Director, Resilience & Emergency Management bei Southern Methodist University

Salary Range: 

Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications

About SMU

SMU’s more than 12,000 diverse, high-achieving students come from all 50 states and 90 countries to take advantage of the University’s small classes, hands-on research opportunities, leadership development, community service, international study and innovative programs. The University offers a strong foundation in the humanities and sciences and undergraduate, graduate and professional degree programs through eight schools.

Now in its second century of achievement, SMU is increasingly recognized for the ways it supports students, faculty and alumni as they become ethical leaders in their professions and communities. On the most beautiful college campus in the country, SMU Mustangs are energized by unbridled opportunities – from teaching, learning and research to creativity, performance and athletic endeavor.

About the Department:

The Office of Risk Management (ORM) supports the mission of Southern Methodist University by advancing a culture of readiness, resilience, and informed risk-taking. ORM encompasses several key functional areas: Emergency Management, Environmental Health and Safety, Global Safety and Security, Protection of Minors, and Insurance and Risk Services. Through professional services, technical expertise, training, and regulatory guidance, ORM helps safeguard the University’s people, assets, operations, and reputation.

About the Position:

Leads the University’s integrated programs for resilience, continuity, and emergency management operations, ensuring institutional compliance with federal, state, and local emergency management requirements, including those associated with SMU's DHS SAFETY Act designation. This position ensures that SMU can anticipate, withstand, and recover from disruptions while protecting people, property, and mission-critical functions. Manages the University Operations Center during game days, large-scale, and high-risk events; oversees the fire and life-safety program t; and directs the SMU Aware program, ensuring campus-wide preparedness and effective emergency communication. The Director develops, implements, and maintains Continuity of Operations Plans (COOPs) for all University units, leads after-action and corrective-action processes that drive institutional learning, and ensures continuous alignment with policy. 
 

Essential Functions:

• Lead the design, development, and continuous improvement of the University’s resilience and continuity programs. Partner with all divisions and departments to develop, test, and maintain COOPs, ensuring compliance with SMU Policy  and national best practices. Promote a culture of readiness, adaptability, and recovery planning across the institution.

• Plan, staff, and direct the University Operations Center for athletic game days, special events, and other large-scale or high-risk activities. Provide real-time leadership, situational awareness, and decision coordination across departments and external partners. Integrate after-action feedback into operational playbooks for continuous improvement.

• Supervise the Fire Safety Manager and provide strategic oversight of all fire prevention and life-safety programs. Ensure compliance with codes and education initiatives; align fire-safety operations with the University’s broader resilience framework.

• Lead or support activation of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) during emergencies and crises. Coordinate campus-wide response activities, resource allocation, and communication with senior leadership and public-safety agencies. Facilitate recovery operations to restore essential functions efficiently.

• Direct and enhance the SMU Aware program, including emergency notifications, preparedness messaging, website content, and outreach campaigns. Ensure effective communication during emergencies and promote awareness initiatives that engage faculty, staff, and students.

• Oversee the preparation of After-Action Reports (AARs) and ensure Corrective Actions are tracked, implemented, and validated. Establish mechanisms for institutional learning, embedding improvements into policies, plans, and training programs.

• Identify and execute mitigation projects that reduce risk and enhance resilience. Lead training, drills, and exercises to strengthen University-wide preparedness and promote an agile, engaged safety culture.

Education and Experience:

A bachelor's degree is required and a minimum of seven (7) years of professional work experience is required.  A master's degree is preferred; preferably in emergency management and planning, business, science or engineering. 

Candidate with previous experience in development of and management of a comprehensive emergency management program and business continuity experience in government, corporate or higher ed is desired.

Candidate with CEM, CSP or CBCP certifications is preferred. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

The ideal candidate will possess excellent collaborative and interpersonal skills combined with a strong vision for the project or program. Candidate must demonstrate ability to influence others, make decisions, identify threats and analyze data. Candidate should have strong written and verbal communication skills. 

Candidate must possess problem solving, time management and project management skills. Attention to detail is a must. 

Candidate should be skilled in the MS Office suite as well as be technical adept in various database applications - including emergency notification and emergency

Physical and Environmental Demands:

• Sit for long periods of time
• Bend, squat, stand, kneel
• Crawl, climb, push/pull
• Walk for long distances
• Carry/lift over 50lbs
• Around moving machinery
• Exposure to marked changes in temperature/humidity
• Exposure to dust, fumes, gasses, radiation, microwave
• Drives motorized equipment
• Work in confined quarters

Deadline to Apply:

This position is open until filled.

EEO Statement:

SMU will not discriminate in any program or activity on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression. The Executive Director for Access and Equity/Title IX Coordinator is designated to handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies and may be reached at the Perkins Administration Building, Room 204, 6425 Boaz Lane, Dallas, TX 75205, 214-768-3601, [email protected].

Benefits:

SMU offers staff a broad, competitive array of health and related benefits. In addition to traditional benefits such as health, dental, and vision plans, SMU offers a wide range of wellness programs to help attract, support, and retain our employees whose work continues to make SMU an outstanding education and research institution.

SMU is committed to providing an array of retirement programs that benefit and protect you and your family throughout your working years at SMU and, if you meet SMU's retirement eligibility criteria, during your retirement years after you leave SMU.

The value of learning at SMU isn't just about preparing our students for the future. Employees have access to a wide variety of professional and personal development opportunities, including tuition benefits.