Emergency Planning and Exercise Specialist - Critical Event Preparedness and Response

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Description

The Planning and Exercise Specialist is responsible for developing, coordinating, and evaluating emergency preparedness plans, continuity strategies, training programs, and exercises that enhance organizational resilience and operational readiness.

This position supports CEPAR's mission by ensuring the institution maintains a state of preparedness for emergencies, disasters, cyber incidents, public health events, workplace violence incidents, and other critical disruptions.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Works collaboratively with healthcare, academic, research, public safety, information technology, facilities, environmental health and safety, and administrative stakeholders to develop plans, conduct exercises, track corrective actions, and improve organizational preparedness. 

Emergency Planning: 

• Assists with developing, updating, and maintaining emergency operations plans, annexes, procedures, and response guides.
• Assists with conducting the Threat and Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (THIRA), analyses and risk assessments.
• Coordinates annual reviews and revisions of preparedness documentation.
• Ensures emergency plans align with regulatory, accreditation, and best-practice standards.
• Supports development of incident action plans during emergencies and planned events.

Exercise Program Management:

• Assists with the development of an annual enterprise exercise and preparedness calendar.
• Designs, coordinates, facilitates, and evaluates: tabletop exercises, functional exercises, full-scale exercises, continuity exercises, and cybersecurity response exercises.
• Collaborates with key stakeholders to develop exercise objectives, scenarios, participant materials, and evaluation criteria.
• Facilitates exercise planning teams and stakeholder workgroups.
• Produces exercise reports and after-action reviews.

Corrective Action Program:

• Tracks all corrective actions resulting from exercises, incidents, audits, and assessments.
• Develops improvement plans and monitors completion of assigned actions.
• Coordinates with departments to implement mitigation strategies.
• Prepares readiness and compliance reports for leadership.
• Identifies recurring preparedness gaps and recommends solutions.
• Oversees training and preparedness education.

Incident and Event Support:

• Supports CEPAR operations during emergencies and special events.
• Assists with Emergency Operations Center (EOC) activation and coordination activities.
• Documents response activities and lessons learned.
• Participates in incident response planning and recovery efforts.
• Provides planning support for major institutional events and high-risk activities.
• Performs other related duties as required. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• A bachelor's degree in emergency management, public health, public administration, homeland security, healthcare administration, business continuity, or a related field, and three years of experience in emergency management, healthcare preparedness, business continuity, public safety, crisis management, or related fields, OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Experience planning and coordinating meetings, training programs, exercises, or preparedness activities.
• Experience working in a complex organizational environment.

NOTE: Position tasks are generally required to be performed in-person at an Emory University location.  Remote work from home day options may be granted at department discretion. Emory reserves the right to change remote work status with notice to employee.

Additional Details

Emory is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law. Emory University does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment, including recruitment, hiring, promotions, transfers, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training. Students, faculty, and staff are assured of participation in university programs and in the use of facilities without such discrimination. Emory University complies with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Era Veteran's Readjustment Assistance Act, and applicable executive orders, federal and state regulations regarding nondiscrimination, equal opportunity, and affirmative action (for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities). Inquiries regarding this policy should be directed to the Emory University Department of Equity and Civil Rights Compliance, 201 Dowman Drive, Administration Building, Atlanta, GA 30322. Telephone: 404-727-9867 (V) | 404-712-2049 (TDD).Emory University is committed to ensuring equal access and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. To request this document in an alternate format or to seek a reasonable accommodation, please contact the Department of Accessibility Services at [email protected] or call 404-727-9877 (Voice) | 404-712-2049 (TDD). We kindly ask that requests be made at least seven business days in advance to allow adequate time for coordination.