<p>Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, the Associate Vice President for Emergency and Environmental Risk Services (AVP, ERS) will lead a newly unified safety and risk management function at Syracuse University. This strategic role consolidates fire and life safety, occupational health and safety, environmental compliance, hazardous materials, research safety, SU Ambulance, medical transport, non-law enforcement emergency response and global safety services, for purposes of greater business continuity, into a single enterprise-wide department. The AVP will provide executive direction for all non-law enforcement emergency and safety services, ensuring consistent compliance with federal, state, and university regulations. Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to, setting the program vision and goals, supervising senior ERS staff, and aligning resources and policies across campus.</p> <p>The AVP will serve as the university's principal safety and emergency services executive, working closely with the CFO, Risk & Compliance, and other campus partners. This position will develop and implement integrated policies and procedures (in consultation with campus emergency management, public safety, Auxiliary and Facilities services and Academic Affairs) to protect students, employees, and research activities. The AVP will represent the university in regulatory reviews in partnerships with external agencies (e.g. Fire and EMS departments) and will report regularly on risk metrics to the CFO and other campus stakeholders. In summary, this role provides high-level leadership and coordination for all aspects of Syracuse's ERS and non-law enforcement emergency response programs, ensuring that personnel, training, and systems are managed in a unified and efficient way.</p> <p>Education and Experience</p> <ul> <li>Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Occupational Safety, Engineering, Public Health or a related field (Master's or professional degree preferred) </li><li>Ten (10 plus years of progressively responsible experience in environmental health, safety, or emergency management roles, including significant supervisory or leadership experience. </li><li>Demonstrated experience leading safety and compliance programs in a complex organization (higher education, healthcare, manufacturing, or government). </li><li>In-depth knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations affecting ERS programs (OSHA, EPA, NYS DEC, NYC Fire Code, etc.). </li><li>Successful track record managing sizable budgets and diverse professional staff (e.g., safety officers, industrial hygienists, emergency planners). </li><li>Strong background in program development, policy writing, and training in safety, laboratory, and environmental compliance. </li><li>Professional certifications (e.g. Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH), Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) or similar) and familiarity with risk management principles preferred. </li><li>Experience with emergency preparedness and incident command systems. </li></ul> <p>Skills and Knowledge</p> <ul> <li>Strategic Leadership: Proven ability to set vision and drive strategic direction for a multi-disciplinary safety organization. Strong leadership skills to mentor managers and inspire a collaborative safety culture. </li><li>Regulatory Expertise: Mastery of ERS regulations and standards. Ability to interpret complex regulatory requirements and translate them into effective university policies and practices. </li><li>Emergency Response: Expertise in non-law enforcement emergency response. </li><li>Analytical & Planning Skills: Detail-oriented and data-driven, able to analyze safety data and risk assessments. Skilled in project planning and continuous improvement initiatives. </li><li>Decision-Making: Excellent judgment and decision-making ability under pressure, including prioritizing actions during emergencies and regulatory changes. </li><li>Financial Acumen: Competence in developing and managing operating budgets; ability to align financial resources with strategic ERS goals. </li><li>Communication & Collaboration: Outstanding written and verbal communication. Able to articulate ERS issues clearly to diverse audiences (executive leadership, faculty, staff, regulators). Strong customer service and stakeholder engagement orientation. </li><li>Interpersonal Skills: Collaborative approach with high interpersonal skills; adept at building consensus among stakeholders across campus. </li><li>Technical Proficiency: Working knowledge of modern ERS information systems and compliance tracking tools. Aptitude for learning emerging technologies related to safety and sustainability. </li></ul> <p>Responsibilities</p> <p>Strategic Leadership & Integration:</p> <ul> <li>Serve as the executive leader of the ERS unit, providing vision and oversight for all safety, health, and emergency programs. </li><li>Oversee department heads (e.g. Environmental Compliance, Research Safety, Fire/Life and Occupational Safety, Emergency Management, SU Ambulance and Global Safety Services) to ensure their functions are fully integrated. </li><li>Develop and implement long-range ERS strategy and performance metrics. </li><li>Mentor and evaluate senior staff, and coordinate with the CFO and other executives to align the ERS mission with university priorities. </li><li>Ensure that emergency response, fire prevention, occupational safety, hazardous materials, and environmental programs operate as a cohesive enterprise to support Syracuse's academic and operational goals. </li></ul> <p>Regulatory Compliance & Risk Management:</p> <ul> <li>Lead the creation and administration of comprehensive safety and compliance programs across campus. </li><li>Ensure adherence to relevant regulations (e.g., OSHA, EPA, EPA, NFPA, Department of Transportation (hazardous materials). </li><li>Direct audits, inspections, and incident investigations to identify hazards and enforce mitigation. </li><li>Develop and revise university-wide policies, procedures and training to meet evolving standards. </li><li>Advise university leadership on regulatory trends and risk management, and coordinate with Risk & Compliance to maintain an effective enterprise risk framework. For example, this role will drive the ERS compliance scorecard efforts and close identified gaps in safety programs. </li></ul> <p>Policy & Program Development:</p> <ul> <li>Manage the continuous improvement of safety and health initiatives. </li><li>Establish and update policies, standards, and educational programs in fire safety, lab safety, chemical hygiene, industrial hygiene, and hazard communication. </li><li>Oversee the development of training and outreach programs to build a strong safety culture. </li><li>Ensure the integration of training resources, including any shared services with Facilities and Auxiliary Services. Evaluate new technologies and best practices for workplace and laboratory safety. </li><li>Serve on relevant committees and task forces to ensure ERS considerations are incorporated into research planning, construction projects, and campus operations. </li></ul> <p>Financial & Resource Management:</p> <ul> <li>Administer the ERS budget and optimize resource allocation. </li><li>Collaborate with the CFO to set and adjust budget targets for ERS programs. </li><li>Monitor expenditures for regulatory projects (e.g. remediation, training, inspections) and negotiate contracts with vendors and consultants. </li><li>Recommend staffing levels and manage hiring or redeployment of personnel to meet unit needs. </li><li>Identify cost efficiencies, such as shared services for health surveillance or waste removal. </li><li>Provide regular financial and operational reports to the CFO and University leadership. </li></ul> <p>Communication & Stakeholder Engagement:</p> <ul> <li>Act as the principal ERS ambassador to the Syracuse community and external agencies. </li><li>Communicate ERS plans, requirements, and performance to faculty, staff, and students through reports, presentations, and liaison meetings. </li><li>Coordinate with campus partners (Faculty Senate, deans, department heads) to support research safety and compliance activities. </li><li>Represent Syracuse in professional forums (e.g. CSHEMA, local fire marshals, regional safety councils) and maintain relationships with regulatory bodies. </li><li>Prepare executive briefings and Board reports on ERS metrics, incidents, and risk issues, ensuring transparency and continuous improvement. </li><li>Other duties as assigned. </li></ul> <p>Physical Requirements</p> <p>NA</p> <p>Tools/Equipment</p> <p>NA</p> <p>Application Instructions</p> <p>In addition to completing an online application, please attach a resume and cover letter.</p>