Emergency Management Program Director

Department of Public Safety

Elevate Your Career at UCCS: Innovate, Inspire, and Impact in the Rockies!

Who We Are

The University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) is a premier educational institution that prides itself on academic excellence, research, and community engagement and is actively seeking a Emergency Management Program Director to join our team! UCCS is committed to academic excellence, professional development, and fostering an environment that supports innovation and student success.

At the base of the Rocky Mountains, Colorado Springs is captivated by its stunning landscapes, making it a paradise for nature lovers. This city is more than its scenery—a mosaic of history, arts, and a vibrant tech scene. We invite you to join a community that cherishes outdoor adventure as much as forward-thinking growth, an exceptional setting for both career and lifestyle.

Salary Range: $ 67,449 - $ 93,033 annually. Compensation will be commensurate upon experience and qualifications. This position is Exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) overtime provisions.

Work Location: On-Site

Benefits at a Glance

At UCCS, our employees are our most valued asset. We're proud to offer:

• Generous Time Off: Enjoy 22 vacation days, 10 sick days, paid parental leave, 13 recognized holidays, and provisions for bereavement, jury duty, and FAMLI Leave.
• Robust Health Coverage: Our comprehensive medical plans cover preventative care at no cost, including a yearly mental health visit. Plus, benefit from affordable dental, vision plans, and competitive prescription drug prices.
• Financial & Retirement Benefits: Take advantage of our health savings, flexible spending accounts, and life and disability insurance. Plan for your future with our retirement options.
• Further Your Education: Avail twelve (12) waived credits per academic year for courses at any CU campus. We invest in your educational and professional growth.
• Wellness & More: From wellness programs aimed at achieving your best self to various additional benefits through CU Advantage, we prioritize well-being and holistic development.
• Want to know your total compensation? Use our calculator to get the complete picture!
  
  

Summary

The Emergency Management Program Director at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) plays a pivotal role in ensuring a safe and secure campus environment. This position is responsible for the ongoing leadership and oversight of the university's emergency management program, which includes developing and implementing strategic plans that support UCCS's mission. The Program Director is tasked with collaborating with internal and external stakeholders, providing guidance on emergency preparedness, and ensuring the university is well-equipped to handle a variety of emergencies. The position requires strong leadership skills, strategic planning abilities, and a commitment to fostering a culture of safety and preparedness across the university community.

Essential Functions

The duties and responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to:

Leadership and Program Oversight

• Lead the Emergency Management Program, aligning its objectives with the university's mission and goals.
• Develop and manage comprehensive emergency preparedness, response, mitigation, and recovery plans tailored to the needs of the UCCS campus.
• Ensure the program's strategic direction is responsive to the dynamic needs of the university and its community.
  
  

Strategic Planning and Coordination:

• Coordinate strategies to assess and manage the impacts of significant natural or human-caused events, such as mass casualty incidents, hazardous material exposures, and natural disasters.
• Analyze complex interrelationships between multiple governmental and academic institutions to develop tailored emergency management strategies and processes.
  
  

Training and Community Engagement:

• Provide training and education to faculty, staff, and students on emergency response plans, the Incident Command System, and other relevant topics through simulations and exercises.
• Develop guidelines and programs to assist campus constituencies in emergency preparedness and continuity planning, ensuring all community members are equipped to respond effectively.
  
  

Collaboration and Partnership Development:

• Serve as a liaison between UCCS and local, state, and federal emergency management agencies to foster partnerships and enhance collaborative efforts.
• Actively participate in regional emergency preparedness activities and represent UCCS in professional organizations and committees, promoting best practices and shared learning.
  
  

Resource Management and External Relations:

• Seek and manage resources, including grants and funding, to support the university's emergency management initiatives.
• Oversee and coordinate external communications related to emergency management activities, ensuring transparency and alignment with UCCS's strategic objectives.
  
  

Tentative Search Timeline

• Priority will be given to applications submitted by: September 1, 2026.
• Potential interview dates: September 15 - 22, 2026
• Potential start date: October 1, 2026
  
  

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

In accordance with the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, UCCS does not discriminate based on sex in our employment or compensation practices.

• Must have a Bachelor's degree in Emergency Management, Public Safety, or a related field. Substitution(A combination of education and related experience may be considered in lieu of a degree on a year for year basis)
• Must have experience in an emergency management or public safety leadership role, with a proven track record of developing and implementing emergency preparedness programs.
• Must have experience working in environments that require strategic planning and collaboration with diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, community organizations, and internal departments.
• Must have experience in designing and conducting training sessions, workshops, and exercises to educate various audiences on emergency management protocols and best practices.
• Must have Completion of Incident Command System (ICS) courses: 100, 200, 300, 400,700, and 800.
• Must have a valid Colorado driver's license or the ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire.
• Graduate degree in Emergency Management, Public Safety, or a related field is preferred.
• Eligibility for certification from the Colorado Emergency Management Association or a similar association is preferred.
• Experience with NIMS and Emergency Operations Center functions is preferred.
• Experience with medical or other emergency response organizations and their operations during emergencies is preferred.
• Experience working with diverse groups, including faculty, students, staff, and community members.
  
  

The University of Colorado Colorado Springs has implemented a misconduct history check program with respect to final candidates for specific appointments. The misconduct history check program is intended to allow UCCS to collect and review information about a candidate's conduct at their previous institutions, specifically conduct related to sexual misconduct, harassment, and/or discrimination – before making hiring decisions. All final candidates to these appointments are required to complete an Authorization to Release Information and provide contact information for their previous institutions.

University Staff

Special Instructions to Applicants

• Applications submitted by 09/01/2026 will receive full consideration.
• Applications submitted through email or surface mail will not be considered. Please apply at cu.edu/cu-careers (job #: 40845).
• Official transcripts will be required upon hire.
• Upon request, please be prepared to provide five professional references (at least two previous/current supervisors), including their email contact information.
  
  

Job Category

Public Safety/Enforcement and Protective Services

Department

C0001 -- Colorado Springs Campus

Schedule

Full-time

Posting Date

Aug 17, 2026

Unposting Date

Ongoing

Posting Contact Name

Gail Pecoraro

Posting Contact Email

gpecorar@uccs.edu

Position Number

00412302