What are the responsibilities and job description for the Deputy Commissioner Of Emergency Services and Public Protection(Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security) position at Connecticut Department of Administrative Services?
Deputy Commissioner Of Emergency Services and Public Protection
Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security
Recruitment #260427-2509EX-001
Location Middletown, CT
Date Opened 4/27/2026 4:00:00 PM Salary $129,683 - $267,159/year Job Type Open to the Public Close Date 5/4/2026 11:59:00 PM
Go Back View Benefits
Introduction
The State of Connecticut, Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) is accepting applications for the role of Deputy Commissioner of the Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (DEMHS).
What We Can Offer You
The DEMHS Deputy Commissioner is a direct report to the DESPP Commissioner, and one of six divisional leaders in the agency. The Deputy Commissioner serves as the leader of DEMHS, working with internal and external staff and partners to effectuate DEMHS’s work, and to ensure its integration into the agency’s mission. The incumbent will play a pivotal role in advising the Commissioner on the strategic direction of the division through data-driven planning, policy development, performance management and inter and intra-agency coordination.
The Deputy Commissioner will lead a multidisciplinary team of analysts, policy experts, planners, operations and senior managers engaged in the work of emergency management, preparedness, homeland security and training. Frequently, the Deputy Commissioner will represent the division at convenings of high-ranking executive personnel from local, state and federal partners on issues impacting both the division and the agency. The Deputy Commissioner serves as the Governor’s Authorized Representative during federal major disaster declarations.
This is an office-based position that often requires work outside of standard office hours and emergency response availability.
Qualifications
Per Connecticut General Statutes, Sec. 29-1b(b), the DEMHS Deputy Commissioner is appointed by the DESPP Commissioner and shall possess professional training and knowledge of at least 5 years of managerial or strategic planning experience in the areas of public safety, security, emergency services and emergency response, and be eligible to hold the highest levels of state and federal security clearances.
Preferred candidates will be able to demonstrate a track record of leadership of complex missions and/or organizations, strong supervisory skills of both individuals and teams, excellent written and public-speaking skills and a commitment to the work of the agency.
About Us
As one of the six divisions within DESPP, the Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security provides a coordinated, integrated program for statewide emergency management and homeland security, including coordination of the state response to emergencies, strategic and operational all-hazards planning; community preparedness; school security; elections security; exercise and training; and planning and programmatic management of pass-through grants. DEMHS partners with local, state, federal and tribal governments, non-profits and the private sector to ensure the state maintains, exercises and trains on a comprehensive statewide emergency plan and program. DEMHS maintains and operates the Governor’s State Emergency Operations Center.
DESPP plays an essential role in keeping Connecticut safe. We are on the front lines every day. We prepare for the next emergency, analyze crime-scene DNA, and patrol our highways. We improve the quality of life in Connecticut through law enforcement, public education, the latest science and technology, state-of-the-art training and emergency management.
DESPP is committed to protecting and improving the quality of life for all by providing a broad range of public safety services, training, regulatory guidance, and scientific services utilizing enforcement, prevention, education and state of the art science and technology. DESPP is structured on three key Strategic Pillars created by Commissioner Ronnell Higgins.
Applicants should submit a cover letter and resume to counter.hr.dps@ct.gov to be considered.
Before You Apply
State Employees
Click here to complete the Criminal Convictions addendum (CT-HR-13). The CT-HR-13 can also be found on the DAS website by typing in "CT-HR-13" into the "Search Department of Administrative Services" search field.
QUESTIONS? WE’RE HERE TO HELP:
Due to high volume, we are unable to confirm receipt or provide status updates directly. If you have additional questions about the recruitment process, reach out to Sage DeLucia at Sage.Delucia@ct.gov.
Join the State of Connecticut and take your next career step with confidence!
PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)
Serves as a Deputy to the Commissioner of Emergency Services and Public Protection assisting in the administration of the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection.
The Commissioner may delegate to one Deputy Commissioner jurisdiction over the Division of State Police. This Deputy Commissioner will have the powers and privileges of a state policeman.
Conclusion
AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
As defined by Sec. 5-196 of the Connecticut General Statutes, a job class is a position or group of positions that share general characteristics and are categorized under a single title for administrative purposes. As such, a job class is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task and/or responsibility.
Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security
Recruitment #260427-2509EX-001
Location Middletown, CT
Date Opened 4/27/2026 4:00:00 PM Salary $129,683 - $267,159/year Job Type Open to the Public Close Date 5/4/2026 11:59:00 PM
Go Back View Benefits
Introduction
The State of Connecticut, Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) is accepting applications for the role of Deputy Commissioner of the Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (DEMHS).
What We Can Offer You
- Visit our NEW State Employee Benefits Overview page!
- Professional growth and development opportunities
- A healthy work/life balance to all employees
- The State of Connecticut is an eligible Public Service Loan Forgiveness employer, meaning you may be eligible to have qualifying student loans forgiven after 10 years of service. Click here for more information.
The DEMHS Deputy Commissioner is a direct report to the DESPP Commissioner, and one of six divisional leaders in the agency. The Deputy Commissioner serves as the leader of DEMHS, working with internal and external staff and partners to effectuate DEMHS’s work, and to ensure its integration into the agency’s mission. The incumbent will play a pivotal role in advising the Commissioner on the strategic direction of the division through data-driven planning, policy development, performance management and inter and intra-agency coordination.
