Emergency Management Agency- Deputy Director at Cumberland County Government – Portland, Maine

JOB PURPOSE:
To coordinate and oversee the internal and external operations of Emergency Management Agency. Provides technical assistance and coordinates the development of emergency operations plans. Provides project management for office and associated projects, reporting, and staff coordination. Provides planning integration with external public and private partners. Serves as the EMA Director in his/her absence. Performs all other related work as required. Please note, applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

KEY EXPECTED RESULTS:

• Assists the Director in developing and maintaining a comprehensive all-hazards County Emergency Management program which includes mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery functions.
• Assists the Director in the conduct of Emergency Management activities through coordination with Emergency Managers at the Federal, State and Local level as well as with senior officials in public safety, public health, public utilities and other partner agencies in a decision-making capacity.
• Maintains situational awareness and is on-call/responsive to after-hours tasks in the evenings and on weekends in response to emergency and disaster events.
• Management of staff and internship program, ensuring completion of projects, tasks, and reports in a manner through the development, implementation, and tracking of an annual comprehensive staff work plan, quarterly reports, and engagements
• Facilitation of scheduled and ad-hoc meetings and trainings, both virtual and in-person, providing technical support as necessary.
• Capable of directing Emergency Operations Center activities in support of Municipalities and in coordination with State and Federal agencies during County emergency and disaster events.
• Knowledgeable and capable of contributing to Federal and State level working groups, which mold Emergency Management policies and directives.
• Demonstrates initiative in the translation of broad Federal and State Emergency Management guidance into executable programs at the County and Local level.
• Provides oversight for the County Emergency Management planning, training and exercise.
• Coordinates County resources, tracks County and local emergency response activities, and requests assistance from the State as needed to support municipal partners’ needs.

• Achieve financial objectives by assisting in the preparation and justification of the County EMA budget, by overseeing the LEPC operational and training budget, and through the management of federal grant program (i.e. EMPG, HSGP) funds and Hazard Mitigation Grant funds.
• Coordinates damage assessment activities throughout the county, reports results to the State, and assists FEMA/State/Local preliminary damage assessment and damage survey activities.
• Heighten awareness of emergency management activities through public outreach and public information programs, in coordination with the county and MEMA, by utilizing social media and through the dissemination of emergency preparedness educational materials.
• Provides oversight and supervision of the staff by managing personnel and scheduling functions and is responsible for written annual performance evaluations on individual staff members.
• Ensure EMA representation and participation in a variety of public safety, public health, etc., organizational and committee activities at the local, state and federal level which impact and sometimes mold emergency management policies and directives.
• Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; establishing personal networks; participating in professional societies.
• Demonstrates an understanding of the county’s safety policies and practices by attending required safety programs; reporting all accidents and suspected safety hazards to supervisor.

• Bachelor’s degree in public administration, emergency management, or related field
• At least 5 years of progressively responsible professional/administrative work experience related to the duties and responsibilities of this position.
• Experience managing complex budgets, to include grant management and fiscal reporting.
• Ability to complete ICS 300 and ICS 400 within one year of hire, if not already completed.
• Completion of Emergency Management Institute (EMI) Professional Development Series (PDS) within 1 year of hire.

• Knowledge of principles, practices, and techniques of public administration, preferably in Emergency Management
• Driver’s license required
• Knowledge of application and interpretation of federal, state, and local rules, regulations, codes, and ordinances as they relate to area of assignment.
• Knowledge of management and supervisory principles and practices including program planning, contract administration, budgeting, direction, coordination, evaluation, and data processing methods and techniques.

• Familiarity with local governments and Emergency Management Agency programs, good judgment, an understanding of state and federal laws, experience preparing budgets, and proficiency in word processing,
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, and make effective presentations of technical, complex, and sometimes sensitive information.
• Ability to work independently and to coordinate the efforts of individuals and organizations.
• Ability to set work priorities and to train, direct, motivate, and evaluate the work of staff.
• Ability to apply judgment and discretion in resolving problems and interpreting policies and regulations.
• Ability organize and oversee work programs, work schedules, progress reviews, and monitor budgets.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with other staff and external partners.
• Ability to establish and maintain accurate records of all activities and operations.
• Experience with Emergency Management or Response organizations, in leadership roles, is preferred.
• At least 2 years of management or supervisory experience preferred.
• Familiarity with local governments and Emergency Management Agency programs, good judgment preferred.

Cumberland County offers an excellent and comprehensive benefits package and is proud of its talented and dedicated workforce. Come join our team and culture of engaged employees. Our strong management team is dedicated to providing employees with inspiring leadership, a positive and friendly workplace, support, encouragement, and the necessary tools for success. We offer tuition reimbursement, wellness program, and professional development and training opportunities.

The position is a 40-hour-a-week position, with a full benefits package. Pay commensurate with qualifications and experience with a starting wage of $37.50 per hour.

Applications accepted until close of business on March 11, 2026.

Cumberland County is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected Veteran status.