Emergency Management Communications, Outreach, and Volunteer Coordinator

Santa Fe County's Office of Emergency Management is dedicated to enhancing the safety and preparedness of its communities through comprehensive emergency management strategies and public engagement. As a government entity, the Office plays a critical role in coordinating response and recovery efforts in times of crises, natural disasters, and other emergency incidents affecting Santa Fe County and its residents. Known for its commitment to community resilience, education, and proactive communication, the Office works closely with a variety of local, regional, and state agencies to ensure that preparedness plans and response capabilities remain robust and effective. The county's diverse demographic and geographic characteristics require tailored emergency communication and outreach approaches to serve all sectors equitably, including special populations such as non-English speakers and those with hearing impairments.

The Emergency Management Communications, Outreach, and Volunteer Coordinator position is a vital role within this office, directly under the supervision of the Emergency Management Director. This position is responsible for operationalizing the Public Information and Warning Core Capability as delineated in the National Preparedness Goal (2nd Edition). The Coordinator serves as the primary liaison and spokesperson for the Office of Emergency Management (OEM) during emergencies, ensuring that accurate, timely, and accessible emergency information reaches the public through multiple communication channels including press releases, media interactions, and subscription-based alerts. This role manages critical emergency notification systems such as reverse 9-1-1, Emergency Alert System (EAS), and Wireless Emergency Alerts, adapting messaging strategies to meet the needs of diverse community groups.

Beyond emergency communications, the Coordinator develops and implements comprehensive community preparedness outreach and education programs. They create engaging educational materials, presentations, and awareness campaigns aimed at increasing public knowledge and readiness for emergencies. A significant aspect of this position is leading the County’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program, which involves recruiting, training, and coordinating volunteers to support the county’s emergency response capabilities. Through maintaining volunteer records and managing community events, the Coordinator ensures that CERT volunteers are well-prepared and integrated into broader emergency planning efforts.

The role demands strong leadership, exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, and the ability to coordinate multiple stakeholders and teams during high-pressure situations. Proficiency in federal and state emergency management regulations, along with capabilities in Microsoft Office software and web-based information systems, are essential. The job also requires flexibility to work nights, weekends, holidays, and extended hours during emergencies, including on-call duties in potentially hazardous environments. The Coordinator must demonstrate professional conduct, problem-solving aptitude, and time-management skills to excel in this dynamic public safety role.