Homeland Security Program Manager

Position Summary

OEM is seeking a Homeland Security Program Manager. Candidates for this position should possess a strong desire to work in a team-oriented, fast-paced, professional public safety environment, and a willingness to serve the public in the sixth largest city in the nation.

The successful candidate for this position will assist with the development, strategic planning, implementation, and evaluation of an integrated public safety preparedness program to support the preparedness for and response to emergency incidents in Philadelphia.

All personnel must be City residents within six months of hire and are required to serve periodically on on-call field response teams. OEM staff also periodically work during non-business hours for extended periods of time, as needed in a field environment, and during activations of Philadelphia’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC).

Essential Functions

Homeland security planning is a critical component of public safety operations. The Homeland Security Program Manager, under the direction of the First Deputy Director, is responsible for a range of activities including, but not limited to, the following:

• Develop, maintain, and upon activation, implement emergency management and homeland security plans, protocols, and policies that improve coordination, situational awareness, and overall readiness.
• Work with federal, state, regional, and local partners on preparedness efforts, threat and hazard discussions, information sharing, and capability development.
• Support planning and analysis related to critical infrastructure security, operational coordination, public information, and situational assessment.
• Coordinate interagency planning and public safety event action plan development for major or significant events to ensure consistent procedures and clear communication.
• Manage and contribute to the Special Event Assessment Rating (SEAR) data‑call process, gathering, organizing, and submitting relevant information from OEM and partner agencies.
• Support the annual Threat & Hazard Identification Risk Assessment (THIR) process, including collecting capability data, identifying gaps, and completing required documentation.
• Develop and deliver training based on agency plans and procedures to strengthen operational readiness and address identified gaps.
• Assist with planning, conducting, and evaluating exercises that test capabilities and address priority threats and hazards.
• Build and maintain partnerships with government agencies, community organizations, non‑profits, and private‑sector partners to support preparedness and resilience.
• Complete training required to maintain proficiency in emergency management and homeland security planning and coordination.
• Conduct special projects related to homeland security or emergency management priorities.
• Manage two staff positions supporting the portfolio.
• Perform other duties as needed to support OEM.

Competencies

• Strong interpersonal skills
• Effective oral and written communication skills
• Strong leadership and negotiation skills
• Professional conduct and accountability
• Proven time-management skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and to establish a “need to know” with partners

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to multitask effectively.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships and develop partnerships.
• Ability to coordinate diverse groups toward a common goal.
• Ability to complete tasks and projects in a timely manner.
• Ability to contribute and coordinate work in a team.
• Ability to interpret federal and state emergency management requirements and regulations.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office software (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Access, Outlook) and ability to use other web-based platforms for information collection and submission.

Education and Experience

• Completion of a bachelor’s degree in a related field from an accredited college;
• Experience working within an emergency management or other public safety organization is preferred.
• Familiarity with the City of Philadelphia and/or the SEPARTF is preferred.
• Experience with the THIRA / SPR, Homeland Security Grant Program, RCPGP, or NSGP is preferred.
• Experience conducting risk assessments, Strength – Weakness – Opportunities – Threats (SWOT) analysis, or other similar efforts is preferred.
• Experience interpreting and executing federal and state guidance is preferred.
• Experience coordinating large groups in collaborative, long-term, and recurring efforts is preferred.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience in a related field will be considered with approval by MDO-OEM and the Office of Human Resources.

Licenses, Registrations, and Certification

• Possession of a valid proper class motor vehicle operator’s license issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania within six months of hire.
• Successful completion of FEMA Independent Study courses (IS 100.a, 200.a, 700.a, and 800.b) within first month of appointment.
• Candidate will have access to secure public safety information.  All selected applicants must undergo and successfully complete a background investigation as a condition of placement in this position.
• Ability to obtain a security clearance.

Other requirements

• Work may entail nights, weekends, and holidays.
• OEM personnel are essential, and work during states of emergency or other city closures.
• OEM personnel are required to serve periodically in an on-call capacity which may require the following conditions of work: work outside of typical business hours or for extended periods of time; work during states of emergency; work in a field environment, in a 24/7 watch center, or during activations of Philadelphia’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC). Example on-call work environments include, but are not limited to, scenes with the following conditions: materials that are on fire; utilities that are compromised; compromised structures; scenes near hazardous materials storage that may be compromised; scenes in congregate living settings, or in or near crowds; scenes near downed vegetation or other debris; or scenes near flooding and water-damaged materials. All work is performed while donning a level of personal protective equipment that 1) is recommended by the incident safety officer and 2) for which OEM personnel have received training. Example on-call response tasks include, but are not limited to, the following: working at a computer or with a portable tablet; observing and documenting conditions remotely or in the field; staffing an incident command post; communicating with responders or survivors; operating vehicles up to your licensed class; staffing facilities for survivors; transporting materials; being near a site where a serious injury or loss of life has occurred; sitting, standing, walking, climbing, crawling, or lifting or carrying materials.
• During times of disaster, work assignments, schedules, and reporting structures may be altered to meet the incident objectives.
• Full-time residency within the City of Philadelphia geographic boundaries required within six months of hire.  There are no exceptions to this policy.
• Ability to physically perform the duties during and outside of normal business hours while in or outdoors.

TO APPLY

Interested candidates must submit a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and references.

Salary Range: $85,000 - $94,500

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