Assistance, Office of

Homeland Security Program Director Job Announcement Code(s):  12-02427

The Office of Justice Assistance (OJA) is responsible for managing a variety of federal and state programs related to public safety and the justice system.  Currently, the agency manages over $24 million per year in federal and state funds and assists in establishing and supporting Executive Branch policies, plans and programs.  The Office of Justice Assistance is located in the heart of downtown Madison across from the Capitol. http://oja.state.wi.us/ 

Job Duties:  

Under the general direction of the Executive Director, this position manages an experienced, highly skilled staff that is administering OJA?s Homeland Security (HS) program.  HS unit activities include federal program compliance, state strategic planning, federal grant administration, public safety radio interoperability policy, citizen and private sector involvement in HS activities. The position is responsible for development of state policies and strategies; recommending and implementing guidelines and policies; acting as the principal program/policy advisor to the Governor?s office and OJA?s executive and management teams; and representing the State in dealings with local and federal governments, tribes and other state agencies.  The position requires specialized knowledge and experience in one of the disciplines within the Homeland Security area?fire, law enforcement, security, intelligence, emergency response?and the ability to recruit and supervise professional staff with similar credentials.  The position supervises staff assigned to the Homeland Security Unit, tracks and interprets state and federal laws and programs related to Homeland Security, evaluates and coordinates  various state and local agencies planning processes; conducts needs assessments; monitors project and program compliance with federal requirements; maintains effective relationships with elected and appointed local, state and federal officials, including civilian and military; and develops and implements training, technical assistance and monitoring processes at all levels.

For a complete position description click or go to the website http://www.doa.state.wi.us/jobs/pdf_files/HSPD2012.pdf 

Special Notes:    Appointment to this position will require a background check.

Job Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:    Knowledge: Very qualified candidates will have extensive and broad knowledge of the homeland security and public safety environments including knowledge of various functions?law enforcement, fire, emergency management, etc.?and how they interact in serving the interests of justice and protecting the public. Very qualified candidates will have knowledge and experience with grants administration, (preferably Homeland Security Grant programs or large grant program), including program management procedures and techniques; federal regulatory, legislative, and budgetary procedures; general office practices and procedures; general accounting methods; and, computerized databases and spreadsheet logs. Very qualified candidates will have extensive knowledge of supervision and management tools, budgeting, and other management related activities;  experience supervising professional level staff, including hiring staff, setting performance goals, assessing performance, completing formal performance evaluations and interviews; providing appropriate positive and corrective feedback, handling disciplinary actions, and working with staff to improve performance. Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate adverse decisions and differing opinions in a positive, professional manner. Very qualified candidates will have extensive background in researching and analyzing complex public policy issues and programs reaching diverse conclusions. Substantial skill in preparing and conducting public meetings and discussions in which specific information is communicated to public organizations; federal, state and/or local agencies and professional, issue-oriented or general citizen groups. Abilities: Very qualified candidates will have the ability to interpret complex federal and state guidelines related to grant management; train others in the technical aspects of working with and managing grants; understand and follow difficult written and oral instructions; and, speak and write effectively.

How To Apply:   

If you have not already done so, you will need to create an account. After you are logged in and are viewing the announcement, click “Apply Now.” You will be asked to provide your personal information, and attach a resume. In addition to this information, you will be required to complete the online exam. You can preview the exam questions by clicking on the ?Preview Exam? link above. After reviewing the exam questions, prepare detailed written responses to each of the three (3) exam questions. Submit your exam responses by copying and pasting your responses into the appropriate fields in the online exam. Your response to the exam questions will be used to determine your eligibility for this position. Resumes will not be part of the initial screening process. Online applications that do not include all of the requested materials will NOT be considered. Please apply online b11:59 pm, Monday, July 16, 2012. 

Questions may be directed to Lisa Mortenson at lisa.mortenson@wisconsin.gov or 608-266-7867