Employment Opportunity: Homeland Secuirty Planning Coordinator

TITLE: Homeland Security Planning Coordinator

APPLICATION DEADLINE: May 4, 2011

SALARY: Not to Exceed $55,000 USD/Year

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: This is a full time exempt (non-civil service) position that is grant funded through June 30, 2013, with extensions based on funding availability.

I. GENERAL OVERVIEW

The Managing Director’s Office of Emergency Management (MDO-OEM) is the coordinating agency for emergency management activities in the City of Philadelphia. Through an integrated emergency management program, MDO-OEM works to mitigate, plan, and prepare for emergencies; educate the public about preparedness; coordinate emergency response and recovery efforts; and develop tools and identify resources to support the overall preparedness of the City of Philadelphia.

MDO-OEM is seeking a Homeland Security Planning Coordinator to work closely with the Philadelphia Police Department – Homeland Security Unit. Under the direction of the Assistant Managing Director for Emergency Management and Inspector for the Police Homeland Security Unit, the selected applicant will be responsible for developing response procedures and homeland security plans. 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 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. MDO-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).

II. TYPICAL EXAMPLES OF WORK

Homeland security planning is a critical component of public safety operations. The Homeland Security Planning Coordinator is responsible for a range of activities including, but not limited to, the following: 

• Developing plans and providing assistance in the development of security protocols, guidelines and policies that promote interoperability, situational awareness, and common operating protocols. 
• Coordinating and collaborating with federal, regional, state and local Homeland Security officials regarding security initiatives and emergency management programs. 
• Participating in the development of a planning capability that addresses critical infrastructure target hardening measures, first responder capabilities, communications and information sharing resources. 
• Furthering the development of and maintaining the City’s critical infrastructure compendium. 
• Developing and implementing plan/procedure-based training initiatives. 
• Assisting with the development of exercises. 
• Developing and maintaining partnerships with a variety of stakeholders from local, state and federal government as well as community-based organizations, non-profit organizations and private entities. 
• Successful completion of required courses to gain working knowledge of emergency planning and security procedures and best practices, familiarization with primary stakeholders, and other fundamentals of the practice of emergency management. 
• Conducting special projects. 
• Performing other work as required.

III. REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES 

• Effective oral and written communication skills. 
• Strong interpersonal, leadership, and negotiation skills. 
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships and develop partnerships. 
• Ability to coordinate diverse groups toward a common goal.
•  Ability to interpret federal and state emergency management requirements and regulations. 
• Knowledge of basic government accounting, management, and procurement procedures is preferred. 
• General experience in planning and policy development is preferred. 
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office software (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Access).

IV. MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Completion of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college in planning, management, policy, public administration, criminal justice or related field. 
• Prior experience with the development and implementation of operational strategies and plans related to homeland security initiatives. 
• Experience working within an emergency management agency, is preferred, but not required. 
• Familiarity with the City of Philadelphia is preferred, but not required. 
• An equivalent combination of education and experience in a related field will be considered pending approval by MDO-OEM, PPD, and the Office of Human Resources.

V. LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND/OR CERTIFICATES

• Possession of a valid proper class driver’s license issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania within six months of hire. 
• Completion of mandatory training requirements within 3 months of hire. 
• Ability to obtain a security clearance.

VI. PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS

Ability to physically perform the duties and work in the environmental conditions required of this position.

VII. APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and writing sample (showing your ability to write a plan, policy or report-style document) to:

Samantha Phillips, Assistant Managing Director

Managing Director’s Office of Emergency Management

Email: samantha.phillips@phila.gov