The Deputy Commissioner will lead a multidisciplinary team of analysts, policy experts, planners, operations and senior managers engaged in the work of emergency management, preparedness, homeland security and training. Frequently, the Deputy Commissioner will represent the division at convenings of high-ranking executive personnel from local, state and federal partners on issues impacting both the division and the agency. The Deputy Commissioner serves as the Governor’s Authorized Representative during federal major disaster declarations.
This is an office-based position that often requires work outside of standard office hours and emergency response availability.
Qualifications
Per Connecticut General Statutes, Sec. 29-1b(b), the DEMHS Deputy Commissioner is appointed by the DESPP Commissioner and shall possess professional training and knowledge of at least 5 years of managerial or strategic planning experience in the areas of public safety, security, emergency services and emergency response, and be eligible to hold the highest levels of state and federal security clearances.
Preferred candidates will be able to demonstrate a track record of leadership of complex missions and/or organizations, strong supervisory skills of both individuals and teams, excellent written and public-speaking skills and a commitment to the work of the agency.
About Us
As one of the six divisions within DESPP, the Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security provides a coordinated, integrated program for statewide emergency management and homeland security, including coordination of the state response to emergencies, strategic and operational all-hazards planning; community preparedness; school security; elections security; exercise and training; and planning and programmatic management of pass-through grants. DEMHS partners with local, state, federal and tribal governments, non-profits and the private sector to ensure the state maintains, exercises and trains on a comprehensive statewide emergency plan and program. DEMHS maintains and operates the Governor’s State Emergency Operations Center.
DESPP plays an essential role in keeping Connecticut safe. We are on the front lines every day. We prepare for the next emergency, analyze crime-scene DNA, and patrol our highways. We improve the quality of life in Connecticut through law enforcement, public education, the latest science and technology, state-of-the-art training and emergency management.
DESPP is committed to protecting and improving the quality of life for all by providing a broad range of public safety services, training, regulatory guidance, and scientific services utilizing enforcement, prevention, education and state of the art science and technology. DESPP is structured on three key Strategic Pillars created by Commissioner Ronnell Higgins.
- Operational Efficiency, Efficacy and Excellence
- Making decisions through the thoughtful and informed use of data
- Challenging the "that's the way it's always been done" construct—i.e., thinking outside the box as to how we can improve
- Constantly seeking better results
- Shared Fiscal Responsibility
- Recognizing our collective responsibility to steward the agency's resources
- Realigning planned budgetary actions to ensure that they are in taxpayers' interests
- Preparing together for potential budget stresses and fiscal challenges
- Ethics and Accountability
- Critically and constantly measuring our practices against our policies
- Performing quarterly performance evaluations agency-wide to measure success and flag areas needing improvement
- Regularly engaging external partners for feedback and assessments
- Opening our doors to Connecticut students and workers for apprenticeships, internships, and career pathways
Applicants should submit a cover letter and resume to counter.hr.dps@ct.gov to be considered.
Before You Apply
- Timely Submission: All application materials must be received by the job posting deadline. You will be unable to make revisions once you officially submit your application to the State. Late submissions are rarely accepted, with exceptions only for documented events that incapacitate individuals during the entire duration of the job posting. Request exceptions by emailing DAS.SHRM@ct.gov.
- Salary Calculations: For current state employees, salary calculations are not necessarily comparable from one of the three branches of state government (i.e., Executive, Legislative, Judicial) to the other.
- Prepare For An Interview: Interviews are limited to those whose experience and training are most aligned with the role. To prepare, review this helpful Interview Preparation Guide to make the best impression!
- Candidates who are offered and accept a position with the State of Connecticut are bound by the State Code of Ethics for Public Officials and State employees, available at www.ct.gov/ethics.
State Employees
- Two (2) most recent performance evaluations
- A copy of your unofficial transcript(s)
- Two (2) professional references contact information including name, email and phone number (at least one being a current and/or previous supervisor)
- Completed CT-HR-13
- A copy of your unofficial transcript(s)
Click here to complete the Criminal Convictions addendum (CT-HR-13). The CT-HR-13 can also be found on the DAS website by typing in "CT-HR-13" into the "Search Department of Administrative Services" search field.
QUESTIONS? WE’RE HERE TO HELP:
Due to high volume, we are unable to confirm receipt or provide status updates directly. If you have additional questions about the recruitment process, reach out to Sage DeLucia at Sage.Delucia@ct.gov.
Join the State of Connecticut and take your next career step with confidence!
PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)
Serves as a Deputy to the Commissioner of Emergency Services and Public Protection assisting in the administration of the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection.
The Commissioner may delegate to one Deputy Commissioner jurisdiction over the Division of State Police. This Deputy Commissioner will have the powers and privileges of a state policeman.
Conclusion
AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
As defined by Sec. 5-196 of the Connecticut General Statutes, a job class is a position or group of positions that share general characteristics and are categorized under a single title for administrative purposes. As such, a job class is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task and/or responsibility.
Salary : $129,683 - $267,159