Manager, Emergency Preparedness at MerrimackHealth – Lawrence, Massachusetts

At Merrimack Health, we are committed to pay transparency and equity. The base salary range is $49.14 - $73.71 hourly, excluding fringe benefits and potential bonuses.

Your final base salary will be determined based on your education, experience, licensure, and internal equity considerations. Offers are typically made below the top of the range to support future salary growth.

Job Summary

The Emergency Preparedness Manager (EPM) is responsible for developing, planning, implementing, coordinating and evaluating MerrimackHealth Systems emergency management program at all health system locations. The EPM will ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and readiness for natural, technological, and human-caused emergencies. This role supports organizational resilience by coordinating emergency planning activities, conducting drills and exercises, maintaining emergency operations plans and collaborating with internal and external departments and applicable local, state and federal agencies. Responsibilities include the integration of safety and other relevant regulations, 24/7 oversight of incidents and ensuring an organized response during a disaster.

Education and Related Experience

• Lead the Emergency Management Program & Committees
  Oversee the hospital’s Emergency Management Program, including chairing the Emergency Management Committee, coordinating cross-departmental preparedness activities, and serving as the primary point of contact during emergencies or incident responses.
• Develop, Maintain, and Update Emergency & Continuity Plans
  Ensure all emergency operations plans, continuity of operations plans (COOP), hazard vulnerability assessments (HVA), and disaster-specific procedures are routinely reviewed, updated, and aligned with regulatory, accreditation, and organizational requirements.
• Coordinate Emergency Preparedness Training, Education & Drills
  Assess education needs and design, manage, and evaluate emergency preparedness training programs and drills (e.g., HICS, interdepartmental simulations) to ensure staff readiness and organizational compliance.
• Manage Regulatory Compliance & Accreditation Requirements
  Ensure full compliance with federal, state, and local emergency management regulations (e.g., TJC, CMS, OSHA, EPA, NFPA, DPH). Oversee data collection, documentation, failure mode and effects analyses (FMEAs), and ongoing compliance monitoring.
• Oversee Grant Management & Budget Administration
  Administer the HPP/ASPR grant and emergency preparedness budget, ensuring appropriate use of funds, delivery on grant requirements, and timely development of required reports and submissions.
• Coordinate Internal & External Emergency Management Partnerships
  Maintain strong collaboration with internal departments and external agencies (e.g., DPH HPP, regional health coalitions, community partners) to support multi-agency planning, resource sharing, disaster response coordination, and operational readiness of emergency operations centers and equipment.

Minimum Qualifications:

Required

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• 1–3 years of experience in emergency management, public safety, program management, and/or operational planning.
• Must have exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including proofreading, editing, and formatting proficiency.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and relevant job-related applications.
• Able to adapt and respond swiftly to rapidly changing emergencies and demonstrate flexible and efficient time management, with the capability to prioritize workload effectively.
• National Incident Management Systems (NIMS) certificates 100, 200, 700, 800.

Preferred:

• Experience in healthcare emergency management, project management, or the healthcare field.
• National Incident Management Systems (NIMS) certificates, 300, 400
• Certified Healthcare Emergency Coordinator (CHEC) or Certified Emergency Manager (IAEM CEM)

Merrimack Health is the regional health care provider of the Eastern Merrimack Valley, serving communities across Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire. Our integrated system includes hospitals in Lawrence, Haverhill, and Methuen, as well as a network of community-based physician practices. We are a recognized leader in heart and stroke care, maternal and child health, orthopedics, surgical services, trauma and emergency care, and outpatient programs. Committed to delivering trusted, compassionate care close to home, Merrimack Health is advancing a unified and patient-centered approach to health care for the region.