Job Description

The Deputy Director of the Division of Emergency Services reports to the Executive Director of SFDEM. Under policy direction, the Deputy Director creates the mission and long-term vision of SFDEM’s Division of Emergency Services.  This position oversees the development of strategic plans and interim goals; establishes policies and determines priorities; adjusts plans to respond to emerging and/or urgent issues; and directs the allocation of resources to achieve timely outcomes and measurable goals within budget guidelines.  The Deputy Director makes policy decisions of critical impact affecting the safety and resiliency of the City and the public. This position assumes ultimate responsibility for all programs and activities of the Division.   

Major, important, and essential duties of the Deputy Director position include, but are not limited to, the following:  

Oversees the overall operation and quality control of the Division and its functions and programs, including setting objectives and monitoring the performance of subordinate staff.

Determines the organizational structure, staff assignments, service levels, and administrative systems required to accomplish the Division’s mission and objectives in an effective and efficient manner that meet the needs of the City.

Supports the Executive Director’s department-wide priorities and initiatives, including production of citywide or regional preparedness trainings, exercises and workshops and associated deliverables.

Ensures compliance with federal and state Homeland Security and other applicable regulations.

Consults with Mayor’s Office staff regarding the activities of the Division and proper prioritization of citywide initiatives related to emergency preparedness.

Coordinates with other City Departments regarding compliance with federal, state and local guidelines and directives, and their overall emergency preparedness responsibilities as agencies serving the City and County of San Francisco.

Coordinates with partner agencies, including representatives from the private sector, not-for-profit groups, community-based organizations, and other non-governmental organizations to ensure coordinated citywide emergency preparedness and response.

Represents the Department before commissions, boards and committees, and representatives from federal, state and local agencies and jurisdictions.

Oversees long-term financial planning, including directing the preparation and implementation of the Division’s annual budget, monitoring expenditures to ensure adherence to the approved budget, ensuring compliance with grant-funded position requirements, and coordinating with the Bay Area Urban Areas Security Initiative for grant submissions and allocations.

Facilitates citywide working groups, briefings or large coordinating meetings as needed.

Guides the development of standard operating procedures for emergency operations and response.

Promotes and prioritizes City Department and partner agency emergency preparedness and compliance through training, exercise, and experience opportunities.

Supports and works directly with the External Affairs team to promote citywide preparedness efforts and legislative initiatives as necessary.

Provides insight and recommendations to the Executive Director as appropriate.

Maintains positive working relationships with local, state, and federal partners.

Acts as Department Head when Executive Director is unavailable as necessary.

Performs other related duties as assigned.