Description

Our client, Virginia Tech is currently seeking an Executive Director, EHS to lead the EHS function based in Blacksburg, VA.

Job Description

The Public Safety Division at Virginia Tech is comprised of the Police Department, Environmental Health & Safety, and the Office of Emergency Management and has a critical role in supporting the well-being of our community. We are essential in planning for and responding to emergency events, and in creating a culture of preparedness where employees and students are safe in their work and living environments.

• The Executive Director of Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) provides innovative and strategic leadership to the delivery of environmental, health and safety services to the university community.
• Reporting to the Associate Vice President for Public Safety, EHS is responsible for maintaining a safe campus environment by assuring that university activities are conducted in compliance with applicable environmental, health and safety policies, regulations and laws through the development, implementation and monitoring of preventive control strategies and initiatives.
• The work of the department is fostered through collaborative partnerships with other campus units and departments as well as external regulatory agencies. EHS actively promotes a positive, responsible, integrated safety culture for the university community.
• It is an advocate for a safe and healthy living, learning, and working environment for all. The department provides leadership for university compliance with applicable regulations and mandates. EHS serves the entire university including the Blacksburg campus, Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, and the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine (Roanoke, VA), Graduate Centers, DC Area, Statewide Agricultural Research Centers, Marion DuPont Scott Equine Medical Center, and any other facilities owned or occupied by Virginia Tech nationally and internationally.

Required Qualifications

• Master of Science in occupational safety, industrial hygiene, life sciences, engineering, or a related field. Experience in a similar role with multiple direct reports may be considered in lieu of the educational requirement.
• Substantial management experience overseeing environmental health and safety programs in a higher education, research, or similar complex organization.
• Comprehensive knowledge of relevant regulations, policies, practices, and demonstrated ability to evaluate and implement regulatory requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to successfully interact with regulatory agencies, peers, and the university community.
• Ability to conduct comprehensive hazard evaluations and achieve necessary corrections in a timely manner.
• Ability to coordinate complex programs to ensure efficient and timely operation in compliance with state and federal regulations.
• Proven track record of developing strong collaborative partnerships.
• Demonstrated experience in financial planning and budget management.
• Excellent oral, written and interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrated supervisory and team building skills to effectively recruit, train, evaluate, motivate, and build an effective service-oriented team.
• Proven ability to skillfully resolve conflicts.
• Must be on call 24/7 and able to respond to emergencies in potentially hazardous environments.

 Preferred Qualifications

• Board certification in a recognized professional health, engineering or safety discipline.
• Supervisory experience to include creating professional development plans, performance plans and conducting personnel evaluations.
• Prior hands-on experience managing health and safety programs, hazardous materials, radioactive materials, BSL-3 operations, performing risk assessments.
• Prior hands-on experience with hazardous waste, air permitting and environmental regulatory compliance.

Application materials should include:

• A letter of interest that clearly states the applicant’s qualifications for the position;
• A current résumé/curriculum vitae; and
• The name and email address of five professional references.