Greater Chicago Midwest HERC

Position Overview
Under the guidance of the Director of Emergency Management, the Emergency Management Specialist will provide technical and specialized support for the five mission areas of emergency management- prevention, protection, mitigation, response, and recovery-for the University of Kansas. This position is essential in assisting leadership in the development and implementation of the University of Kansas's Emergency Operations Plan. This position requires the use of operating work issued vehicles.

KU offers great benefits to employees with up to 176 hours of paid vacation per year, 96 hours of sick leave earned per year, nine paid holidays plus one discretionary day, a retirement program, medical & dental insurance, life and disability insurance, other benefit plan options, and State of Kansas discounts offered by various vendors. KU also offers employees educational and professional development opportunities. Tuition assistance offers up to 12 credit hours per year for employees and Employee Dependent Tuition Assistance Scholarship (EDTAS) award opportunities! Details available at: https://humanresources.ku.edu/tuition-assistance

KU's excellence is a result of the rich tapestry of experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds of our faculty, staff, students, and colleagues from across our nation and the globe. At KU, we invest in continuous learning and growth by creating a climate where people engage in respectful dialogue and debate and support each other's success. We foster a culture of care where each person is seen, heard, and valued. When people feel a true sense of belonging, we believe they are better able to reach their full potential and achieve remarkable things.
Job Description
35% - Emergency Response and Readiness:

• Respond during emergency situations and incident management team activations by providing coordination and support of emergency operation center actions; may serve as liaison to external partners (including health system or county) during activations.
• Manage asset management and accountability systems, disaster equipment and supplies and ensure they are readily deployable in the event of an emergency. Support the management of the campus emergency/mass communication systems.
• Maintain Emergency Operations Center equipment and systems.
• Maintain situational awareness for hazardous weather and other emerging threats and notify university partners as needed. Maintain competency in professional field, such as knowledge of best practices and situational awareness including federal, state, and local regulations and issues impacting campus safety.

15% - Inspection and Maintenance:

• Administer the university's Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Program by conducting monthly inspections, performing maintenance, maintaining records, submitting purchase orders, and conducting program cost projections and analysis.

10% - Other duties as assigned:

• Keep the immediate supervisor and designated others accurately informed concerning project progress, including present and potential work issues and make suggestions for new or improved ways to address such issues.

Position Requirements

1. Possession of a valid driver's license at time of hire, and maintain a valid driver's license throughout employment.
2. Must be available for after-hour on-call duty and participate in occasional scheduled and unscheduled events that may occur outside of working hours.
3. Must be free of any diversions for or convictions of felonies or their equivalent and free of any diversions for or convictions of misdemeanor crimes of domestic violence or their equivalent. Must submit to and pass a thorough background investigation.
4. Ability to lift and/or carry up to 40 pounds frequently and the ability to lift and/or carry up to 50 pounds occasionally with or without accommodation.
5. Ability to bend, stoop and/or kneel frequently.
6. Ability to traverse steps, ladders, & outdoor uneven terrain.
7. Work location is onsite - Lawrence campus & affiliate properties.
8. This position may involve exposure to bodily fluids, bloodborne pathogens, and other potentially infectious materials. Appropriate training and safety protocols will be provided.

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED Equivalent and six (6) years of related professional experience OR Bachelor's degree in Emergency Management, Homeland Security, Public Health or related field and two (2) years of experience in emergency management, business continuity, disaster recovery, crisis management or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• FEMA Independent Study 100, 200, 700, 800 (or obtain within 120 days of hire)

Preferred Qualifications
Professional certifications such as:

• Certified Emergency Management
• CBCP (Certified Business Continuity Professional)
• CFCP (Certified Functional Continuity Professional) or equivalent

Contact Information to Applicants
Kristen Kolleda
kkolleda@kumc.edu
Additional Candidate Instruction
A complete application includes the following,

1. A cover letter addressing how required and preferred qualifications are met
2. Resume or curriculum vitae
3. Name and contact information for three professional references

Incomplete applications will not be considered

Application review begins Tuesday, June 16th and will continue until a qualified pool of applicants is identified.
Advertised Salary Range
Starting at $61,700
Application Review Begins
16-Jun-2026
Anticipated Start Date
03-Aug-2026
Primary Campus
University of Kansas Lawrence Campus
FTE
1.0
Reg/Temp
Regular
FLSA Status
Administrative
Employee Class
U-Unclassified Professional Staff
Work Location Assignment
On-Site
Disclaimer
The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, and genetic information in the university's programs and activities. Retaliation is also prohibited by university policy. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and is the Title IX coordinator for all KU and KUMC campuses: Associate Vice Chancellor for the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX, civilrights@ku.edu, Room 1082, Dole Human Development Center, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, 785-864-6414, 711 TTY.