Director, Office of Emergency Preparedness and Response

The Office of Emergency Preparedness and Response (OEPR) develops, coordinates and leads the statewide public health emergency response system. The Office ensures the relevant planning, training, education and exercises occur, in alignment with deliverables in federal emergency response grants, and to assure effective responses to, and recovery from, disease outbreaks and pandemics, environmental spills and disasters, coordination of patient evacuation and movement during disasters and facility closures, disruptions to internal operations due to technology or facility failures, and other types of events and emergencies. The Office also manages grant programs for local public health agencies and other system partners. 

The Office regularly evaluates the system and internal processes for effectiveness, incorporating improvements. The Office assures the Department can fulfill National Emergency Support Function #8 (public health, medical services, mortuary services, and behavioral health) during  state emergency declarations, and supports Emergency Response Function #10 (hazardous materials), using the National Incident Management System as a framework. The Office facilitates the implementation of response plans and protocols internal to CDPHE, coordinating with public health and environmental divisions, and the Department’s senior executive team. The Office ensures that emergency responses are effective through planning, training and exercises, and establishing clear communication channels, standard operating procedures, ensuring an effective logistics function, and developing redundant systems.  

This position serves as the leader of CDPHE’s emergency preparedness and response function for the Department.

The position ensures a successful operational system for public health emergency preparedness and response, both internal to the agency and across the state’s public health system, providing vision and leadership. The position facilitates the priorities of Department leadership and works in collaboration with local public health agencies, the Governor’s Office and the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, inside the Colorado Department of Public Safety. The position oversees the Office, including federal grant programs, a budget of $15 million and approximately 32 FTE. The position is a skilled manager, successfully hiring for technical expertise and experience, ensuring staff performance, and developing a functional organizational and operational structure. 

The position facilitates and provides oversight for the development and execution of emergency preparedness and response plans, systems, programs, and functions; ensuring that grant deliverables are met and that CDPHE can successfully coordinate and respond to any public health or environmental emergency. The position may serve key incident management roles such as incident commander or supervise the incident commander during public health events, ensuring a successful response. The position exercises good judgement in keeping department leadership in the loop at the onset of events and emergencies, and assures the Department’s approval processes are followed. The position also seeks leadership direction and input on major organizational or system changes to ensure alignment. The position is a key consultant to the Department’s Executive Director, the Department of Public Safety, and the Governor's Office and may brief and advise the Governor during large and complex public health emergencies. 

Residency Requirement: 

Class Code & Classification Description: 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Ten (10) years of relevant work experience at the executive level in the fields of emergency management, public health emergency preparedness and response, and/or military emergency response operations or similar field,  two (2)  years of which must have included experience with public or business administration, establishing goals and objectives, as well as developing and managing a budget to achieve program goals and objectives.

OR

A combination of related work experience plus education, including six (6) years of relative experience working at the executive level in the fields of emergency management, public health emergency preparedness and response, and/or military emergency response operations,  two (2)  years of which must have included experience with public or business administration, establishing goals and objectives, as well as developing and managing a budget to achieve program goals and objectives, plus a bachelor’s degree in emergency management, public health, systems engineering or similar degree. 

OR

A combination of related work experience plus education, including four (4) years of relative experience working at the executive level in the fields of emergency management, public health emergency preparedness and response, and/or military emergency response operations,  two (2)  years of which must have included experience with public or business administration, establishing goals and objectives, as well as developing and managing a budget to achieve program goals and objectives, plus a master’s degree in emergency management, public health, systems engineering or similar degree. 

** "See Resume" will not be accepted. In addition, part-time work will be prorated. A copy of your transcript must be submitted at the time of application (Unofficial transcripts are acceptable).

• Executive experience in the emergency management, public health response or military emergency operations field. 

• Master’s degree in a relevant field is preferred. 

• Broad knowledge of public health preparedness and response

• Experience in building and improving complex systems

• Experience supervising large teams and driving results

• Experience working in a complex political environment

• Experience utilizing negotiation and consensus building skills and working with stakeholders

• Experience in crisis management ability 

Conditions of Employment:

Pursuant to CDPHE policy, a background check is required for all positions at CDPHE.

An applicant who has been removed from an employment list or removed from consideration during the selection process may request a review by the State Personnel Director.

As an applicant directly affected by the results of the selection or comparative analysis process, you may file a written appeal with the State Personnel Director.

Review of the completed, signed and submitted appeal will be timely on the basis of written material submitted by you, using the official appeal form signed by you or your representative. This form must be completed and delivered to the State Personnel Board by email at dpa_state.personnelboard@state.co.us within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgement of the Department’s action.

A complete application packet must include:

• A completed State of Colorado application.

• A Cover Letter

• A Resume

• If using education to qualify, a copy of your college/university transcripts. Transcripts must be attached to your colorado.gov/jobs application.

• If you are a veteran, a copy of your DD214 attached to your colorado.gov/jobs application.

E-Verify: CDPHE uses e-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities.

ADAAA Accommodations:

The State of Colorado believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.

Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to our ADAAA Coordinator at cdphe_benefits@state.co.us  or call 303-692-2060.
 
Toll Free Applicant Technical Support: If you experience technical difficulty with the NEOGOV system (e.g. uploading or attaching documents to your online application) call NEOGOV technical support at 855-524-5627 Mon-Fri between 6 am and 6 pm (Pacific Time).  Helpful hints: if you are having difficulty uploading or attaching documents to your application first- ensure your documents are PDF or Microsoft Word files, and second, close the document before you attempt to upload (attach) it.