Homeland Security Program Manager

Company Description

A best-in-class city that attracts best-in-class talent, Philadelphia is an incredible place to build a career. From our thriving arts scene and rich history to our culture of passion and grit, there are countless reasons to love living and working here. With a workforce of over 30,000 people, and more than 1,000 different job categories, the City of Philadelphia offers boundless opportunities to make an impact.

As an employer, the City of Philadelphia values inclusion, integrity, innovation, empowerment, and hard work above all else. We offer a vibrant work environment, comprehensive health care and benefits, and the experience you need to grow and excel. If you’re interested in working with a passionate team of people who care about the future of Philadelphia, start here.

What we offer

• Impact - The work you do here matters to millions. 
• Growth - Philadelphia is growing, why not grow with it? 
• Diversity & Inclusion - Find a career in a place where everyone belongs.
• Benefits - We care about your well-being.

Agency Description

 The Office of Emergency Management (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.  

Job Description

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.  

Qualifications

 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.  

Additional Information

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

Salary Range: $85,000 - $94,500

Discover the Perks of Being a City of Philadelphia Employee:

• Transportation: City employees get unlimited FREE public transportation all year long through SEPTA’s Key Advantage program. Employees can ride on SEPTA buses, subways, trolleys, and regional rail for their daily commute and more.
• Parental Benefits: The City offers its employees 8 weeks of paid parental leave.
• We offer Comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents.
• Our wellness program offers eligibility into the discounted medical plan
• Employees receive paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Generous retirement savings options are available
• Pay off your student loans faster - As a qualifying employer, City of Philadelphia employees are eligible to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. Join the ranks of hundreds of employees who have already benefited from this program and achieved student loan forgiveness.
• Unlock Tuition Discounts and Scholarships - The City of Philadelphia has forged partnerships with over a dozen esteemed colleges and universities in the area, ensuring that our employees have access to a wide range of tuition discounts and scholarships. Experience savings of 10% to 40% on your educational expenses, extending not only to City employees but in some cases, spouse and dependents too!

Join the City of Philadelphia team today and seize these incredible benefits designed to enhance your financial well-being and personal growth!

*The successful candidate must be a city of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire

Effective May 22, 2023, vaccinations are no longer required for new employees that work in non-medical, non-emergency or patient facing positions with the City of Philadelphia. As a result, only employees in positions providing services that are patient-facing medical care (ex: Nurses, doctors, emergency medical personnel), must be fully vaccinated.

The City of Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not permit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status. If you believe you were discriminated against, call the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations at 215-686-4670 or send an email to faqpchr@phila.gov.

For more information, go to: Human Relations Website: http://www.phila.gov/humanrelations/Pages/default.aspx