The County of San Mateo Department of Emergency Management (SMC EM) is seeking a dynamic Program Services Manager II to 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 position with 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 PST for a LinkedIn Live info session about the Program Services Manager II role 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 ForThe Right Mindset: You embody our RISE values—driving Innovation with "what if?" thinking, building Synergy through collaboration, delivering Excellence through 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.
