The Watch Command unit within the Response bureau monitors citywide radio frequencies; local, national, and international media; and weather forecasts 24 hours per day, seven days per week. They function as the central notification point for NYC, transmitting notifications to agencies and Notify NYC messages. Watch Command also dispatches Citywide Interagency Coordinators, deploys the Interagency Communications Vehicle and in support of incident command, dispatches assets, subject matter experts and request additional agency support when necessary.

The Watch Command unit is seeking a Program Manager. With minimal supervision from the Director, Watch Command and latitude for independent initiative and judgment, the Program Manager will manage and oversee the daily operation of unit, including but not limited to the following:

Duties and Responsibilities:
- Ensuring all aspects of day-to-day Unit Operations are addressed, operational and administrative issues are identified, corrected, and contingencies are in place to ensure operational continuity.
- Ensuring the unit's Continuity of Operations Plan remains operational and tested regularly.
- Coordinating administrative staff issues including, but not limited to, scheduling, timekeeping, overtime management, training, and performance evaluation.
- Creating, assisting with, and participating in employee professional development initiatives, including unit-based training and agency drills and exercises.
- Performing personnel development program reviews and activities to ensure the unit continues to operate effectively and efficiently at the enhanced and professional level established by agency Executive Staff (NYCEM Commissioner, First Deputy Commissioner, and the Deputy Commissioners of the Response Bureau).
- Assisting with implementing new operational or administrative policy and procedural guidelines, standard operating procedures, newly deployed equipment systems, and emerging technologies.
- Assisting with developing and/or maintaining a unit strategic plan, including evaluating unit operations to establish best practices.
- Coordinating with members of the NYCEM Response Bureau management team to ensure that Watch Command operations and activities are seamlessly integrated with those of the Public Warning Unit and that both units are operating cohesively and effectively.
- Providing guidance and managerial oversight to unit personnel during daily public safety incidents that adversely impact New York City and require a multiagency response, including, but not limited to, confirming the scope and nature of incidents, ensuring that agency notifications are performed, analyzing information from multiple sources, preparing reports for dissemination to Executive Staff and senior officials of the City, and interfacing with the City's Emergency Operations Center (EOC);
- Representing the Director of Watch Command at meetings, public appearances, and/or other scheduled events.
- Offsetting work hours to ensure 24-hours managerial unit coverage and oversight during large-scale emergencies and/or major incidents.
- Serving as a Watch Command Supervisor on a contingent basis in order to fill staffing gaps.
- Other duties as assigned by the Deputy Commissioner of Response, Assistant Commissioner of Response, or Director of Watch Command.

Work Schedule:
The selected candidate will be assigned to work a Monday to Friday administrative-based schedule that may include a reporting time that falls within non-business hours and will be subject to reassignment to other shifts during emergencies or as dictated by the agency's needs.


*PLEASE NOTE: The selected candidate will be assigned to an on-call Emergency Operations Center (EOC) team and will be expected to work non-business hours during some emergencies. These non-business hours include nights, weekends, holidays, and extended week hours outside of a 9AM-5PM schedule. The selected candidate will also participate in trainings to build skills and competencies in emergency response; will participate in drills and exercises associated with the on-call EOC team; and may volunteer to assist with Ready NY emergency preparedness presentations to external groups. EOC teams are on call for three weeks at a time, with six weeks off in between.

**PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING:

- The selected candidate will be assigned to an on-call Emergency Operations Center (EOC) team and will be expected to work non-business hours during some emergencies. These non-business hours include nights, weekends, holidays, and extended week hours outside of a 9AM-5PM schedule. The selected candidate will also participate in trainings to build skills and competencies in emergency response; will participate in drills and exercises associated with the on-call EOC team; and may volunteer to assist with Ready NY emergency preparedness presentations to external groups. EOC teams are on call for three weeks at a time, with six weeks off in between.

- This position is grant funded through 8/24/2024 with the possibility of an extension

- IN ORDER TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS JOB, PLEASE SUBMIT A SEPARATE COVER LETTER IN THE ATTACHMENTS SECTION OF THE APPLICATION PORTAL.

1. A master’s degree from an accredited college in emergency management, public administration, urban planning, engineering, economics, political science, the physical sciences or related field and one year of satisfactory full-time professional experience in one or a combination of the following: emergency management, fire, police, or military service, public safety, public health, public administration, urban planning, engineering, or another specialized area to which the appointment is to be made; or
2. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college and two years of satisfactory full-time professional experience in the areas listed in “1” above; or
3. A four-year high school diploma or its educational equivalent approved by a state’s
department of education or a recognized accrediting organization and six years of satisfactory full-time professional experience in the areas listed in “1” above, at least two years of which must have been in one of those areas, or another specialized area to which the appointment is to be made.

- Proven leadership capabilities - Strong interpersonal and supervisory skills - Strong analytical skills - Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint) - Proficiency with GIS (geographic information systems) helpful - Strong project management skills - Strong writing and communications skills - Experience with public safety communications systems - Familiarity and proficiency in operating with emerging technologies - Ability to work in dynamic, high-stress environments - Prior Watch Command or other public safety experience **Studies have shown that women, people of color, and other under-represented groups are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they are able to perform every task in the job description. We are interested in finding the best candidate for the job and will consider any equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education and experience to meet qualifications. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.**

As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website at https://studentaid.gov/pslf/

New York City residency is generally required within 90 days of appointment. However, City Employees in certain titles who have worked for the City for 2 continuous years may also be eligible to reside in Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Westchester, Rockland, or Orange County. To determine if the residency requirement applies to you, please discuss with the agency representative at the time of interview.

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.