METROPOLITAN WASHINGTON COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS

IMMEDIATE JOB OPPORTUNITY

Homeland Security and Public Safety Planner IV

HSPS-2022-08

Metropolitan Washington is a diverse and dynamic region home to more than five-and-a-half million people and one of the nation's largest economies. More than a million new residents and jobs are forecast between now and 2045. Managing this growth—and enhancing the region's quality of life—requires partnership. And that's why the region relies on the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, also known as COG.

POSITION SPECIFICATONS

The Planner IV is an advanced level professional position in regional emergency management and homeland security planning, inclusive of activities within the domains of emergency communications, response coordination, information sharing and security, among others. Daily activities for this position involve performing advanced planning duties, such as conducting detailed research and analysis on disaster data and policies, to provide advice to the assigned department, other operating departments with COG, and/or the jurisdictions represented by COG. The Planner IV serves as a member of various project teams and may lead work teams. Guidelines and supervision for the Planner IV are provided by the Chief of Public Safety and Health Preparedness.

Description

Specific work responsibilities of the Planner IV include:

• Facilitating meetings with high-level stakeholders, while documenting and tracking action items and decision-making.

• Moving stakeholders forward on identified action items and decisions.

• Providing input on complex policy and strategy matters in the form of oral and written reports and responses to requests for information or data.

• Developing processes and methodology for regional strategy.

• Creating easily accessible data visualization and graphics for use in stakeholder documents and products.

• Maintaining positive, trusting work relationships with coworkers and regional stakeholders.

• Developing methods and techniques for plan evaluation and review of spatial, fiscal, economic, social, environmental, and political impact.

• Coordinating project scheduling, progress evaluation, technical liaison and interdepartmental coordination.

• Providing project activity tracking in support of the Chief of Public Safety and Health Preparedness, including supervising contract staff or management of discrete projects with assigned staff peers.

• Attending professional conferences and training sessions as a representative of COG.

• Experience with public outreach methods, such as marking new personal preparedness techniques or regional training and programs.

• Ability to manage a variety of highly specialized and technical problems in support of local officials and the public.

• Ability to perform independent technical research work.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Provide project activity tracking in support of the Chief; this may include supervision of contract staff or management of discrete projects with assigned staff peers.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential responsibility satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and Professional Experience

Bachelor’s degree and five or more years of professional experience in emergency management or related fields, such as defense, politics, public health, or public policy; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities relevant to the major duties of this position. Preferred: A master's degree from an accredited university; thorough knowledge of intergovernmental coordination; and professional supervisory experience.

Communication Skills

Demonstrated expert skills in verbal, written, and interpersonal communication. Substantial experience condensing complex topics to concise summaries appropriate for the general public. A keen understanding of boundaries in the presence of stakeholders, including politicians and agency leadership, and when/where to provide a value-adding opinion. Proven success in data visualization, the development of process figures, and graphic design. Preferred: multiple years of experience developing original drafts of governmental doctrine and/or policy. Experience with public outreach methods, such as marketing new personal preparedness techniques or regional training and programs.

Critical Thinking

Ability to manage a variety of highly specialized and technical problems in support of local officials and the public. Ability to perform independent technical research work and guide others in performance of their assignments. Ability to supervise the work of support staff while displaying good judgement.

MWCOG is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation or any other class protected by state or federal laws in admission or access to our programs, services, activities, hiring, and employment practices.

Please send a cover letter and resume highlighting the skills and relevant experience you would bring to this position, writing sample and salary requirement to:

The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments

777 North Capitol Street, NE

Suite 300 - Attention: OHRM

Washington, DC 20002-4239

resumes@mwcog.org Or visit our website at: www.mwcog.org

Fax: 202-962-3715