Director, Office of Emergency Preparedness and Response

Salary: $185,000.00 - $205,000.00 Annually
Location : Denver, CO
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: FAA00527-05/21/26
Department: Department of Public Health & Environment
Division: Administration Division
Opening Date: 05/21/2026
Closing Date: 6/11/2026 11:59 PM Mountain
FLSA: Determined by Position
Primary Physical Work Address: 4300 Cherry Creek Drive South Denver, CO 80246
FLSA Status: Exempt; position is not eligible for overtime compensation.
Department Contact Information: View email address on click.appcast.io
Type of Announcement: This announcement is not governed by the selection processes of the classified personnel system. Applications will be considered from residents and non-residents of Colorado.
How To Apply: Please submit an online application for this position at Reach out to the Department Contact to apply using a paper application, including any supplemental questions. Failure to submit a complete and timely application may result in the rejection of your application. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that application materials are received by the appropriate Human Resources office before the closing date and time listed.


Department Information
At the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) we are dedicated to the Colorado for All philosophy - working toward a Colorado where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.
We support the basic human rights of our neighbors regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship status, education level, disability, socio-economic status, or any other visible or invisible identity. We are committed to increasing the diversity of our staff and providing culturally responsive programs and services. Therefore, we strongly encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

• This position is Non-Classified and therefore this announcement is not governed by the selection processes of the classified personnel system. Applications will be considered from residents and non-residents of Colorado.
• Employment is at-will, with no actual, expressed or implied contract.
• This position will have hybrid workplace options available but will report to the listed address at the discretion of the supervisor and based on business needs: 4300 Cherry Creek Drive South Denver, CO 80246

Be BOLD.....Make a REAL difference . . . join us in serving our communities advancing Colorado's health and protecting the places we live, work, learn, and play, to create a healthy and sustainable Colorado where current and future generations thrive.

CDPHE offers:

• Free parking and access to RTD bus lines.
• Flexible working arrangements
• Retirement ( PERA options), Medical and dental health plans
• Defined Benefit Plan or the PERA Defined Contribution Plan, plus optional 401K and 457 plans
• Paid life insurance
• Short- and long-term disability coverage
• 11 paid holidays per year and generous personal time off
• Tuition assistance
• Wellness programs
• Professional development opportunities on a wide variety of subjects
• Career advancement opportunities throughout the State system

Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program. For more information, go to:

Description of Job
About The Work Unit:

The Office of Emergency Preparedness and Response (OEPR) develops, coordinates and leads the statewide public health emergency response system. The Office ensures the relevant planning, training, education and exercises occur, in alignment with deliverables in federal emergency response grants, and to assure effective responses to, and recovery from, disease outbreaks and pandemics, environmental spills and disasters, coordination of patient evacuation and movement during disasters and facility closures, disruptions to internal operations due to technology or facility failures, and other types of events and emergencies. The Office also manages grant programs for local public health agencies and other system partners.
The Office regularly evaluates the system and internal processes for effectiveness, incorporating improvements. The Office assures the Department can fulfill National Emergency Support Function #8 (public health, medical services, mortuary services, and behavioral health) during state emergency declarations, and supports Emergency Response Function #10 (hazardous materials), using the National Incident Management System as a framework. The Office facilitates the implementation of response plans and protocols internal to CDPHE, coordinating with public health and environmental divisions, and the Department's senior executive team. The Office ensures that emergency responses are effective through planning, training and exercises, and establishing clear communication channels, standard operating procedures, ensuring an effective logistics function, and developing redundant systems.
What You Will Be Doing:

