Preparedness Section Manager

Preparedness Section Manager

Washington Management Service - Band 3
Emergency Management Division | Camp Murray, WA

This recruitment has been re-opened and will remain open until filled. Applicants that previously applied do not need to reapply.

Application screening will begin the week of January 5, 2026.

The Washington Emergency Management Division (EMD) is seeking a strategic, collaborative, and forward-thinking Preparedness Section Manager to guide the programs that form the backbone to Washington's readiness posture. This is a rare opportunity for an experienced emergency manager to elevate their career by influencing preparedness policy, capability, and coordination across every level of government and community in the state.

If you thrive on building partnerships, strengthening systems, and leading talented professionals – while improving resilience of 7.8 million residents – this position offers unmatched scope and impact.

As the Preparedness Section Manager, you will oversee and empower teams working in Planning, Local Emergency Planning Committee Support, Training, Exercises, Radiological Preparedness, and Continuity
. These programs are central to Washington's statewide readiness, supporting:

• All state agencies
• 29 federally recognized tribal nations
• 39 counties and countless local jurisdictions
• Nine Homeland Security Regions
• The Seattle Urban Area
• Non-governmental partners and the private sector

Your leadership directly strengthens Washington's ability to prepare for, withstand, respond to, and recover from disasters – from everyday incidents to catastrophic events.

This is a civilian position (no military affiliation required), working within one of the most respected emergency management organizations in the country.

Strategic Leadership:

• Guide a high-performing section of 20 professionals, including five direct-report supervisors.
• Shape statewide preparedness priorities and ensure resources, staffing, and strategy align with Washington’s evolving risk landscape.
• Mentor and develop staff while fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence.

Preparedness Programs & Policy Integration:

• Oversee statewide planning, training, exercises, and radiological preparedness programs.
• Strengthen coordination among federal, state, Tribal, and local partners.
• Ensure seamless integration across jurisdictions and alignment with federal requirements.

Emergency Operations Leadership:

• Serve as a Deputy State Coordinating Officer or Emergency Operations Center Supervisor during statewide emergencies – helping guide decisions with real-world, statewide impacts.

A Bachelor's degree and five years of lead, supervisory, and/or management experience.

Professional level experience in emergency management, financial management (grants, contracting, claims management, budgeting), training/education, public information/affairs, program/project management, environmental analysis/planning, civil/structural engineering, legislative affairs, or urban planning will substitute for the degree requirement on a year-for-year basis. A Master’s degree or Ph.D. will substitute for one year of the experience requirement.

AND

Seven years of professional experience, including at least three areas such as emergency management leadership, planning, training, exercises, grants management, contract administration, budget management, strategic planning, analytical studies, or program/project management.

Note:

This experience may be gained concurrently with the experience listed above.

Ideal candidates bring strategic and operational understanding of:

• Mid- and senior-level management principles
• Emergency management operations and policy
• Tactical and strategic planning
• Grant and resource allocation
• Coordination across government levels
• Roles and responsibilities within the National Response Framework
• Technology and communications systems relevant to emergency operation
• Ability to take action to learn and grow
• Ability to take action to meet the needs of others