Chief Administrative Officer - Homeland Security & Emergency Management

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in a field related to Business; Finance; Accounting; or Economics or related field, plus five (5) years of experience associated with department wide budget programs or programs associated with operational services, of which three (3) years must be supervisory.
• Masters degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, Economics or other related field may substitute for two (2) years of the required managerial experience

Licenses or Certifications:

None.
Notes to Applicants
The Chief Administrative Officer reports to the Director of the City of Austin’s Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management and will oversee multiple service areas and ensure operational readiness for the City of Austin.

This position will:

• Lead multiple key areas including communications, finance, and technology/process improvement
• Manage projects; develop and maintain emergency preparedness program plans
• Respond to emergency situations associated with events that affect public safety; directing activities of the Emergency Operations Center ( EOC ) before and during activations
• Plan and implement training programs
• Maintain contact with government official and related organizations
• Coordinate financial planning activities including financial forecasting, budget development, performance data reporting, and internal budget analysis

Successful candidates will demonstrate the following:

• Ability to define, analyze and find solutions for difficult, complex problems
• Ability to work collaboratively with a diverse team, especially in high-stress, evolving situations
• Ability to lead, train and motivate others to achieve organizational success
• Ability to adapt to a rapidly changing environment while ensuring organizational direction and alignment
• Ability to manage multiple projects with competing deadlines and changing priorities
• Flexibility with regard to work hours and the ability to work extended periods during an activation of the EOC
• Ability to establish and maintain effective communication and working relationships with City employees at all levels of the organization, the public, and industry stakeholders
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work with city/community leaders and develop partnerships

When completing the City of Austin employment application:

• Please be sure to detail on the application all previous employment that you wish to be considered as part of your qualifications.
• A detailed, complete employment application is required. It helps us to better evaluate your qualifications and will be used to determine salary if you are selected for this position. Be sure to provide job titles and employment dates for all jobs you wish to be considered.
• A cover letter is required. In the cover letter candidates should describe, in concise detail, their interest in this position and highlight any prior experience that is relevant to this position.

Required Application Materials:

• Résumé
• Cover Letter

An assessment may be administered as a part of this interview process.
Pay Range
$48.38 - $62.90

Hours
Monday - Friday; 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Hours will vary based on operational needs.
This position is considered essential and will be required to report to the Emergency Operations Center ( EOC ), as directed in advance, or in response to an emergency, and may include nights (overnights), weekends, holidays, etc.
This is an exempt position and therefore does not qualify for overtime.
Job Close Date 05/19/2025 Type of Posting External Department Management Services Regular/Temporary Regular Grant Funded or Pooled Position Not Applicable Category Professional Location 5010 Old Manor Road Preferred Qualifications
Preferred Experience:

• Experience with financial reporting and comprehensive grant management practices, including advanced experience managing homeland security grants, FEMA public assistance programs and reimbursement protocols, projects, and/or major intra/inter departmental initiatives
• Experience collaborating with executive leadership on strategic planning and improvement including developing and implementing continuity of operations plans and programs
• Experience with process enhancements, establishing defined measures of success, metrics, and incremental goals, short- and long-term
• Experience with presenting complex information clearly and concisely to various levels of leadership and stakeholders
• Advanced experience as a leader/manager, overseeing and managing multiple diverse divisions/business units, and with counseling, developing, coaching, and managing staff performance. Skilled in cultivating trust-based relationships to support organizational goals
• Experience providing both oversight and direct leadership during emergencies, disasters, disruptions, and major incidents such as flooding, wildfires, ice storms, and other natural and man-made disasters
• Experience managing critical infrastructure protection programs

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities
Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

Plans, organizes, directs, audits and controls support services within the department. The services assigned to this type of workgroup provide a more complex strategic focus to the overall business operations. Analyzes business and workforce needs to develop targeted short and long range strategies, and implement operational plans to meet performance measures. Operational plans include the strategic involvement and mediation for departmental workforce issues. Works to align the programmatic services and activities of internal systems, which are associated with the desired outcomes for the department. Serves as a direct or indirect resource for the department’s operational needs. Works to influence and serve as an advisor by communicating the business strategy to Executive leadership, City Officials or policy makers both internal and external to the department. Confers with the stakeholders to execute comprehensive program development which impacts the departmental policy initiatives. Provides solutions to complex problems and works to resolve difficult issues between involved parties. This job may have the responsibility for the development and monitoring of a departmental budget. In large departments, this job serves as an administrative resource tying budget needs to the programs of the organization. Develops and evaluates short range and long range strategic plans and establishes the criteria for a variety of human resources and business services projects, programs, and plans. Administers contracts and vendors to ensure delivery of agreed upon deliverables. Prepares and reviews reports as part of the process of monitoring and communicating performance results. Makes recommendations associated with purchasing and expenditures for departmental programs.

Responsibilities- Supervision and/or Leadership Exercised:

Responsible for the full range of supervisory activities, including selection, training, evaluation, counseling and recommendation for dismissal
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of business case development, strategic business planning, reengineering, organizational change strategies, performance measurement, and project management.
• Knowledge of fiscal planning and budget preparation.
• Knowledge of Federal, State, and Local laws.
• Knowledge of City practices, policies, and procedures.
• Knowledge of supervisory and managerial techniques and principles.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
• Skill in using computers and related software.
• Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
• Skill in planning and organizing.
• Skill in handling conflict and uncertain situations.
• Ability to analyze and resolve irregular events.
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with City employees and the public.

Criminal Background Investigation This position has been approved for a Criminal Background Investigation. EEO/ADA
City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual’s AIDS , AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

Information For City Employees: If you are an employee within the department, are in good standing and meet both the minimum and preferred qualifications, then you will receive an initial interview.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
* The minimum qualifications for the Chief Administrative Officer position are graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in a field related to Business; Finance; Accounting; or Economics or related field, plus five (5) years of experience associated with department wide budget programs or programs associated with operational services, of which three (3) years must be supervisory. Masters degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, Economics or other related field may substitute for two (2) years of the required managerial experience. Do you meet these minimum qualifications?

• Yes
• No

* Describe your experience with financial reporting and comprehensive grant management practices, including advanced experience managing homeland security grants, FEMA public assistance programs and reimbursement protocols, projects, and/or major intra/inter departmental initiatives.
(Open Ended Question)
* Describe your experience collaborating with executive leadership on strategic planning and improvement including developing and implementing continuity of operations plans and programs.
(Open Ended Question)
* Describe your experience with process enhancements, establishing defined measures of success, metrics, and incremental goals, short- and long-term.
(Open Ended Question)
* Describe your experience as a leader overseeing and managing multiple diverse divisions/business units, and with counseling, developing, coaching, and managing staff performance.
(Open Ended Question)
* Describe your experience providing both oversight and direct leadership during emergencies, disasters, disruptions, and major incidents.
(Open Ended Question)
* Describe your experience managing critical infrastructure protection programs.
(Open Ended Question)
* This position requires a criminal background investigation (CBI). By selecting the following, you are acknowledging that you understand if you are selected as a top candidate for this position, you will need a successful Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) to be hired.

• I acknowledge and understand this position requires a Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS-Criminal Background Investigation).

Optional & Required Documents

Required Documents Cover Letter Resume Optional Documents

• 

• City of Austin

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