Director of Fire and Emergency Services

The Director of Fire and Emergency Services is responsible for the overall operations of the Fire and Emergency Services Unit. This is an administrative, technical and specialized fire protection, code consultation and enforcement, and emergency preparedness position.
The Director is responsible for planning, administering and directing the University's fire and emergency services program. The Director is charged with the enforcement of all laws, ordinances and regulations pertaining to prevention, investigation, fire suppression methods, and training. This position establishes policies, procedures and standards for all University buildings.

This position meets regularly with University, City, State, and Federal stakeholders to obtain cooperation and support for the department’s programs. This position also serves as the liaison between the Department of Public Safety and the Philadelphia Fire Department and Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management. Serves on numerous Drexel University, Civic, City, State and Federal committees.

Additionally, the Director has overall responsibility for the continual updating of the University-wide Emergency Preparedness and Response Program and Plans.

• Plans, administers, and directs the University's fire and emergency services program.
• Oversees enforcement of all laws, ordinances, codes and regulations pertaining to prevention, investigation, fire suppression methods and training.
• Develops life safety policies, procedures and standards for all University buildings.
• Oversees continual updating of the University Emergency Preparedness Plans and Systems and is responsible for the organization, scheduling, execution and monitoring of emergency preparedness drills, tabletop exercises, building evacuation drills.
• Oversees the training and development goals and accomplishments for Department of Public Safety Fire and Emergency Services staff members.
• Provides fire safety education and training for all Drexel University campuses and constituents
• Serves as liaison and coordinator between Public Safety, The Philadelphia Fire Department, Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management, and University City Emergency Preparedness Steering Team (UCEPT) as required.
• Reviews plans for new or renovated campus construction for compliance with both the Philadelphia Fire Code and adopted University fire safety standards.
• Oversees monthly inspections and testing of building fire alarm, sprinkler, standpipe and emergency lighting systems, as well as code compliance inspections of laboratories, residential life areas, fraternity/sorority housing and other campus facilities as needed. Takes appropriate corrective action to correct deficiencies.
• Liaisons and advises the Drexel University EMS (a student organization).
• All employees of the Department of Public Safety are considered “essential” personnel.
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

• Minimum of a Bachelor's Degree in Public Administration, Fire Science or a related field, or the equivalent combination of education and work experience. (Please review the Equivalency Chart for additional information.)
• Minimum of 7 years progressive management and command experience in the fire and life safety field, including:
  
  • Extensive experience in critical incident and disaster planning and management;
  • Extensive professional training in fire, safety and hazardous materials;
  • Experience as a fire marshal;
  • Knowledge of management of hazmat incidents.
• Valid driver’s license from the state of residence.

• Master's Degree in Public Administration, Fire Science or a related field.
• Excellent report writing and presentation skills.
• Ability to establish on-going working relationships with government regulators and code compliance authorities.
• Experience working in a college or university.
• Knowledge of local, state, and national fire codes and regulations pertaining to fire safety and fire code compliance.
• Knowledge of the principles of emergency management/disaster response and recovery.
• Knowledge of organizational and personnel management skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work within a team setting.
• Ability to use computer database and spreadsheet programs.
• Ability to locate and use appropriate technical resources in fire safety.
• Ability to lift and carry materials and equipment.
• Physically able to serve on response team.
• Be available for after-hours response.
• Developed professional presentation skills.

• Typically sitting at a desk/table
• Typically standing, walking

• University City - Philadelphia, PA

Additional Information
This position is classified as Exempt, grade N. Compensation for this grade ranges from $90,430.00 to $135,640.00 per year. Please note that the offered rate for this position typically aligns with the minimum to midrange of this grade, but it can vary based on the successful candidate’s qualifications and experience, department budget, and an internal equity review.

Applicants are encouraged to explore the Professional Staff salary structure and Compensation Guidelines & Policies for more details on Drexel’s compensation framework. For information about benefits, please review Drexel’s Benefits Brochure.

Special Instructions to the Applicant
Please make sure you upload your CV/resume and cover letter when submitting your application.

A review of applicants will begin once a suitable candidate pool is identified.

Advertised: May 20 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: Jun 20 2026 Eastern Daylight Time

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