Director of Emergency & Risk Management
Warren Wilson College, Asheville, NC, United States
Warren Wilson College is seeking an experienced and dedicated professional to serve as the Director of Emergency and Risk Management. Reporting to the Executive Director of Facilities and Operations, the Director is responsible for ensuring the institution is trained, prepared, resilient, and able to respond confidently to a wide range of situations by guiding and advising senior leaders in the development, implementation, and maintenance of effective emergency response plans. This role works closely with senior leadership to align preparedness and training efforts for emergencies and critical incidents, supporting more effective and efficient decision‑making during events, and collaborates with local and state emergency response agencies by leading tabletop and live‑action exercises designed to train campus community members and strengthen coordination with external partners.
This position is responsible for campus‑wide risk management, including insurance coordination and reporting and workplace safety. While this role provides oversight of the Public Safety department, the College is fortunate to have a strong leadership and supervisory oversight of officers. Overall, the emphasis of this role is to implement greater strategic preparedness, cross‑departmental collaboration, and supporting leaders in building and sustaining a culture of safety and readiness.
We are seeking a dynamic, relational leader with strong communication skills and a demonstrated ability to partner effectively with students, faculty, staff, and external agencies at the local, regional, and national levels. The ideal candidate will bring substantial experience in emergency management, risk assessment, and organizational planning. Some evening, holiday, and weekend hours are required in connection with emergency response and institutional communication needs.
Interested individuals should read further to learn more about the college and the responsibilities for this full‑time, exempt position. Applicants are required to submit a resume and cover letter that describes how your previous experience will contribute to the mission and Progressive Promise of Warren Wilson College.
First consideration will be given to candidates who apply by Sunday, May 3, 2026. All applications must be received electronically. Please be aware no relocation assistance is available for this position.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor’s degree in Emergency Management, Criminal Justice, Public Administration, Business, or related field.
Five years of combined professional risk management or emergency management experience, including at least two years of public safety/law enforcement experience, with progressive responsibility.
Three years of experience in a supervisory role.
Demonstrated experience planning and leading risk management or loss control initiatives and collaborating with insurance carriers.
Demonstrated ability to effectively problem solve and handle sensitive situations.
Demonstrated evidence of detail orientation, customer service orientation, ability to work independently, and significant levels of responsibility required.
Evidence of working knowledge of reporting practices related to the Clery Act.
Demonstrated commitment to working effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
Demonstrated leadership, interpersonal, written and oral communication, problem‑solving, organizational and presentation skills.
Computer proficiency in MS Office and/or Google Suite.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of budget management principles.
Knowledge of public safety principles as related to college campuses.
OSHA 30 hour certification.
CPR, First Aid Instructor.
Evidence of experience in handling dynamic critical incidents.
Additional experience in working with college/university constituencies and local, state and federal law enforcement agencies.
Possess knowledge of federal and state laws related to higher education campus security (such as Title IX, VAWA) along with investigative experience.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Risk Management (50%)
Develop and implement institutional Risk Management program plans to assist in the tracking and documentation of OSHA requirements and institutional safety training.
Review and update policies, programs, and procedures ensuring inclusion of any new legal requirements for risk management specific to OSHA.
Serve as primary point of contact for the College’s insurer; interpret insurance coverages and communicate policy and procedure changes to appropriate users.
Ensure completion of building life‑safety systems inspections and required documentation.
Serve as a campus resource for all risk management related issues for risk and insurance issues in all College activities.
Design, direct and coordinate risk programs of the College to control exposures and minimize loss.
Be responsible for the claim filing process for property and liability incidents.
Conduct site assessments, reviews and self‑inspections, analyze and interpret results, recommend appropriate corrective actions, communicate results and follow up on issues or concerns until completion.
Develop, implement and maintain Warren Wilson College policies and procedures ensuring adherence to local, state, and federal environmental, health and safety regulations. Keep abreast of changes to laws and regulations that impact the organization. Serve as a contact with federal, state, and local regulatory bodies.
Be responsible for conducting and evaluating periodic safety, fire and/or hazardous conditions or substance inspection of all College facilities, equipment and employee work practices; recommend changes and coordinate implementation.
Authority to issue safety directions and, when necessary, suspend work in any location deemed unsafe; once safety protocols are met, have sole authority to resume work at the suspended job site.
Review and investigate accident/incident reports, compiling findings and recommendations for corrective actions into summary reports.
Develop, implement and coordinate Safety, Health, and Environmental College‑wide training.
