Job Description

Description

The County of San Mateo Department of Emergency Management (SMC EM) is seeking a dynamic Program Services Manager IIto drive our mission-critical operations and join our high-impact leadership team of experienced emergency and crisis managers who are pioneering innovations across the full cycle of emergency management.

 

This isn't your typical government role. As Program Services Manager II, you'll operate with significant autonomy to supervise teams and spearhead program development that directly saves lives and protects communities. You'll make high-stakes decisions, interpret complex policies, and apply cutting-edge emergency management expertise across operations, mitigation planning, recovery response, and community resilience initiatives. Your daily interactions will span government executives, external agencies, community leaders, and private sector partners.

 

This is an in-person positionwith no hybrid options. The role demands flexibility for extended hours during emergencies—evenings, weekends, and on-call shifts are part of protecting our community 24/7. Travel to training, emergency sites, and off-site operations centers comes with the territory.

 

This is more than a job—it's a mission.You'll lead transformative work that builds community resilience and sets the standard for 21st-century emergency management. Join our dynamic, multi-generational team of seasoned professionals who combine decades of emergency management expertise with cutting-edge innovation across mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery.

 

Our Culture: How We R.I.S.E.We live by our values—Reliability, Innovation, Synergy, and Excellence—creating a culture where you can count on your teammates completely, where "what if?" and "why not?" drive breakthrough solutions, where collaboration multiplies our collective impact, and where continuous improvement is a way of life, not just a buzzword.

 

About Our Department:San Mateo County SMC EM leads the way in building resilient, connected, and adaptive communities. We work across jurisdictions and disciplines to prepare for, respond to, recover from, and mitigate emergencies and disasters. Our department thrives on innovation, collaboration, and deep commitment to public service. Learn more: https://www.smcgov.org/dem

 

 

Explore a leadership opportunity in emergency management.

Join us on Monday, June 2, 2025, at 11:00 AM PSTfor a LinkedIn Live info sessionabout the Program Services Manager IIrole with the San Mateo County Department of Emergency Management.

 

Hear from Shruti Dhapodkar, Director of Emergency Management, and Ryan Reynolds, Assistant Director, as they discuss the role’s impact, what they’re looking for in candidates, and what to expect from the recruitment process.

Register now to secure your spot.
Click here to register.

What We're Looking For

The Right Mindset: You embody our RISE values—driving Innovationwith "what if?" thinking, building Synergythrough collaboration, delivering Excellencethrough continuous improvement, and earning trust through Reliability. You thrive in dynamic environments and see challenges as opportunities to transform how emergency management serves communities.

 

Experience Set(Preferred): 3+ years in emergency management, crisis response, or high-stakes operations with 2+ years of team leadership. You've successfully managed programs, budgets, and cross-functional initiatives while making authoritative decisions under pressure.

 

Social Capital: You're a natural relationship builder who creates partnerships across government, private sector, and community organizations. You navigate complex political landscapes with diplomacy and build trust with diverse stakeholders from community groups to executive leadership.

 

Intellectual Capital: Deep knowledge of emergency management principles (mitigation, preparedness, response, recovery), proficiency with ICS/NIMS, and relevant professional certifications. You combine strategic thinking with technical expertise to drive measurable outcomes.

 

Communications Capacity: Exceptional ability to distill complex information for any audience—whether briefing County executives, engaging community members, or coordinating with operational partners. You communicate with clarity, empathy, and authority across all scenarios.

If you embody our RISE values and are passionate about transformative emergency management, this key role offers the opportunity to make lasting impact while growing alongside innovative professionals who are reshaping the field.

 

What You'll Lead

Your essential responsibilities will drive measurable community impact:

• Program Leadership:Lead and manage critical emergency management programs and projects aligned with strategic departmental objectives.
• Team Excellence:Coach, mentor, and accelerate staff development while fostering a culture of accountability, excellence, and continuous innovation.
• Strategic Decision-Making:Make informed, independent decisions that prioritize community safety, equity, and operational effectiveness.
• External Representation:Represent our department in public meetings, emergency operations centers, and high-level planning initiatives.
• High Initiative and Independence:Proven ability to take initiative, exercise sound judgment, and make authoritative decisions.
• Bridge Between Strategy and Operations:Serve as the critical link between executive leadership and front-line staff—translating vision into action, aligning daily operations with long-term goals, and ensuring clear, consistent communication across all levels of the organization.

 

 

Qualifications

We value results over credentials.Any combination of education and experience that demonstrates the required knowledge, skills, and abilities qualifies you for consideration.

Typical Qualifying Experience:

• Three yearsof experience in emergency management or community services organizations
• Two years minimumof significant responsibility in one or more areas: program and budget development, funding management, resource coordination, or program evaluation

Preferred Education:

• Master's degree from an accredited institution in emergency management, public administration, or related field (preferred, not required)

Essential Knowledge:

• Advanced understanding of public administration and emergency management principles, including planning, implementation, and evaluation
• Proven expertise in personnel training, supervision, and performance management

Essential Skills/Abilities:

• Collaborative Leadership:Work effectively with County departments and public/private organizations to achieve shared objectives.
• Problem-Solving Excellence:Accurately analyze complex problems, develop strategic recommendations, and implement effective solutions.
• Strategic Communication:Prepare sophisticated written reports, procedures, grant applications, and contracts that drive results.

Application/Examination

Open to All Candidates.This is an open recruitment welcoming external applicants. Current County of San Mateo and Superior Court employees with at least six months (1,040 hours) of continuous service will receive a five-point bonus on their final examination score. Responses to the supplemental questions are mandatory and must be submitted in addition to our regular employment application form.A resume will not be accepted as a substitute for the required employment application and supplemental questionnaire.

Selection Process:The examination process will consist of two parts: an application screening (weight: pass/fail) based on each candidate's application materials, and a panel interview (weight: 100%) for those applicants who pass the application screening. Due to competitive interest, we may use application screening or select candidates whose qualifications best match our needs based solely on application materials. 

Because of the screening process, all applicants meeting the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through any subsequent phase of the examination. All examinations will be given in San Mateo County, California and applicants must participate at their own expense.

IMPORTANT:Applications for this position will only be accepted online. If you are currently on the County's website, you may click the "Apply" button. If you are not on the County's website, please go to http://jobs.smcgov.orgto apply. Online applications must be received by the Human Resources Department before midnight on the final filing date. Online applications only.

Recruitment Timeline:
LinkedIn Live Information Session: Monday, June 2, 2025, at 11:00 AM PST
Application Deadline: Friday, June 20, 2025, at 11:59 PM PST
Application Screening:July 2-3, 2025
In-Person Interview Process:July 14, 2025

Job Announcement URL: 

https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/sanmateo/jobs/4937776/program-services-ma…

Recruitment Contact

Contact phone: 

(___)___-____

Contact email: 

soh@smcgov.org

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