Assistant Director, Office of Emergency Services (OES)

Assistant Director, Office of Emergency Services (OES)

County of San Diego

Salary: $185,000 - $205,000 Annually plus excellent benefits

The Assistant Director, Office of Emergency Services (OES) supports the overall management, coordination and implementation of all aspects of the County’s emergency services programs. This executive management position plays a pivotal role in helping guide and coordinate functional policies and programs across all core emergency management mission areas including Response, Mitigation, Preparedness, and Recovery. The Assistant Director provides operational leadership to staff and program areas, strengthens collaboration with regional partners, and supports strategic initiatives to enhance the County’s emergency readiness. The position also provides leadership coverage and continuity of operations in the absence of the OES Director.

Key service areas will include:

• Assists in overseeing emergency management staff who provide 24/7 staff duty coverage to ensure Emergency Operations Center (EOC) readiness and alerting capabilities.

• Supports the development and implementation of Countywide emergency preparedness, communication, response, mitigation, and recovery programs in partnership with regional stakeholders.

• Assists in collaborating with the County's elected leadership and top management in setting and carrying out the County's vision, mission, and objectives for emergency services operations and management in the region.

• Assists County staff in coordinating, planning, logistics administration, and engaging the community and providing public information throughout an emergency and during the recovery phase.

• Provides support to the policy group and County leadership during emergency activations by coordinating situational updates, resource information, and muti-agency communication.

• Represents the department, as delegated, in meetings with federal, State, and local agencies, community groups, and professional organizations to support implementation of the County’s Emergency Management program.

• Assists in coordinating with first-responder agencies and regional partners on homeland security priorities, alert and warning systems, training, and infrastructure development.

• Provides leadership and supervision to program staff, fostering collaboration, professional growth, and high-quality service delivery.

• Assists in the development and monitoring of the department’s annual budget and supports the preparation, coordination, and administration of grant proposals and submissions, including the Emergency Management Performance Grant, Homeland Security Grant Program, and Urban Area Security Initiative Grant.

• Ensures County emergency operating plans are consistent, updated, and in compliance with State laws and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) regulations.

The Ideal Candidate:

The ideal candidate is a collaborative, results-driven emergency management professional who supports translating strategic direction into operational goals and measurable outcomes. This individual brings proven leadership with a career history that demonstrates outstanding leadership, values the region’s culture and diversity, and excels in communication, coaching, and partnership building. The ideal candidate is comfortable working in a fast-paced environment, supporting organizational objectives, and engaging with community and agency partners across all phases of emergency management.

The ideal candidate will also possess the following leadership attributes and competencies:

• Experience interpreting and applying laws, regulations, and policies related to public safety, emergency management, and homeland security.

• Strong knowledge of the Standardized Emergency Management System (SEMS) National Incident Management System (NIMS), and incident Command System (ICS).

• Experience supporting County and regional exercises for disaster response and recovery.

• Experience assisting with coordination with local, State and federal agencies during an emergency response and recovery.

• Skilled in delivering public presentations and engaging community stakeholders across all phases of emergency management.

• Strong communications skills when interacting with community partners and organizational leaders.

• Proficiency in strategic planning, project management, workforce development, policy development, community engagement, and outcome-based performance management.

• Possesses at least ten (10) years of experience in emergency management, or related operational fields, with a demonstrated ability to drive organizational change and optimize coordination of local emergency response (preferred).

• Certified Emergency Manager from the International Association of Emergency Managers (highly desirable).

Minimum Qualifications:

Five years of experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the essential functions of the classification. Experience must include four years of management level experience and at least one year of supervision AND a bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S. college or university, or a certified foreign studies equivalency.

Note: A master's or doctoral degree from an accredited U.S. college or university, or a certified foreign studies equivalency, may substitute for up to one (1) year of the required experience.

License: A valid California Class C driver's license, which must be maintained throughout employment in this class, is required at time of appointment. County vehicles may be available but are not guaranteed. Employees in this class may be required to use their personal vehicle. Mileage reimbursement is available when using a personal vehicle for County business.

How to Apply:

Application Process and Recruitment Schedule

1. Complete the online application at www.sandiegocounty.gov/hr; select Current Job Postings, Job Number 25038010U. 

2. Attach your resume at the Attachment step of the application.

3. Attach a copy of your degree, transcripts, or certified foreign equivalency.

Key Dates:

• Resume Review: Week of May 11, 2026

• Interviews: Week of May 25, 2026

• Expected Start Date: Month of July 2026

A detailed job brochure outing the duties and responsibilities of the position can be viewed at the following website: https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/dam/sdc/hr/jobs/Asst_Director_OES_Final.pdf