Cal OES Assistant Director - Response Operations North

Job Description

Now Hiring: Cal OES Assistant Director, Response North

Join the executive leadership team of the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) – the nation's premier state-level emergency management and homeland security agency charged with protecting the people of California from all threats and hazards. Cal OES employs over 2,100 dedicated professionals who achieve the office's mission to plan and prepare, respond and recover, and reduce risk from disasters and emergencies to protect lives and property, build capabilities, and support California's communities.

Description

Reporting directly to the Deputy Director, Response Operations, the Assistant Director for Response North serves as Cal OES’s senior representative and key executive leader within the Response Directorate. This position provides strategic leadership, operational oversight of Inland and Coastal Administrative Regions, and acts as the critical link between local government and statewide programs during all phases of emergency management.

Strategic Leadership

• Leads the implementation and execution of statewide disaster response strategies in alignment with Cal OES policies, procedures, and the Standardized Emergency Management System (SEMS).
• Serves as the link between local government and Cal OES programs, including Homeland Security Division, Recovery Operations, Crisis Communications & Public Affairs, Legislative Affairs, Finance & Logistics Administration, Planning, Grants, Fire, Law Enforcement, and Public Safety Communications before, during, and after emergencies.
• Works closely with Assistant Director, South Operations, and Assistant Director, HQ Operations for seamless policy integration between regions and the State Operations Center (SOC), and standardization across regions.
• Develops and enforces operational guidelines supporting incident coordination, resource allocation, and information sharing throughout local, state, tribal, and federal emergency management systems.
• Collaborates with Cal OES Executive Leadership, Regional Administrators, and partner agencies to enhance statewide response readiness and mutual aid effectiveness.

Operational Management

• Directs the operations of the Inland and Coastal Administrative Regions, overseeing Regional Administrators and staff engaged in disaster response and recovery activities.
• Evaluates statewide incident impacts and recommends adjustments to response or recovery programs based on evolving conditions and operational needs.
• Ensures compliance with state and federal disaster regulations, authorities, and standards governing emergency management activities.
• Manages budgets, staff resources, and regional assets to ensure effective coordination and deployment of emergency operations throughout Northern California.
• Leads interdivisional coordination efforts within Response Operations and across other Cal OES divisions, collaborating with Fiscal Services, Legislative Affairs, Communications, IT and other relevant teams to align priorities and integrate program delivery effectively.
• Provides operational continuity and support for Response Operations leadership as responsibilities grow in scope and criticality, ensuring seamless performance of essential functions.

Emergency Response Leadership

• Serves as Cal OES's senior representative to local, state, federal elected officials, the Governor’s Office, and key stakeholders before, during, and after emergencies
• Oversees strategic coordination of interagency response operations during emergencies and disasters, ensuring rapid resource mobilization and unified state-local collaboration.
• Serves as the Deputy State Coordinating Officer and Governor’s Authorized Representative when designated, overseeing disaster declarations and recovery implementation strategies.
• Maintains situational awareness and directs high-priority operations to protect life, property, and critical infrastructure.

Executive Responsibilities

• Represents Cal OES in high-level meetings and briefings with the Governor, cabinet officials, local elected officials, legislators, federal agency representatives, and the news media.
• Advises state leadership on emergency management policy, regional capability development, and disaster assistance coordination.
• Contributes to executive coordination efforts across Cal OES Directorates to advance statewide emergency preparedness and ensure unified operational execution.

Key Competencies and Attributes/Management Style

• Demonstrates exceptional leadership, communication, and decision-making skills under pressure.
• Builds trusted partnerships across government, private, and nonprofit sectors.
• Demonstrates political awareness, professionalism, and integrity in high-level interactions.
• Embraces a collaborative leadership approach that fosters teamwork, accountability, and innovation.
• Communicates with clarity and composure in complex or dynamic operational environments.
• Balances strategic thinking with hands-on responsiveness to emerging incidents and priorities.
• Drives results through effective coordination, problem-solving, and organizational alignment.

Benefits

The position offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• CalPERS-managed pension plan
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Savings Plus Program with 401(k) and 457 retirement savings options
• Professional development and emergency management certification opportunities
• Access to statewide training programs supporting leadership growth and technical knowledge

As the Assistant Director for Response North, you will serve as Cal OES's senior representative, collaborating with state, federal, local, tribal, and nongovernmental partners while linking regions to key programs to strengthen California's emergency management framework. In this leadership role, you will guide and mentor staff and management, ensure seamless policy integration across regions, support operational excellence, and safeguard California's communities through coordinated disaster response and recovery efforts.

Must be available and willing to travel throughout the state, including with minimal notice during major incidents to ensure statewide leadership presence and support for response operations.

This position is also eligible for additional pay differentials.