Job Description

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Position Summary:
The Director of the Office of Emergency Management (OEM) reports to the Chief Security Officer as the subject matter expert in emergency management and business continuity. The incumbent will lead, direct, and manage the development and performance of the University's Office of Emergency Management which comprises the Emergency Management and Business Continuity Programs.
The Emergency Management and Business Continuity teams are deeply committed to preventing, protecting against, mitigating, preparing for, responding to, and recovering from emergencies and disruptions that may impact the University's teaching and research missions. OEM's core mission includes meeting the requirements of University policy, government regulations, sound management practices, and applicable standards relevant to emergency management and business continuity.
The unit supports the continuous improvement of hazard and risk identification, mitigation, preparedness, and response processes by providing advice, guidance, and training, to academic and administrative units as well students, faculty, and staff. The OEM teams are highly specialized and accountable for developing robust emergency management and business continuity programs through ongoing, collaborative partnerships with academic and administrative units.
Primary Responsibilities:
The Director:
Establish the strategic and operational goals and objectives, to ensure the provision of a reliable and responsive emergency management and emergency response structure University wide, including providing subject matter expertise to the Emergency Operations Centre.
Oversee the university's business continuity strategy, founded on applicable standards, principles, and industry best practice, ensuring alignment with the overall organizational objectives and risk management framework and ensuring a continuity of activities across the University.
Lead and develop incident response efforts during business disruptions, emergencies, or other disasters impacting the University by establishing response priorities and actions across the EOC teams, chairing the EOC meetings, and providing high-level advice on the emergency management approach. Ensures that the emergency response requirements outlined in the Emergency Management Policy are met. Collaborate with cross-functional teams such as senior administrators from faculties and other units (Deans, Associate Deans, AVPs, Director of Administration, etc.) to ensure that the EOC has identified their needs and to ensure alignment in terms of actions/priorities for timely and effective response, communication, and recovery efforts.
Establish Business Impact Assessment (BIA) processes for the assessment and analysis of critical functions, processes, and systems to determine potential risks, impacts, and recovery priorities.
Oversee the creation, maintenance, and regular updating of business continuity plans covering academic, research, and administrative functions and services. Ensure plans are well-documented, actionable, and aligned with industry best practices.
Guide the design and conduct of regular testing and validation exercises to assess the effectiveness of business continuity plans. Analyze test results, identify gaps, and collaborate with relevant stakeholders to implement necessary improvements.
Oversee the development and delivery of training programs to enhance the university's overall emergency and business continuity preparedness. Promotes awareness and understanding of emergency management and business continuity principles and procedures across all levels of the organization.
Provide subject matter expert advice to all levels of the University in matters concerning but not limited to hazard and risk identification, assessment, prevention, and mitigation, as well as business impact analysis, emergency planning, incident response, emergency operations, emergency alerting, and recovery.
Establish all strategic Office of Emergency Management initiatives, programs, policies, and projects to enable the university to meet its strategic goals. Leads the unit's strategic planning process in alignment with the Chief Security Officer's strategic plan and develop goals, objectives, and metrics for the units, including organizational change, development of future projects and communications strategies. Identifies and works on strategic areas for improved safety and continuity of operations in the University.
Foster collaborative relationships with unit administrators, Deans, Chairs, Directors, faculties, units, and departments, and external emergency management agencies. Builds strong relationships with senior leadership, stakeholders and utilizes influence to move strategic emergency management and business continuity activities and initiatives forward.
Oversee the development and implementation of communications strategies that will contribute to a shared culture of preparedness, safety, and organizational resilience amongst stakeholders.
Provide expert advice and guidance in the development of university policies and procedures that guide the implementation of sound emergency management and business continuity practices.
Strategically plan for the department's future workforce needs and inspires, coaches and mentors a team of emergency management and business continuity professionals in their career development.
Chair the Emergency Management Program Committee. Establish and oversee the Steering Committee for Business Continuity.
Responsible for reporting on the Office of Emergency Management's activities to the Emergency Management Program Committee and the Board of Governors' Human Resources Committee.
Direct, develop, and execute the annual budget for the department; projects expenses; approves expenditures; approves acquisition of materials and equipment.
Other Qualifying Skills and/or Abilities

• Master's degree in Emergency Management or a related field is an asset.
• Certification in Emergency Management or Business Continuity is required.
• Experience in a senior leadership role in a large, complex organization (preferably within a post-secondary institution), with a combination of experience in emergency management and/or business continuity, is required.
• Expert knowledge of all the relevant and applicable emergency management and business continuity standards and legislation.
• Incident Command System (ICS) training required. ICS 300-level an asset.
• Ability to work in a high-paced, complex, and dynamic environment.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with both internal and external stakeholders.
• Sound judgment and ability to take initiative and handle stressful situations with tact, diplomacy, and resourcefulness.
• Meticulous in documenting and monitoring follow-up actions regarding ongoing files.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills and demonstrated ability to identify and implement process improvements.
• Ability to take a holistic approach in an academic environment when providing direction and problem-solving.
• Excellent communications, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent financial, human resource and change management skills.
• Demonstrated knowledge of budget and fiscal management principles and practices.
• Superior leadership skills in making sound decisions and leading teams day-to-day and during crisis situations.
• Strong desire to champion excellence in emergency management and business continuity.
• Experience with MS Suites is an asset.
• Highly developed interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills in English and French.

As one of Montreal's Top Employers, here is what we offer:

• Competitive benefits package (Health, Dental, Life Insurance) (if eligible)
• Defined contribution pension plan (with employer contribution up to 10%) (if eligible)
• Group Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) and Tax Free Savings Account (TFSA)
• Competitive vacation policy
• Two (2) personal days
• Two (2) floating holidays
• Nine (9) "Summer Fridays" - paid days off between the St-Jean Baptiste holiday and Labour Day
• Paid time off over the December holiday period
• Tuition waiver for regular employees and their dependents
• Up to two (2) days of remote work per week where the position permits

Before applying, please note that to work at McGill University, you must be both authorized to work in Canada and willing to work in the province of Quebec at the campus where the position is based / located.
Knowledge of English: McGill University is an English-language university where day to day duties may require English communication both verbally and in writing. The level of English required for this position has been assessed at a level # 4 on a scale of 0-4.
For a definition of our language proficiency levels, please click .
Minimum Education and Experience: Bachelor's Degree 8 Years Related Experience /
Annual Salary: (MPEX Grade 10) $126,670.00 - $158,340.00 - $195,000.00
Job Profile: MPEX-LOG4B - Security, Safety & Environment - Director or equivalent
Hours per Week: 33.75 (Full time)
Supervisor: Chief Security Officer
Position End Date (If applicable): 2027-06-30
Deadline to Apply: 2025-11-14
McGill University hires on the basis of merit and is strongly committed to equity and diversity within its community. We welcome applications from racialized persons/visible minorities, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities. McGill implements an employment equity program and encourages members of designated groups to self-identify. Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact, in confidence, .

Skills Required