Performs complex managerial, administrative, and public safety work in planning, organizing, and directing the Village’s integrated emergency services and public safety operations, to include fire, rescue, police, emergency management, hazard mitigation, preparedness, and medical services.

Distinguishing Features of the Class
The Emergency Services Director serves as the Village’s chief public safety management executive, responsible for strategic direction and planning, preparedness, interagency coordination, and oversight of all public safety functions. This role focuses on all-hazards emergency management, fire/EMS readiness, and organizational leadership. Works closely with the law enforcement operations and fire/emergency management who have the day-to-day operational authority over the two areas: police and fire/EMS.
Work involves developing departmental vision; ensuring adherence to professional standards; fostering a culture of integrity, accountability, and teamwork; and preparing the organization for effective response to major emergencies. The Director oversees planning, budgeting, personnel management, technology integration, and compliance with Federal, State, and local regulations.
The employee serves as the Village’s Emergency Services Director, directs preparedness and recovery operations, oversees EOC activation, and coordinates FEMA reimbursement and hazard mitigation activities. The employee attends major emergency incidents and may assume command at the site, requiring strong competence in emergency management, incident command, fire/EMS operations, and oversight of sworn law enforcement functions.

Essential Duties and Tasks

Leadership & Administration
• Provides strategic leadership, vision, and direction for all public safety operations.
• Establishes departmental mission, goals, and performance expectations.
• Develops and administers departmental budgets, capital planning, and procurement.
• Oversees development, revision, and implementation of departmental policies, procedures, and standards.
• Ensures compliance with federal and state regulations and accreditation or best-practice standards.
• Builds positive organizational culture emphasizing accountability, collaboration, and professionalism.
• Conducts staff hiring, coaching, performance evaluation, and succession planning in coordination with Village management.

Emergency Management & All-Hazards Preparedness
• Serves as the Village’s Executive leader over Public Safety.
• Leads preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery planning for hurricanes, tropical storms, nor’easters, wildfire risk, flooding, and other hazards.
• Oversees EOC operations, ICS compliance, and multi-agency coordination.
• Coordinates FEMA reimbursement processes, hazard mitigation efforts, and continuity of operations planning.
• Maintains relationships with Brunswick County EM, NCEM, USACE, DCM, Coast Guard, BHIT, BHI Limited, and other partners.
• Oversees after-action reviews and improvement planning.

Fire, Rescue & EMS Operations
• Ensures effective fire suppression, rescue operations, and emergency medical response.
• Oversees fire prevention, inspection programs, community risk reduction, and training.
• Ensures compliance with NFPA codes, fire/EMS standards, and medical direction protocols.
Supervises a subordinate deputy chief who manages day-to-day fire and medic operations (Deputy Chief Fire Division).

Law Enforcement
• Provides administrative oversight of law enforcement functions, ensuring compliance with NC Justice Standards and applicable statutes.
• Supervises a subordinate certified law enforcement officer who manages day-to-day police operations (Deputy Chief LEO Division).
• Ensures community-oriented policing, patrol operations, professional conduct, and accountability.

Community Engagement & Public Communications
• Builds and maintains trust and credibility with residents, visitors, and stakeholders.
• Represents the department at public meetings, civic groups, and interagency forums.
• Oversees public information during emergencies and coordinates with the Village PIO.

Other Responsibilities
• Serves as Village Safety Officer and manages risk reduction initiatives.
• Oversees grant development, fundraising efforts, and equipment acquisition.
• Responds to major incidents and may assume command.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a degree in criminal justice, fire science, public administration, emergency services or related field and extensive (six to eight years) related management experience of an increasingly responsible nature; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Prefer master’s degree candidate in fire science, public administration, homeland security, criminal justice, or related field.
• Extensive leadership experience in fire/EMS leadership, police or multi-disciplinary public safety leadership.
• Experience in coastal community emergency operations strongly preferred.
• Supervisory and administrative experience required.

Special Requirements
• Ability to supervise sworn law enforcement personnel; NC LEO certification preferred but not required.
• If not certified, will appoint or retain a Deputy Chief (LEO Division) with NC certification to supervise sworn operations.
• Possession of a valid North Carolina driver’s license
• NC Firefighter, Rescue Technician, or EMT certification preferred but not required.
• NIMS 100/200/300/400/700/800 required within first year.