This position serves as the leader of CDPHE's emergency preparedness and response function for the Department.
The position ensures a successful operational system for public health emergency preparedness and response, both internal to the agency and across the state's public health system, providing vision and leadership. The position facilitates the priorities of Department leadership and works in collaboration with local public health agencies, the Governor's Office and the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, inside the Colorado Department of Public Safety. The position oversees the Office, including federal grant programs, a budget of $15 million and approximately 32 FTE. The position is a skilled manager, successfully hiring for technical expertise and experience, ensuring staff performance, and developing a functional organizational and operational structure.
The position facilitates and provides oversight for the development and execution of emergency preparedness and response plans, systems, programs, and functions; ensuring that grant deliverables are met and that CDPHE can successfully coordinate and respond to any public health or environmental emergency. The position may serve in key incident management roles, such as incident commander, or supervise the incident commander during public health events, ensuring a successful response. The position exercises good judgement in keeping department leadership in the loop at the onset of events and emergencies, and assures the Department's approval processes are followed. The position also seeks leadership direction and input on major organizational or system changes to ensure alignment. The position is a key consultant to the Department's Executive Director, the Department of Public Safety, and the Governor's Office and may brief and advise the Governor during large and complex public health emergencies.

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights
Residency Requirement:

This posting is open to current and non-current residents of the State of Colorado at the time of submitting your application. However, if you are selected and accept the position, you will be required to establish residence in the State of Colorado.
Minimum Qualifications

• A Bachelor's degree in emergency management, public health, systems engineering or similar degree.
• Ten (10) years of relevant work experience at the executive level in the fields of emergency management, public health emergency preparedness and response, and/or military emergency response operations or similar field or a combination of relevant education and experience equal to 10 years.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in emergency preparedness and emergency management
• Experience in managing complex operations
• Experience in building and improving complex systems
• Experience supervising large teams and driving results
• Experience working in a complex political environment
• Experience utilizing negotiation and consensus building skills and working with stakeholders
• Experience in crisis management

** This experience must be substantiated within the Work Experience section when you fill out your application. "See Resume" will not be accepted.

** In addition, part-time work will be prorated. A copy of your transcript must be submitted at the time of application (Unofficial transcripts are acceptable).
Conditions of Employment:

• Pursuant to CDPHE policy, a background check is required for all positions at CDPHE.
• 5% Travel requirement to meet with partners, conduct briefings, attend conferences, etc.

Supplemental Information
A complete application packet must include:

• A completed State of Colorado application.
• A cover letter explaining your interest in, and qualifications for, the position.
• If using education to qualify, a copy of your college/university transcripts. Transcripts must be attached to your colorado.gov/jobs application.
• If you are a veteran, a copy of your DD214 attached to your colorado.gov/jobs application.

The Selection Process:

All applications that are received by the closing of this announcement will be reviewed against the Minimum Qualifications in this announcement. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications proceed to the next step.
E-Verify:

CDPHE uses e-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities.
ADAAA Accommodations:

The State of Colorado believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to our ADAAA Coordinator at View email address on click.appcast.io or call View phone number on click.appcast.io, option 5.
Please note that each agency's contact information is different; therefore, we encourage all applicants to view the full, official job announcement which includes contact information and class title. Select the job you wish to view, then click on the "Print" icon.
01


Are you willing to submit to a pre-employment background check?

• Yes
• No

02


This position requires educational transcripts or diplomas to be submitted if you are using education to meet the minimum qualifications for this position or for the substitution of education for some experience. If you are using education to meet the minimum qualifications or substitution for this position, a copy of your unofficial (or official) transcript/diploma is required please attach to your application by the application deadline.

• Yes
• No

03


This announcement is not governed by the selection processes of the classified personnel system. Applications will be considered from residents and non-residents of Colorado. If you are selected for hire, and currently reside outside of Colorado, you are required to relocate to Colorado within 8 weeks of receiving your offer - otherwise your offer will be rescinded. Do you understand and accept these terms?

• Yes
• No

04


This position requires a cover letter at the time of application to move forward. Cover letters will not be accepted via email or after the posting has closed. Have you attached your cover letter?

• Yes
• No

05


Describe an emergency response that you have successfully led: What was the scope, who were the partners, what was your role, how many people did you manage and what was the outcome?
06


Please describe your process and key strategies for getting a team and/or partners prepared for an emergency response ahead of time. How do you evaluate their readiness?
07


Please describe your management style. How do you get the best performance out of people and how do you handle performance or disciplinary issues?
08


Describe your experience working with leaders in your chain of command, such as executives, political appointees, and/or elected officials. If offered the position, how would you view your role in relationship to leaders like the Governor and CDPHE's executive director?
Required Question