Emergency management directors prepare plans and procedures for responding to natural disasters or other emergencies. They also help lead the response during and after emergencies, often in coordination with public safety officials, elected officials, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies.

Most emergency management directors work for state or local governments. However, others may work for private companies, hospitals, or nonprofit organizations.

Emergency management directors typically need a bachelor’s degree, as well as multiple years of work experience in emergency response, disaster planning, or public administration.

Employment of emergency management directors is projected to grow 6 percent from 2014 to 2024, about as fast as the average for all occupations. A growing number of emergency management directors will be needed to develop response plans to protect people and property, and to limit the damage from emergencies and disasters.

This occupation supported 9,900 jobs in 2012 and 10,500 jobs in 2014, reflecting an increase of 6.1%. In 2012, this occupation was projected to increase by 8.1% in 2022 to 10,700 jobs. As of 2014, to keep pace with prediction, the expected number of jobs was 10,000, compared with an observed value of 10,500, 5.0% higher than expected. This indicates current employment trends are much better than the 2012 trend within this occupation. In 2014, this occupation was projected to increase by 7.1% in 2024 to 11,200 jobs. Linear extrapolation of the 2012 projection for 2022 results in an expected number of 10,800 jobs for 2024, 3.6% lower than the 2014 projection for 2024. This indicates expectations for future employment trends are better than the 2012 trend within this occupation.