Assist with the design and development of facilities, work areas and work procedures and ensure implementation of environmental, health and safety requirements accordingly.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Emergency Response (30%)
Develop and maintain campus emergency management plan; assist in the related training of department and college staff while also maintaining related documentation.
Educate and assist College’s senior leadership team in understanding and preparing to execute their emergency response responsibilities.
Serve as the Warren Wilson College liaison to local allied emergency services agencies.
Respond to emergency situations, including after‑hours emergencies, as needed.
Coordinate the Emergency Response Team/Crisis Management Team and associated training.
Chair the Emergency Response Team.
Public Safety (20%)
Directly supervise the Lead Public Safety Officer (LPSO); in the LPSO’s absence directly supervise Public Safety Officers (PSOs).
Indirectionally supervise PSOs through the LPSO to ensure compliance with all campus and departmental policies, protocols, and standards.
Collaborate with Residence Life staff to maintain Clery Act Reporting data; compile relevant campus crime statistical information from local/county/state law enforcement agencies to be included in those data.
Write the Annual Security Report and submit the annual Campus Safety and Security Survey as required by the Clery Act, ensuring compliance with federal regulations related to the safety and security of the campus.
Serve on a variety of campus committees, task forces, and teams throughout the community.
Develop, review and update existing departmental policies and procedures as necessary.
Oversee and implement safety protocols and traffic planning for special events.
Conduct sensitive investigations (Title IX & personnel).
Maintain confidentiality.
Train in de‑escalation and work in partnership with Student Engagement to support students in crisis or with medical need.
Monitor the departmental budget.
Recruit, hire, and train staff and complete performance evaluations.
Perform related duties as assigned.
Working Conditions
Working hours may include evenings, holidays or weekends depending on deadline requirements and special events.
Must be physically capable of entering all campus facilities, able to drive appropriate vehicles, and work indoor and outdoor in all weather conditions.
Must be capable of lifting up to 50 pounds.
Must be capable of standing or walking for prolonged periods, walking up and down inclines, climbing stairs, and occasionally running, stooping, lunging, reaching, crawling, or other physical activities required to respond to calls.
Our Mission: Warren Wilson College’s distinctive approach to education intentionally integrates academics, work, and community engagement to cultivate curiosity, empathy, and integrity. We empower graduates to pursue meaningful careers and lead purposeful lives dedicated to a just, equitable, and sustainable world.
We are committed to a culture of educational access and to ensuring that all students and employees from a diverse range of identities and experiences will thrive in this community. We seek and support an engaged faculty and staff with a genuine interest in our innovative approach to education and the Progressive Promise for all, as well as a willingness to fully participate in the life of the College.
Warren Wilson College is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.
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This position is responsible for campus‑wide risk management, including insurance coordination and reporting and workplace safety. While this role provides oversight of the Public Safety department, the College is fortunate to have a strong leadership and supervisory oversight of officers. Overall, the emphasis of this role is to implement greater strategic preparedness, cross‑departmental collaboration, and supporting leaders in building and sustaining a culture of safety and readiness.
We are seeking a dynamic, relational leader with strong communication skills and a demonstrated ability to partner effectively with students, faculty, staff, and external agencies at the local, regional, and national levels. The ideal candidate will bring substantial experience in emergency management, risk assessment, and organizational planning. Some evening, holiday, and weekend hours are required in connection with emergency response and institutional communication needs.
Interested individuals should read further to learn more about the college and the responsibilities for this full‑time, exempt position. Applicants are required to submit a resume and cover letter that describes how your previous experience will contribute to the mission and Progressive Promise of Warren Wilson College.
First consideration will be given to candidates who apply by Sunday, May 3, 2026. All applications must be received electronically. Please be aware no relocation assistance is available for this position.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor’s degree in Emergency Management, Criminal Justice, Public Administration, Business, or related field.
Five years of combined professional risk management or emergency management experience, including at least two years of public safety/law enforcement experience, with progressive responsibility.
Three years of experience in a supervisory role.
Demonstrated experience planning and leading risk management or loss control initiatives and collaborating with insurance carriers.
Demonstrated ability to effectively problem solve and handle sensitive situations.
Demonstrated evidence of detail orientation, customer service orientation, ability to work independently, and significant levels of responsibility required.
Evidence of working knowledge of reporting practices related to the Clery Act.
Demonstrated commitment to working effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
Demonstrated leadership, interpersonal, written and oral communication, problem‑solving, organizational and presentation skills.
Computer proficiency in MS Office and/or Google Suite.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of budget management principles.
Knowledge of public safety principles as related to college campuses.
OSHA 30 hour certification.
