Director, Office of Emergency Preparedness and Response
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Director, Office of Emergency Preparedness and Response
Salary
$105,720.00 - $169,164.00 Annually
Location
Denver, CO
Job Type
Full Time
Job Number
FAA00527-03/27/26
Department
Department of Public Health & Environment
Division
Division of Disease Control and Public Health Response
Opening Date
03/30/2026
Closing Date
4/19/2026 11:59 PM Mountain
FLSA
Determined by Position
Type of Announcement
This position is open only to Colorado state residents.
Primary Physical Work Address
4300 Cherry Creek Drive South Denver, CO 80246
FLSA Status
Exempt; position is not eligible for overtime compensation.
Department Contact Information
simmone.porter@state.co.us
How To Apply
Please submit an online application for this position at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/colorado. Reach out to the Department Contact to apply using a paper application, including any supplemental questions. Failure to submit a complete and timely application may result in the rejection of your application. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that application materials are received by the appropriate Human Resources office before the closing date and time listed.
Description
Benefits
Questions
Department Information
This position is only open to current, permanent residents of the State of Colorado.
This is a HYBRID position (Please note, this arrangement can be subject to change).
The State of Colorado strives to create a Colorado for All by building and maintaining workplaces that value and respect all Coloradans through a commitment to equal opportunity and hiring based on merit and fitness.
The State is resolute in non-discriminatory practices in everything we do, including hiring, employment, and advancement opportunities.
We are committed to increasing the diversity of our staff and providing culturally responsive programs and services. Therefore, we encourage responses from people of diverse backgrounds and abilities.
Do you desire a career that provides you with opportunities to improve the world around you? The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) is seeking diverse individuals from all backgrounds to apply for a career position that makes a direct impact on improving the lives of Colorado citizens. Our mission is to advance Colorado's health and protect the places we live, work, learn, and play. Our vision is to create a healthy and sustainable Colorado where current and future generations thrive. If your goal is to build a career that makes a difference, consider joining the dedicated people of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. Our tobacco-free campus offers free parking and is conveniently located near RTD bus lines, Glendale City Set, and the Cherry Creek bike path. In addition to a great location and rewarding, meaningful work, we offer:
Employee wellness programs and facilities
Extensive internal professional development opportunities on a wide variety of subjects
Bike to work programs, including access to storage lockers and bike racks
Distinctive career advancement opportunities throughout the State system
Strong, yet flexible retirement benefits (https://dhr.colorado.gov/state-employees/state-of-colorado-employee-benefits) including a choice of the PERA Defined Benefit Plan or the PERA Defined Contribution Plan, plus optional 401K and 457 plans
Medical and dental health plans (https://dhr.colorado.gov/state-employees/state-of-colorado-employee-benefits)
Paid life insurance
Short- and long-term disability coverage
11 paid holidays per year plus generous personal time off
Mentoring program with opportunities for mentors and mentees
Tuition assistance for college level courses including Masters degree programs
Excellent work-life programs, such as flexible schedules, and
A variety of employee resource groups
Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, go to: https://studentloans.gov/myDirectLoan/pslfFlow.action#!/pslf/launch
Description of Job
About The Work Unit:
The Office of Emergency Preparedness and Response (OEPR) develops, coordinates and leads the statewide public health emergency response system. The Office ensures the relevant planning, training, education and exercises occur, in alignment with deliverables in federal emergency response grants, and to assure effective responses to, and recovery from, disease outbreaks and pandemics, environmental spills and disasters, coordination of patient evacuation and movement during disasters and facility closures, disruptions to internal operations due to technology or facility failures, and other @types of events and emergencies. The Office also manages grant programs for local public health agencies and other system partners.
The Office regularly evaluates the system and internal processes for effectiveness, incorporating improvements. The Office assures the Department can fulfill National Emergency Support Function #8 (public health, medical services, mortuary services, and behavioral health) during state emergency declarations, and supports Emergency Response Function #10 (hazardous materials), using the National Incident Management System as a framework. The Office facilitates the implementation of response plans and protocols internal to CDPHE, coordinating with public health and environmental divisions, and the Department's senior executive team. The Office ensures that emergency responses are effective through planning, training and exercises, and establishing clear communication channels, standard operating procedures, ensuring an effective logistics function, and developing redundant systems.
What You Will Be Doing:
This position serves as the leader of CDPHE's emergency preparedness and response function for the Department.
The position ensures a successful operational system for public health emergency preparedness and response, both internal to the agency and across the state's public health system, providing vision and leadership. The position facilitates the priorities of Department leadership and works in collaboration with local public health agencies, the Governor's Office and the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, inside the Colorado Department of Public Safety. The position oversees the Office, including federal grant programs, a budget of $15 million and approximately 32 FTE. The position is a skilled manager, successfully hiring for technical expertise and experience, ensuring staff performance, and developing a functional organizational and operational structure.
The position facilitates and provides oversight for the development and execution of emergency preparedness and response plans, systems, programs, and functions; ensuring that grant deliverables are met and that CDPHE can successfully coordinate and respond to any public health or environmental emergency. The position may serve key incident management roles such as incident commander or supervise the incident commander during public health events, ensuring a successful response. The position exercises good judgement in keeping department leadership in the loop at the onset of events and emergencies, and assures the Department's approval processes are followed. The position also seeks leadership direction and input on major organizational or system changes to ensure alignment. The position is a key consultant to the Department's Executive Director, the Department of Public Safety, and the Governor's Office and may brief and advise the Governor during large and complex public health emergencies.
Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights
Residency Requirement:
This posting is only open to residents of the State of Colorado at the time of submitting your application.
Class Code & Classification Description:
H6G8XXMANAGEMENT (https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BwUD9Bt4G-21S211SXE4THp4azg/view?usp=sharing&resourcekey=0-VXkK9fbZVj-Hw4zHxDd0IQ)
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
An applicant may meet the minimum qualifications for this job in one of two ways: They may qualify through their work experience alone or through a combination of education and work experience.
Experience Only:
Ten (10) years of relevant work experience at the executive level in the fields of emergency management, public health emergency preparedness and response, and/or military emergency response operations or similar field, two (2) years of which must have included experience with public or business administration, establishing goals and objectives, as well as developing and managing a budget to achieve program goals and objectives.
OR
Education and Experience:
A combination of related work experience plus education, including six (6) years of relative experience working at the executive level in the fields of emergency management, public health emergency preparedness and response, and/or military emergency response operations, two (2) years of which must have included experience with public or business administration, establishing goals and objectives, as well as developing and managing a budget to achieve program goals and objectives, plus a bachelor's degree in emergency management, public health, systems engineering or similar degree.
OR
A combination of related work experience plus education, including four (4) years of relative experience working at the executive level in the fields of emergency management, public health emergency preparedness and response, and/or military emergency response operations, two (2) years of which must have included experience with public or business administration, establishing goals and objectives, as well as developing and managing a budget to achieve program goals and objectives, plus a master's degree in emergency management, public health, systems engineering or similar degree.
** This experience must be substantiated within the Work Experience section of your application.
** "See Resume" will not be accepted. In addition, part-time work will be prorated. A copy of your transcript must be submitted at the time of application (Unofficial transcripts are acceptable).
Preferred Qualifications:
Executive experience in the emergency management, public health response or military emergency operations field.
Master's degree in a relevant field is preferred .
Broad knowledge of public health preparedness and response
Experience in building and improving complex systems
Experience supervising large teams and driving results
Experience working in a complex political environment
Experience utilizing negotiation and consensus building skills and working with stakeholders
Experience in crisis management ability
Conditions of Employment:
Pursuant to CDPHE policy, a background check is required for all positions at CDPHE.
Appeal Rights:
An applicant who has been removed from an employment list or removed from consideration during the selection process may request a review by the State Personnel Director.
As an applicant directly affected by the results of the selection or comparative analysis process, you may file a written appeal with the State Personnel Director.
Review of the completed, signed and submitted appeal will be timely on the basis of written material submitted by you, using the official appeal form signed by you or your representative. This form must be completed and delivered to the State Personnel Board by email at dpa_state.personnelboard@state.co.us within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgement of the Department's action.
For further information on the Board Rules, you can refer to 4 Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1, State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, at spb.colorado.gov/board-rules .
Supplemental Information
A complete application packet must include:
A completed State of Colorado application.
A Cover Letter
A Resume
If using education to qualify, a copy of your college/university transcripts. Transcripts must be attached to your colorado.gov/jobs application.
If you are a veteran, a copy of your DD214 attached to your colorado.gov/jobs application.
E-Verify: CDPHE uses e-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify (http://www.dhs.gov/e-verify) , including your rights and responsibilities.
ADAAA Accommodations:
The State of Colorado believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to our ADAAA Coordinator atcdphe_benefits@state.co.us or call 303-692-2060 .
Toll Free Applicant Technical Support: If you experience technical difficulty with the NEOGOV system (e.g. uploading or attaching documents to your online application) call NEOGOV technical support at 855-524-5627 Mon-Fri between 6 am and 6 pm (Pacific Time). Helpful hints: if you are having difficulty uploading or attaching documents to your application first- ensure your documents are PDF or Microsoft Word files, and second, close the document before you attempt to upload (attach) it.
The State of Colorado offers permanent employees a variety of benefits including medical, dental, life and disability insurance, as well as a comprehensive leave program. Please click the following link for detailed information: www.colorado.gov/pacific/dhr/benefits
Please note that each agency's contact information is different; therefore, we encourage all applicants to view the full, official job announcement which includes contact information and class title. Select the job you wish to view, then click on the "Print" icon.
01
Applicants for State of Colorado classified positions must be current residents of Colorado. Are you a current resident of the State of Colorado who can provide proof of Colorado residency?
Yes
No
02
Are you willing to submit to a pre-employment background check?
Yes
No
03
This position requires educational transcripts be submitted if you are using education to meet the minimum qualifications for this position or for the substitution of education for some experience. If you are using education to meet the minimum qualifications or substitution for this position, a copy of your unofficial (or official) transcript is required by the application deadline. You must attach this transcript to your application electronically. Have you attached your transcripts?
Yes
No
04
This posting requires a cover letter and resume at the time of application - have you attached your cover letter and resume? Applications without a cover letter and resume will be considered incomplete and not moved forward in the recruitment process. Cover letters and resumes will not be accepted after closing.
Yes
No
05
Please describe your experience working in emergency preparedness and response at an executive level.
06
Please describe your experience in managing large teams. What @type of management tools do you use to help your people meet organizational goals? Please provide one example.
07
Please describe your experience in building systems where none exist or improving existing systems. What steps do you take?
08
If you had to quickly provide surge capacity for the organization, for example during a pandemic response, what steps would you take?
Required Question
Employer
State of Colorado
Address
See the full announcement by clicking
the "Printer" icon located above the job title
Location varies by announcement, Colorado, --
Website
https://careers.colorado.gov/
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