Emergency Management SME III 2026P-0525
Protect our Land, Ascend with Us!
Ascension is seeking an experienced Emergency Management Subject Matter Expert III (SME III) to provide senior-level advisory support to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) National Training and Education Division (NTED) in support of the Training Partners Program (TPP). This role is designed for an emergency management professional who understands national preparedness doctrine, all-hazards training programs, curriculum development, instructional quality standards, and stakeholder engagement.
The ideal candidate will serve as a trusted advisor responsible for evaluating and improving emergency management training programs, supporting curriculum review activities, participating in expert review boards, and helping ensure training products meet FEMA mission objectives and quality expectations.
This position is best suited for a highly experienced emergency management professional who can independently analyze complex training materials, provide objective recommendations, facilitate discussions with subject matter experts and stakeholders, and translate operational requirements into actionable improvements.
Summary of Contractor Role
The Emergency Management SME III provides senior-level consulting and subject matter expertise supporting FEMA NTED’s Training Partners Program. The contractor will support activities associated with all-hazards curriculum review, training delivery assessments, instructional quality reviews, and training program governance activities.
The SME III serves as a lead advisor responsible for applying emergency management expertise to evaluate training content, identify opportunities for improvement, validate curriculum alignment with FEMA preparedness objectives, and support review boards that assess training effectiveness.
The successful candidate should be a self-directed professional capable of operating independently in a complex federal environment while collaborating with curriculum developers, instructors, government stakeholders, and other subject matter experts. The individual should demonstrate strong analytical thinking, excellent written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to provide constructive recommendations supported by emergency management principles and industry practices.
The role supports FEMA’s mission by helping ensure emergency management training programs remain accurate, relevant, accessible, and aligned with national preparedness priorities.
Position Responsibilities / Day-to-Day Activities
The Emergency Management SME III will:
- Provide senior-level emergency management subject matter expertise supporting FEMA NTED Training Partners Program activities.
- Review all-hazards training curricula, instructor materials, lesson plans, and supporting training products for accuracy, relevance, and alignment with FEMA objectives.
- Evaluate curriculum effectiveness and recommend improvements to strengthen training outcomes.
- Participate in curriculum review boards, technical review sessions, and stakeholder discussions.
- Assess training delivery approaches and provide recommendations regarding instructional effectiveness and learner engagement.
- Analyze emergency management policies, doctrine, standards, and operational requirements to inform training recommendations.
- Facilitate discussions among instructors, curriculum developers, government representatives, and technical reviewers.
- Develop written assessments, review comments, recommendations, and decision-support documentation.
- Support quality assurance activities associated with FEMA-sponsored training programs.
- Validate training materials against emergency management concepts, operational practices, and mission requirements.
- Identify gaps, risks, and opportunities for improving training content and delivery methods.
- Provide technical guidance and mentoring to junior analysts, reviewers, and project team members.
- Prepare briefings, reports, review summaries, and stakeholder communication materials.
- Maintain awareness of current emergency management practices, FEMA doctrine, and national preparedness initiatives.
How to Apply
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| Job Category | Training |
| MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS | Bachelor’s degree in Emergency Management, Homeland Security, Public Administration, Disaster Management, Education, Instructional Design, or a related field. |
| REQUIRED SKILLS | Minimum 10 years of professional experience in emergency management, homeland security, disaster preparedness, training development, or related mission areas. | Demonstrated experience providing subject matter expertise supporting emergency management programs, training initiatives, exercises, or preparedness activities. | Experience reviewing, developing, or evaluating emergency management training materials and curriculum. | Experience collaborating with government stakeholders, instructors, SMEs, and program leadership. |
| TECHNICAL SKILLS | Strong understanding of emergency management principles and all-hazards preparedness. | Experience analyzing policies, procedures, training materials, and operational guidance. | Strong written communication and technical documentation skills. | Ability to evaluate complex information and provide concise recommendations. | Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including: | Microsoft Word | Microsoft PowerPoint | Microsoft Excel | Microsoft Teams |
| DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS | Experience supporting FEMA, DHS, or other federal emergency management programs. | Experience supporting FEMA National Preparedness Directorate (NPD), NTED, or similar training organizations. | Experience conducting curriculum evaluations, training audits, or instructional quality reviews. | Experience participating in formal review boards or governance committees. | Knowledge of: | National Incident Management System (NIMS) | National Preparedness Goal | National Preparedness System | Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP) | Whole Community preparedness principles | Experience developing instructor guides, lesson plans, job aids, or training evaluation tools. | Experience facilitating workshops, stakeholder meetings, and technical discussions. | Ability to work independently while managing multiple concurrent priorities. |
| SUITABILITY/SECURITY REQUIREMENT | Ability to obtain and maintain a FEMA/DHS suitability determination, if required. |