Associate Vice President - Emergency Management

Job Summary

The Assistant Vice President (AVP) of Emergency Management for Advocate Health is responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining comprehensive emergency maagement response programs to ensure the safety, security, and operational continuity of patients, teammates, facilities, and information systems of the enterprise. This role involves coordinating emergency preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation efforts. The AVP will work closely with internal and external stakeholders to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations and accreditation standards.

Essential Functions
 

1. Program Development and Management:
   • Revamps and redesigns process, leads operational improvements, reengineers underperforming areas, increases communication and accountability, and creates consistency across the enterprise.
   • Develop and oversee the implementation of emergency management including cybersecurity incident/event response plans, policies, and procedures.
   • Ensure the programs align with the healthcare system’s strategic goals and regulatory requirements.
   • Conduct regular risk assessments and vulnerability analyses to identify potential hazards including the impact of cyber threats and develop mitigation strategies.
2. Emergency Preparedness:
   • Coordinate the development and delivery of emergency preparedness training and exercises for teammates at all levels.
   • Ensure effective relationships with local, state, and federal emergency management agencies and other relevant organizations.
   • Ensure all facilities within the enterprise are equipped with necessary emergency supplies and equipment.
   • Chairs the Emergency Management Committee. Participates as a member of the Enterprise Risk Management Core Team. 
3. Cybersecurity Preparedness:
   • Partner with the information technology team in the development and implementation of a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy to ensure business continuity and protect the healthcare system’s digital assets.
4. Response Coordination:
   • In conjunction with the enterprise chief medical officer, serve as the primary point of contact for leaders during emergency events, coordinating response efforts across the enterprise to ensure patient and teammate safety during an incident/event.
   • Develop and maintain an effective communication and accountability plan for disseminating information during emergencies. 
   • Ensure an organized, structured activation and operation of the Emergency Management Command Center during incidents using the National Incident Management System (NIMS) model.
   • Lead incident response efforts for cybersecurity breaches, coordinating with information technology and other relevant departments.
5. Recovery and Mitigation:
   • Lead recovery efforts post-emergency and post-cyber incident, including damage assessment, resource allocation, and coordination with external agencies.
   • Develop and implement long-term mitigation strategies to enhance the healthcare system’s resilience against future emergencies and cyber threats.
6. Regulatory Compliance and Reporting:
   • Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations, standards, and guidelines related to emergency management and cybersecurity.
   • Prepare and submit required reports to regulatory agencies and accrediting bodies.
   • Conduct regular audits and assessments of the emergency management and cybersecurity programs, and implement corrective actions as needed.
7. Leadership and Collaboration:
   • Manages emergency management departmental teammates including handling all personnel and disciplinary requirements.
   • Prepares and manages departmental budget.
   • Leads project teams consisting of a wide range of personnel in all facets of emergency management.
   • Foster a culture of preparedness, resilience, and cybersecurity awareness throughout the healthcare system.
   • Collaborate with other departments and stakeholders to integrate emergency management principles into daily operations.  Designs and directs the work of the functional area. Selects, coaches, and develops the team, setting objectives that align with company strategy to inspire and motivate the team. Manages organizational talent through performance management, succession planning, and development. Designs and directs processes by which team and individual performance are recognized, feedback is consistently delivered, and performance is systematically improved.
   • Develops and/or recommends operating and capital budgets and controls expenditures within approved budget objectives.

Physical Requirements

Works primarily in a hybrid office setting. Major activities require sitting, walking, and the use of personal computer and telephone. Site assessments and investigative work may require access to any part of the Enterprise. Will travel to Enterprise facilities, which requires driving and walking. Must be able to carry up to 20 pounds of materials. Personal protective equipment such as gloves, goggles, gowns and masks are sometimes required due to possible exposure to hazardous chemicals or blood and body fluids.

Education, Experience and Certifications
 

• Master’s degree in Emergency Management, Cybersecurity, Public Health, Healthcare Administration, or a related field (Doctorate degree preferred).
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in emergency management (focus on cybersecurity preferred), with at least 5 years in a leadership role within a healthcare setting.
• Certification in Emergency Management (e.g., CEM, CHEP) and Cybersecurity (e.g., CISSP, CISM) preferred.