Clemson is calling...are you ready to answer the call?  

One of the most productive public research universities in the nation, Clemson University attracts and powerfully unites students, faculty and staff whose greatest desire is to make a difference in the lives of others. 

Clemson has recently been named a top 25 public college in the country by the Wall Street Journal, a top South Carolina employer by Forbes and a Military Friendly Employer for five years running. Through our research, outreach and entrepreneurial projects, Clemson University and its employees are driving economic development and improving quality of life in South Carolina and beyond.

So,... are you ready?

Clemson University is seeking a visionary and strategic leader to serve as Executive Director of Emergency Management. This pivotal role provides strategic leadership and enterprise oversight for the University¿s emergency management program and coordinated public safety operations. This role is responsible for ensuring institutional preparedness, regulatory and accreditation compliance, and effective integration across public safety units.

The Executive Director will lead the development and execution of emergency planning, risk reduction, and community preparedness efforts in alignment with Clemson Elevate and the University's broader operational goals. This is a unique opportunity to shape Clemson¿s emergency readiness and response posture, while building strong internal and external partnerships that enhance safety and continuity. 

The Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is a branch of Clemson University¿s Department of Public Safety within the Division of Finance and Operations. OEM ensures that Clemson University is able to prepare for, respond to, recover from and mitigate against emergencies and disasters that would affect the health, safety and lives of those who live, work and study at and around the University. For more information on OEM, visit the website.

The Department of Public Safety (DPS) is responsible for ensuring the safety and security of the Clemson University community, including students, faculty, staff, and visitors. The department encompasses various units, including law enforcement, fire, and emergency management and Tiger One involving safety technology systems. DPS plays a vital role in maintaining a safe and secure environment for all members of the University community, contributing to the overall well-being and success of Clemson University. For more information on Clemson¿s DPS, visit the website.

Responsibilities include,

Strategic Leadership & Management: Establishes strategic priorities and objectives for the Office of Emergency Management (EM) in alignment with Clemson Elevate and the Division of Finance and Operations. Provide executive leadership for the University¿s emergency management program, including mitigation, preparedness, response, recovery, and continuity of operations. Serve in a leadership capacity within the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and Incident Command System (ICS), including coordination during incidents, emergencies, and large-scale events. Oversee the development, maintenance, testing, and continuous improvement of emergency plans, continuity plans, and crisis management protocols.  Lead after-action reviews, corrective action planning, and institutional learning following incidents and exercises.

Compliance, Accreditation & Policy Oversight: Direct public safety¿related compliance functions, ensuring alignment with applicable federal, state, and local regulations, accreditation standards, and institutional policies.  Serve as the lead or coordinating official for relevant public safety, emergency management, and institutional accreditation or certification processes. Oversee policy development, review, and governance to ensure consistency, clarity, and coordination across units. Identify, assess, and report on compliance and operational risks, and support corrective actions as needed.

Public Safety Operations & Integration: Provide strategic oversight and coordination across public safety operational functions, ensuring alignment between emergency management, law enforcement, security, and related units. Identify opportunities for operational efficiencies, shared services, and improved coordination across Public Safety. Support the integration and governance of public safety technologies, systems, and operational protocols in collaboration with appropriate stakeholders. Promote consistent standards, roles, and expectations across Public Safety operations.

Training & Preparedness: Oversee emergency preparedness training, tabletop exercises, drills, and functional exercises for public safety personnel and campus stakeholders. Ensure training and exercise programs meet regulatory, accreditation, and best-practice standards. Promote campus-wide preparedness, awareness, and readiness initiatives. Collaborates with key University and partner entities to plan for special events, manage Critical Infrastructure projects, and enhance technology to strengthen EM capabilities.

Governance & Collaboration: Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership on emergency preparedness, compliance, and public safety operational risk. Collaborate across divisions to ensure coordinated planning, communication, and response. Prepare executive briefings, reports, and metrics related to readiness, public safety compliance, accreditation, and operational effectiveness. Provide leadership, mentorship, and professional development for assigned staff, fostering a culture of professionalism, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Bachelor¿s degree in emergency management or related field from an accredited institution.

Completion of ICS-100, ICS-200, ICS-300, IS-700, and IS-800.

At least 7 years of progressive experience in Emergency Management or a related field and at least 4 years of supervisory or management experience.

In-depth knowledge of the Incident Command System (ICS).

Valid Class D driver¿s license.

Master¿s degree in emergency management, public administration, or related field

10+ years of progressive experience in Emergency Management or a related field and 5+ years in a supervisory role.

Knowledge of regulatory, accreditation, and compliance frameworks applicable to public safety and Emergency Management.

Professional certifications such as Certified Emergency Manager (CEM), Associate Emergency Manager (AEM), ICS-400, FEMA/ICS, EMAP- related training, Certified Compliance & Ethics Professional (CCEP). 

JOB KNOWLEDGE
Comprehensive Job Knowledge - Comprehensive knowledge of theories and practices and ability to use in complex, difficult and/or unprecedented situations
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
Manages Work of Others - Manages work of others including hiring, terminating, training and developing, reviewing performance and administering corrective action for staff. Plans organizational structure and job content.
BUDGETARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Monitors Budget - Does not provide input but is responsible for monitoring the departmental budget and may oversee fund allocation.

  30% - Stand for prolonged period
  30% - Sit (stationary position) for prolonged period
  15% - Walk or move about
  10% - Use hands or feet to operate or handle machinery, equipment, etc
   5% - Ascend or descend (i.e. stairs, ladder)
   5% - Position self to accomplish task (i.e. stoop, kneel, crawl)
  70% - Communicate, converse, give direction, express oneself
  10% - Recognize or inspect visually
   5% - Move, transport, raise or lower
   5% - Extends hands or arms in any direction
  15% - Perceive, observe, clarity of vision

  15% - Exposure to heat or cold
   5% - Exposure to dust/fumes
  15% - Wet or humid
   5% - Chemical hazards
   5% - Electrical hazards
   5% - Radiant energy hazards
  10% - Overnight Travel
   5% - Exposure to bio-hazards (i.e. blood, bodily fluids)

Standard Hrs: 37.5

Anticipated Salary Range: $120,000 - $146,000
 

Salary is dependent upon several factors including, but not limited to, a candidate's previous experience, knowledge, skills and performance in accordance with Clemson's compensation guidelines.
 

Essential Level 1 employee
Required to respond during an emergency closure or modified operations in order to provide the University's initial response to the emergency situation, including the execution of mission essential functions. Some positions in this category may be required to work remotely or be on-call.

Clemson, SC

Applications and nominations will be accepted until a new Executive Director of Emergency Management is selected. Interested parties must apply electronically via Interfolio and submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for five references by February 27, 2026, to assure full consideration.

For nominations or questions regarding this position, please email Brennan Ledford, Executive Talent Partner at bnhaski@clemson.edu.

MILITARY EQUIVALENCY:
Clemson University is proud to allow educational equivalency for military technical certifications and trainings that directly relate to the job duties.
VETERAN PREFERENCE:
South Carolina is making our Veterans a priority for employment in state agencies and institutions.      

State policy for veteran preference states that for qualifying, full-time permanent positions, a veteran applicant may receive preference if they meet the job's minimum qualifications, were discharged under honorable conditions from the military, and submit their DD-214 for confidential review by the Office of Human Resources.
To claim Veteran Preference for qualifying positions, email hrjob@clemson.edu upon submission of your application.         

Clemson University is an EEO/AA employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to characteristics protected by applicable law including disability and protected veteran status.