, and prepare for emergencies; educate the public about preparedness; coordinate emergency response and recovery efforts; and develop tools and identify resources to support the overall preparedness of the City of Philadelphia. 

Position Summary: 
MDO-OEM is seeking a hazard mitigation program manager to oversee the ongoing development and implementation of the City-wide Hazard Mitigation Program.  Candidates for this position should possess a strong desire to work in a team-oriented, fast-paced, professional public safety environment, and a willingness to serve the public in the sixth largest city in the nation. The successful candidate for this position will assist with the development, strategic planning, implementation, and evaluation of an integrated program that supports hazard mitigation and disaster recovery.

All personnel must be City residents within six months of hire and are required to serve periodically on on-call field response teams. MDO-OEM staff also periodically work during non-business hours for extended periods of time, as needed in a field environment, and during activations of Philadelphia’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC).

Essential Functions: 

Position Summary:
The Hazard Mitigation Program Manager is responsible for leading and coordinating efforts to reduce the City's risk to natural and human-caused hazards. Working under the direction of the First Deputy Director, the Program Manager oversees the development, implementation, and ongoing maintenance of the hazard mitigation plan and projects in alignment with local, state, and federal guidelines.

Key Responsibilities:

• Hazard Mitigation Planning:
  • Develop, update, and maintain the City-wide Hazard Mitigation Plan in compliance with local, state, and federal requirements.
  • Coordinate the implementation of the Hazard Mitigation Plan, ensuring timely updates and alignment with feedback from local, state, and federal partners.
  • Collaborate with subject matter experts to identify hazards, conduct vulnerability assessments, and design effective mitigation strategies.
• Grant and Funding Coordination:
  • Act as the City's primary liaison to PEMA (Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency) and FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) for hazard mitigation grant programs and plan amendments.
  • Work with City departments to align project priorities and optimize access to funding opportunities, including FEMA grant programs, Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery funds, and programs under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
• Stakeholder Engagement and Capacity Building:
  • Manage the Hazard Mitigation Steering Committee, fostering partnerships with stakeholders from local, state, and federal agencies, as well as community organizations, non-profits, and private entities.
  • Coordinate capacity-building initiatives, such as informational workshops and technical assistance, to support City departments in hazard mitigation planning and implementation.
  • Lead the development and facilitation of a community working group to ensure equitable hazard mitigation and climate resilience strategies, in collaboration with other City departments and OEM programs.
• Additional Planning:
  • The Hazard Mitigation program will also be responsible for updating, maintaining, or developing additional emergency management plans with a nexus to hazard mitigation; these plans may include, but not be limited to, plans that address disaster recovery and severe weather.
• Program and Staff Management:
  • Supervise hazard mitigation staff and other personnel as assigned.
  • Develop and maintain emergency management planning documents and initiatives as assigned.
  • Perform other work as required.

Competencies: 

• Strong interpersonal skills 
• Effective oral and written communication skills 
• Strong leadership and negotiation skills 
• Professional conduct and accountability 
• Proven time-management skills 
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and to establish a “need to know” with partners 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

• Ability to work independently. 
• Ability to multitask effectively.  
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships and develop partnerships. 
• Ability to coordinate diverse groups toward a common goal. 
• Ability to complete tasks and projects in a timely manner. 
• Ability to contribute and coordinate work in a team. 
• Ability to interpret federal and state emergency management requirements and regulations. 
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office software (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Access, Outlook) and ability to use other web-based platforms for information collection and submission. 

 Education and Experience 

• Three to five years of experience preferred and completion of a bachelor’s degree in a related field from an accredited college;
• Demonstrated experience with developing and completing a FEMA-approved hazard mitigation plan and/or five-year plan update.
• Experience conducting risk and vulnerability assessments and/or managing contractors to provide technical assistance.
• Experience working within an emergency management or other public safety organization is preferred. 
• Familiarity with the City of Philadelphia and/or Southeastern PA region is preferred. 
• Experience with THIRA / SPR, Homeland Security Grant Program, RCPGP, or NSGP is preferred. 
• Experience interpreting and executing federal and state guidance is preferred. 
• Experience coordinating large groups in collaborative, long-term, and recurring efforts is preferred.  
• An equivalent combination of education and experience in a related field will be considered with approval by MDO-OEM and the Office of Human Resources. 

Licenses, Registrations, and Certification 

• Possession of a valid proper class motor vehicle operator’s license issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania within six months of hire. 
• Successful completion of FEMA Independent Study courses (IS 100.a, 200.a, 700.a, and 800.b) within first month of appointment. 
• Candidate will have access to secure public safety information.  All selected applicants must undergo and successfully complete a background investigation as a condition of placement in this position. 
• Ability to obtain a security clearance.

Other requirements 

• Work may entail nights, weekends, and holidays. 
• OEM personnel are essential, and work during states of emergency or other city closures. 
• OEM personnel are required to serve periodically in an on-call capacity which may require the following conditions of work: work outside of typical business hours or for extended periods of time; work during states of emergency; work in a field environment, in a 24/7 watch center, or during activations of Philadelphia’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC). Example on-call work environments include, but are not limited to, scenes with the following conditions: materials that are on fire; utilities that are compromised; compromised structures; scenes near hazardous materials storage that may be compromised; scenes in congregate living settings, or in or near crowds; scenes near downed vegetation or other debris; or scenes near flooding and water-damaged materials. All work is performed while donning a level of personal protective equipment that 1) is recommended by the incident safety officer and 2) for which OEM personnel have received training. Example on-call response tasks include, but are not limited to, the following: working at a computer or with a portable tablet; observing and documenting conditions remotely or in the field; staffing an incident command post; communicating with responders or survivors; operating vehicles up to your licensed class; staffing facilities for survivors; transporting materials; being near a site where a serious injury or loss of life has occurred; sitting, standing, walking, climbing, crawling, or lifting or carrying materials. 
• During times of disaster, work assignments, schedules, and reporting structures may be altered to meet the incident objectives. 
• Full-time residency within the City of Philadelphia geographic boundaries required within six months of hire.  There are no exceptions to this policy. 
• Ability to physically perform the duties during and outside of normal business hours while in or outdoors. 

TO APPLY: Interested candidates must submit a cover letter, resume, and writing sample.

Salary Range: $80,000 - $90,000

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• Transportation: City employees get unlimited FREE public transportation all year long through SEPTA’s Key Advantage program. Employees can ride on SEPTA buses, subways, trolleys, and regional rail for their daily commute and more.
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• Our wellness program offers eligibility into the discounted medical plan
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Join the City of Philadelphia team today and seize these incredible benefits designed to enhance your financial well-being and personal growth!

*The successful candidate must be a city of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire

Effective May 22, 2023, vaccinations are no longer required for new employees that work in non-medical, non-emergency or patient facing positions with the City of Philadelphia. As a result, only employees in positions providing services that  are patient-facing medical care (ex: Nurses, doctors, emergency medical personnel), must be fully vaccinated.

The City of Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not permit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status. If you believe you were discriminated against, call the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations at 215-686-4670 or send an email to [email protected].

For more information, go to: Human Relations Website: http://www.phila.gov/humanrelations/Pages/default.aspx