Professionals such as emergency management directors assess past hazards and future risks to prepare emergency responses that reduce potential costs, community displacement, and injuries or deaths caused by disasters. Satisfying employers’ emergency management director requirements typically means having the right educational foundation and several years of experience in a field that involves emergencies.  

Individuals who aspire to fill an emergency management director position should consider the benefits of an advanced degree in emergency management to prepare for this rewarding and vital role. 

What Does an Emergency Management Director Do? 

Emergency management directors help prepare governments and communities for effective responses to natural disasters and emergencies by studying past incidents. Additionally, they help lead the response during emergencies by coordinating and communicating with different groups and agencies. They’re also responsible for assessing the damage and evaluating the effectiveness of their plans after emergencies, making improvements where necessary. 

An emergency management director’s duties include not only understanding proper emergency responses but also developing responses that make the best use of available resources. They assess which agencies can mobilize in different areas and how quickly they can do so. They also assess the equipment and staff available to each organization and coordinate with other states or communities to send crucial supplies as needed. 

Emergency management directors may also be responsible for sharing emergency response plans with the public. They may directly visit professionals at community centers, schools, hospitals and other locations to share emergency procedures, as these sites are often used as emergency shelters. They may also help develop social media campaigns to raise awareness of potential disasters and show the public how to safely prepare, including when to evacuate or shelter in place. 

Where Do Emergency Management Directors Work? 

Given that emergencies affect every sector, emergency management directors have various employment opportunities. They may work for local or state government agencies, nonprofit disaster relief organizations, hospitals or universities, with a focus on supporting and mitigating damage for specific communities and populations. However, they may also work for private organizations and focus on internal disaster relief to ensure that a company’s equipment, staff, customers and facilities are secure and prepared for emergencies. 

While emergency management directors typically work in office environments researching disaster policy and coordinating response plans, they often travel and work on-site during natural disasters. They may also travel to coordinate with different organizations, conduct face-to-face meetings, give presentations or learn from other emergency management professionals at seminars. 

What Are the Emergency Management Director Requirements? 

Employers’ emergency management director requirements can vary, though they typically require a minimum level of education and several years of work experience. Some employers may also require or prefer that directors earn certifications to demonstrate expertise in the field. 

Education 

Most employers require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in emergency management or a related field, such as public health, public administration, government or environmental science. Professionals can also benefit from an advanced degree in emergency management, covering topics such as risk assessment, communication and emergency leadership. 

Work Experience 

Emergency management directors take leadership roles during disasters, so employers often look for candidates with a proven track record and familiarity with the field. Employers typically prefer those who have held a related position for several years, although some professionals may be able to substitute advanced education for work experience. Careers paths that can lead to emergency management director positions include: 

• Military 

• Law enforcement 

• Fire safety 

• Safety analysis 

• Disaster recovery 

Certification 

While not always required, some employers may prefer that applicants have specific certifications. For example, some may require applicants to hold the certified emergency manager (CEM) certification offered by the International Association of Emergency Managers. This credential requires passing a multiple-choice exam and completing a combined 200 hours of training in emergency management and general management, although portions of the emergency management hourly requirement can be substituted with a recent emergency management degree. 

Another certification for emergency management directors is the certified business continuity professional (CBCP) credential offered by Disaster Recovery Institute International. This credential focuses on the business continuity and disaster recovery industry and is designed for leaders who have already been working in the field. Applicants must have two years of experience in the field, pass a qualifying exam, complete five subject matter essays and provide professional references. 

Emergency Management Director Job Outlook and Salary 

The job outlook for emergency management directors is positive. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), these positions are expected to increase by three percent between 2024 and 2034, in line with growth projections for all occupations. The BLS adds that emergency management is critical for businesses and organizations to maintain operations and will thus remain in demand.  

The median annual salary for emergency management directors in 2024 was $86,130, according to the BLS. Those working for local governments made $81,130, while directors employed at hospitals earned $96,650 and those working for professional, technical and scientific organizations made $122,610. 

Make a Difference as an Emergency Management Director 

Becoming an emergency management director can positively impact the lives of those in communities devastated by disasters, helping citizens evacuate safely and ensuring that organizations prepare their staff with the proper protocols. SEMO Online’s Master of Science in Emergency Management and Preparedness degree program is dedicated to preparing graduates for this critical role.  

The program is designed to help students learn to lead effectively when disaster strikes, including providing support after a disaster and communicating with local organizations. As an online program, it allows students to enroll without relocating, and the flexible schedule means that they can work while advancing their education. 

Discover your potential in managing emergency responses with SEMO Online. 

Recommended Readings 

Sources: 

DRI International, Certified Business Continuity Professional (CBCP) 
Indeed, “What Does an Emergency Management Director Do?” 
International Association of Emergency Managers, AEM & CEM Initial Certification Requirements 
National Centers for Environmental Information, Billion-Dollar Weather and Climate Disasters, Summary Stats 
National Centers for Environmental Information, Billion-Dollar Weather and Climate Disasters, Time Series 
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Emergency Management Directors