DIRECTOR, VOLUNTEER PROGRAMS

New York City Emergency Management (NYCEM) helps New Yorkers before, during, and after emergencies through preparedness, education, and response. NYCEM is responsible for coordinating citywide emergency planning and response for all types and scales of emergencies. We are staffed by more than 200 dedicated professionals with diverse backgrounds and areas of expertise, including individuals assigned from other City agencies.

The Community Engagement division helps communities become more resilient by providing guidance for community emergency planning for the most common hazards in New York City and connecting established community organizations and networks to the Emergency Operations Center. Through outreach and training, the Community Engagement division brings together leaders from volunteer programs, community and nonprofit organizations, and government to promote preparedness at the local level.

New York City Emergency Management’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program oversees groups of community-based volunteers trained in disaster preparedness and emergency response. CERT members undergo a 30-hour basic training course in fire safety, medical operations, light search and rescue, police science, and the specifics of operating in an urban environment. CERT members are organized geographically by borough and sponsored, managed, and trained by NYC Emergency Management in partnership with FDNY and NYPD.

NYC Emergency Management is seeking a dynamic leader to oversee the citywide Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program. The Director will guide strategy, build volunteer leadership, and strengthen community resilience through effective engagement and coordination. This role requires exceptional communication, mediation, and program management skills. The ideal candidate will bring creativity, a deep understanding of New York City, and a strong commitment to emergency preparedness. This is a unique opportunity to shape one of the nation’s largest volunteer emergency response programs.

Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

Program Management:
- Develop and lead the strategic vision for program growth and alignment with NYC Emergency Management (NYCEM) goals.
- Oversee implementation of program policies and procedures, ensuring consistency and effectiveness.
- Supervise CERT program staff, including recruitment, onboarding, training, and performance management.
- Plan and execute special events, ceremonies, and public engagements.
- Represent the CERT program at internal and external meetings, assign staff as appropriate.

Volunteer Management:
- Direct staff in developing and supporting volunteer leadership and team operations.
- Ensure regular program assessments and provide technical assistance to strengthen a division’s capability.
- Oversee the implementation of the Borough and Division leadership structure.
- Ensure regular communication with team leadership and volunteer members including addressing volunteer-related issues, leadership conflicts, and other service-related matters.
- Oversee systems for gathering and incorporating volunteer feedback to improve program operations.
- Build and grow volunteer recognition programs.

Administration:
- Oversee coordination between staff and external partners, including but not limited to: FDNY, NYPD, DEP, MOSPCE, etc.
- Ensure the timely and accurate collection, analysis, and reporting of program data and statistics.
- Approve and supervise the creation of outreach and promotional materials, including newsletters and social media content.
- Manage compliance and oversight for City Council grants, when available.

Technology Management:
- Oversee the integration and maintenance of technology used across the CERT program.
- Ensure staff provide appropriate training and support to volunteers in the use of digital tools.
- Promote consistent and effective use of technology in staff and volunteer operations.

The selected candidate will be expected to regularly work non-traditional hours to meet program needs including attending evening and weekend events (both online and in person) such as training classes, drills and local meetings.


**PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING:

- The selected candidate will be assigned to an on-call Emergency Operations Center (EOC) team and will be expected to work non-business hours during some emergencies. These non-business hours include nights, weekends, holidays, and extended week hours outside of a 9AM-5PM schedule. The selected candidate will also participate in trainings to build skills and competencies in emergency response; will participate in drills and exercises associated with the on-call EOC team; and may volunteer to assist with Ready NY emergency preparedness presentations to external groups. EOC teams are on call for three weeks at a time, with six weeks off in between.
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- Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without employer support to be eligible for selection.

- The selected candidate will be required to be in person in the office location three days per week, with exceptions for extenuating circumstances.

- IN ORDER TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS JOB, PLEASE SUBMIT A SEPARATE COVER LETTER IN THE ATTACHMENTS SECTION OF THE APPLICATION PORTAL.


PREFERRED SKILLS

- Experience leading complex volunteer programs.
- Proficiency with volunteer management software and tracking and reporting data.
- Experience mediating between and supporting community-based groups.
- Ability to conduct meetings, training classes, and experience with public speaking.
- Proficiency in a second language that is commonly spoken in NYC.
- Familiarity with human service or mental health related disaster issues.


**Studies have shown that women, people of color, and other under-represented groups are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they are able to perform every task in the job description. We are interested in finding the best candidate for the job and will consider any equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education and experience to meet qualifications. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.**

EMERGENCY PREPARDNESS MANAGER - 94611

1 . A four-year high school diploma or its educational equivalent and eight years satisfactory full-time professional experience in one or a combination of the following: emergency management, fire or police services, public safety, public health, public administration, urban planning, engineering, or another specialized area to which the appointment is to be made. 18 months of this experience must have been in an executive, managerial, administrative, or supervisory capacity. Supervision must have included supervising staff performing professional work in the areas described above; or

2. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college and four years of satisfactory full-time professional experience in one or a combination of the areas listed in "1" above, including the 18 months of executive, managerial, administrative, or supervisory experience, as described in "1" above; or

3. A master' s degree from an accredited college in emergency management, public administration, urban planning, engineering, economics, political science, the physical sciences, or related field, and three years of satisfactory full-time professional experience in one or a combination of the areas described in "1" above, including the 18 months of executive, managerial, administrative, or supervisory experience, as described in "1" above; or

4. Education and/or experience equivalent to "1", "2", or "3" above. However, all candidates must have a four-year high school diploma or its educational equivalent and the 18 months of executive, managerial, administrative, or supervisory experience, as described in "1" above.

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.