Emergency Management Directors

This is not an entry-level career. Emergency management directors must have at least five—but ideally 10—years of work experience in disaster planning, emergency response, or public administration to be qualified for this position. Many EMDs obtained this experience in lower-level emergency management positions or in the armed forces, fire service, or law enforcement.

Emergency management directors need a variety of computer skills and knowledge. For example, they need to be able to use database user interface and query, geographic information systems, map creation, project management, enterprise resource planning, spreadsheet, and analytical or scientific software to collect, analyze, visualize, present, and share data.

In terms of soft skills, emergency management directors must be excellent communicators. They must be able to prepare detailed emergency response plans and convey this information in writing and via presentations (including in high-pressure emergency situations). Strong interpersonal skills are also important because EMDs will need to collaborate with city department heads, county and municipal officials, and others during emergencies and non-emergency situations. They also need strong leadership ability in order to organize and inspire subordinates to do their best work in both everyday and emergency situations. Directors need top-notch analytical and critical-thinking skills to create effective emergency response plans, while also being able to think quickly and creatively as conditions evolve during an emergency. Other important traits include determination, flexibility, and strong time-management abilities.