CPR, First Aid Instructor.
Evidence of experience in handling dynamic critical incidents.
Additional experience in working with college/university constituencies and local, state and federal law enforcement agencies.
Possess knowledge of federal and state laws related to higher education campus security (such as Title IX, VAWA) along with investigative experience.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Risk Management (50%)
Develop and implement institutional Risk Management program plans to assist in the tracking and documentation of OSHA requirements and institutional safety training.
Review and update policies, programs, and procedures ensuring inclusion of any new legal requirements for risk management specific to OSHA.
Serve as primary point of contact for the College’s insurer; interpret insurance coverages and communicate policy and procedure changes to appropriate users.
Ensure completion of building life‑safety systems inspections and required documentation.
Serve as a campus resource for all risk management related issues for risk and insurance issues in all College activities.
Design, direct and coordinate risk programs of the College to control exposures and minimize loss.
Be responsible for the claim filing process for property and liability incidents.
Conduct site assessments, reviews and self‑inspections, analyze and interpret results, recommend appropriate corrective actions, communicate results and follow up on issues or concerns until completion.
Develop, implement and maintain Warren Wilson College policies and procedures ensuring adherence to local, state, and federal environmental, health and safety regulations. Keep abreast of changes to laws and regulations that impact the organization. Serve as a contact with federal, state, and local regulatory bodies.
Be responsible for conducting and evaluating periodic safety, fire and/or hazardous conditions or substance inspection of all College facilities, equipment and employee work practices; recommend changes and coordinate implementation.
Authority to issue safety directions and, when necessary, suspend work in any location deemed unsafe; once safety protocols are met, have sole authority to resume work at the suspended job site.
Review and investigate accident/incident reports, compiling findings and recommendations for corrective actions into summary reports.
Develop, implement and coordinate Safety, Health, and Environmental College‑wide training.
Assist with the design and development of facilities, work areas and work procedures and ensure implementation of environmental, health and safety requirements accordingly.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Emergency Response (30%)
Develop and maintain campus emergency management plan; assist in the related training of department and college staff while also maintaining related documentation.
Educate and assist College’s senior leadership team in understanding and preparing to execute their emergency response responsibilities.
Serve as the Warren Wilson College liaison to local allied emergency services agencies.
Respond to emergency situations, including after‑hours emergencies, as needed.
Coordinate the Emergency Response Team/Crisis Management Team and associated training.
Chair the Emergency Response Team.
Public Safety (20%)
Directly supervise the Lead Public Safety Officer (LPSO); in the LPSO’s absence directly supervise Public Safety Officers (PSOs).
Indirectionally supervise PSOs through the LPSO to ensure compliance with all campus and departmental policies, protocols, and standards.
Collaborate with Residence Life staff to maintain Clery Act Reporting data; compile relevant campus crime statistical information from local/county/state law enforcement agencies to be included in those data.
Write the Annual Security Report and submit the annual Campus Safety and Security Survey as required by the Clery Act, ensuring compliance with federal regulations related to the safety and security of the campus.
Serve on a variety of campus committees, task forces, and teams throughout the community.
Develop, review and update existing departmental policies and procedures as necessary.
Oversee and implement safety protocols and traffic planning for special events.
Conduct sensitive investigations (Title IX & personnel).
Maintain confidentiality.
Train in de‑escalation and work in partnership with Student Engagement to support students in crisis or with medical need.
Monitor the departmental budget.
Recruit, hire, and train staff and complete performance evaluations.
Perform related duties as assigned.
Working Conditions
Working hours may include evenings, holidays or weekends depending on deadline requirements and special events.
Must be physically capable of entering all campus facilities, able to drive appropriate vehicles, and work indoor and outdoor in all weather conditions.
Must be capable of lifting up to 50 pounds.
Must be capable of standing or walking for prolonged periods, walking up and down inclines, climbing stairs, and occasionally running, stooping, lunging, reaching, crawling, or other physical activities required to respond to calls.
Our Mission: Warren Wilson College’s distinctive approach to education intentionally integrates academics, work, and community engagement to cultivate curiosity, empathy, and integrity. We empower graduates to pursue meaningful careers and lead purposeful lives dedicated to a just, equitable, and sustainable world.
We are committed to a culture of educational access and to ensuring that all students and employees from a diverse range of identities and experiences will thrive in this community. We seek and support an engaged faculty and staff with a genuine interest in our innovative approach to education and the Progressive Promise for all, as well as a willingness to fully participate in the life of the College.
Warren Wilson College is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.
#J-18808-Ljbffr