Description

Reporting to the Preparedness Section Manager, the Continuity Program Manager is responsible to administer and provide expert-level coordination for statewide continuity of government and continuity of operation activities across all levels and branches of state and local government including state agencies, Tribal Nations, counties, and cities, and in coordination with federal government agencies.  This position works under the administrative direction and provides continuity policy and decision-making guidance to EMD's executive management and the executive, legislative and judicial branches of government at all levels.  In addition, this position represents EMD in emergency and continuity planning related areas for the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC).  

The state's Emergency Management Division is a civilian (non-military) division of the Washington Military Department.

About the Washington Military Department
Protecting people is our passion.  At the Washington Military Department, we combine our unique talents to create safer communities and ensure our neighbors and loved ones can recover from whatever emergency might arise.  Our agency unites civilian employees with members of the Washington National Guard, creating a team that is deeply committed to public service.  We go home at night knowing that our day-to-day work supports activities that truly make a difference.  Whether that's partnering with our communities to prepare for a disaster, leading an emergency response, hiring top-notch talent or supporting at-risk kids at our Washington Youth Academy - the Washington Military Department seeks to safeguard our way of life and those that call Washington home.

In addition to job fulfillment, the Washington Military Department offers an excellent benefits package which includes exceptional health care coverage, a retirement savings plan, and job training opportunities. 

To learn more about the Washington Military Department, visit: www.mil.wa.gov     

Duties:

• Serve as the principal subject matter expert and technical expert providing technical assistance, coordination and facilitation of the development,
• Provide technical assistance, coordination, and facilitation of the development and management of a Continuity of Government (COG) program that addresses how essential government functions and services will continue to be provided before, during, and following events and incidents, including catastrophic incidents.
• Coordinate with the Interagency Continuity Committee (ICC) leadership team for continuity of operations by state agencies and validate each state agency's completion of continuity of operations plans and annual exercises in accordance with state RCWs, executive orders, and directives.
• Local jurisdiction continuity subject matter expert providing information, outreach and education to local government emergency managers, officials, or Tribal representatives regarding continuity of operations and continuity of government.
• Serve in the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) Planning Section as the continuity planner for response activities, coordinating with affected state agencies, Tribal Nations, local jurisdictions (counties and cities), and federal agencies.  Assist to ensure program or section maintains compliance with the Emergency Management Accreditation Program (EMAP) guidelines and is prepared for regularly scheduled audits.

Requirements

REQUIRED

Option 1:

One year of experience as an Emergency Management Program Specialist 3, 

OR

Option 2:

• A Bachelor's degree, and 
• Five years of professional level experience in continuity of operations, emergency management, homeland security, financial management (grant management, contracting, claims management, budgeting), training/education, public information/affairs, program/project management, scientific environmental analysis/planning, civil/structural engineering, legislative affairs, or urban planning, AND
• One year of experience in positions responsible for preparing, designing, exercising or reviewing continuity of operations plans, AND 

In addition to one of the two options above:

Two years of applied experience in at least two of the following:

• Program management (coordinating, monitoring, and evaluating a project or program having a specific goal to be achieved within a specific time frame). 
• Developing, preparing, monitoring, briefing, and evaluating budgets for grants and evaluating grants/contracts for federal, state, local governments, or private entities.
• Conducting research and analysis of policy. 
• Operational experience in government or private sector in continuity of operations, emergency preparedness, mitigation or recovery programs.

Additional qualifying experience will substitute, year for year, for the education requirement. A Master's degree or Ph.D. degree will substitute for one year of the experience requirement. 

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge/Experience:

• Subject matter expertise in continuity planning, response and recovery. 
• Continuity and emergency management, preparedness, mitigation, response and recovery activities.
• Emergency Operations Center or similar operational environment at the program or operational level.

Skills, abilities, and competencies to:

• Develop, prepare, monitor, brief, and evaluate budgets including evaluation or progress versus projected expenditures patterns. 
• Develop professional program recommendations for continuity, preparedness, response and recovery activities.  
• Research, analyze, understand, and communicate complex interdependent Continuity of Government and/or Continuity of Operations program issues. 
• Coordinate policy and executive issues across affected agencies, internal program staff, and stakeholders. 
• Provide program specific information, public education, and emergency preparedness training to internal and external stakeholders.  
• Actively demonstrate a commitment to learning and growth.
• Demonstrate a willingness to take action to understand and meet the needs of others.
• Use Microsoft Office software programs for completion of variety of special reports, to include development of budgets, grant requests, training materials, exercise documents, letters, program-specific materials, and related support documentation.

For more information about this position or to apply online visit www.careers.wa.gov or Continuity Program Manager.

This job posting closes on Thursday, October 1, 2026, at 11:59 PM Pacific.