Recruitment Services Provided by Ralph Andersen & Associates

City of Columbus, Ohio Department

of Public Safety

FIRE CHIEF

Welcome to Columbus, Ohio

AN OUTSTANDING CAREER OPPORTUNITYThe City of Columbus is seeking a fire executive who is an uncommon leader with a demonstrated track record of career accomplishments to serve as the next Fire Chief. This progressive and effective Fire Chief will bring immediate credibility to the highly acclaimed City of Columbus Fire Division (second largest department in the United States with a CFAI Accreditation and ISO 1 rating). Top candidates for this challenging leadership role must thrive in a robust, fast-paced, and complex environment and be creative, strategic, and able to fully implement best practices for a data-driven deployment of resources. Delivering top-caliber services in this vastly diverse and expansive geographic area requires a servant leader prepared to build on a well run and progressive organization. The new Fire Chief for Columbus will need to be a courageous and forward-thinking leader who believes in equity, inclusion, diversity, cultural sensitivity, and making the right decisions for the benefit of the organization and the community served.

This well-rounded, consummate professional will also embrace, appreciate, and celebrate the outstanding contributions and performance from all levels of the Division.

ABOUT COLUMBUS, OHIOThe City of Columbus is one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S. and offers the amenities of a big city with the accessibility, charm, and community of a small town. As the 14th largest city in the U.S. with an estimated population of nearly 900,000 spread over 225 square miles, Columbus boasts the renowned Columbus Zoo, top-notch culinary, fashion, music, and entertainment, exciting Ohio State football and professional sports such as the NHL’s Columbus Blue Jackets and the Columbus Crew. With a vibrant entrepreneurial spirit, burgeoning downtown, and a diverse array of welcoming neighborhoods, the City of Columbus enjoys a tradition of working across the entire community.

Dynamic CommunitiesThe region offers a wide variety of housing options, from charming historic neighborhoods and downtown lofts to new suburban developments and multi-acre living. Nearly 70% of Columbus residents earning the median income can afford homeownership – an incredible number compared to Chicago’s 47% or New York’s 57%.

Diverse, Strong EconomyColumbus ranks 7th in economic strength among the 102 largest metropolitan cities in the country. Columbus benefits from a dynamic, yet stable, economy, with a collaborative business environment earning it recognition as one of the top metros for job creation. As an emerging tech city, its research and technology institutions attract the brightest minds from around the world.

Arts and CultureFueled by a workforce more educated than the national average, Columbus has an energy that radiates throughout thriving industries, communities, and educational institutions. Art lovers will savor the collections at the Columbus Museum of Art and revel in Gallery Hop, a monthly celebration of culture in the Short North Arts District.

Education The Columbus region’s K-12 education options include U.S. News & World Report top-ranked high schools as well as U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon schools. The region has excellent public schools, 140 private institutions, and 54 higher education campuses with nearly 150,000 college students.

Highlights• 14th most populous city in the U.S., 

census.gov

• #11 fastest growing city and #6 for corporate HQ leaders,  businessfacilities.com

• Ohio ranked #2 in the U.S. for corporate investment, with the Columbus region in the Top 10 for cities, bizjournals.com

• #1 real estate market in US,  columbusunderground.com

• Top 30 cities for minority entrepreneurs, smallbiztrends.com

• Top 10 rising city for startups,  forbes.com

• Top 20 best US cities for startups, commercialcafe.com

• #8 best city for millennials to buy home where housing is affordable and jobs are strong, businessinsider.com.

https://www.census.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2019/subcounty-population-estimates.htmlhttps://businessfacilities.com/2019/07/business-facilities-2019-metro-rankings-report/https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2019/03/06/ohio-ranked-no-2-in-the-u-s-for-corporate.html.https://www.columbusunderground.com/columbus-number-one-real-estate-market-we1https://smallbiztrends.com/2016/05/top-cities-for-minority-entrepreneurs.htmlhttps://www.forbes.com/sites/kurtbadenhausen/2018/10/01/the-top-10-rising-cities-for-startups/https://www.commercialcafe.com/blog/top-20-startup-us-cities-2019/https://www.businessinsider.com/best-places-for-millennials-to-buy-homes-2019-7

What People are Saying ”

The City of Columbus earned an “A” grade for its efforts to stem climate change.

CDP GLOBAL REPORT

Columbus makes Site-Selection’s Top 10 Metro list for the eighth year in a row.

COLUMBUSREGION.COM

2016 - named Columbus as one of its top six best big cities in which to live.

MONEY MAGAZINE

Best Cities for New College Grads 2020 Edition - Ranked 5th in U.S.

SMARTASSET.COM

• Top 10 smart cities in the US, businesschief.com

• #1 American city to Work in Tech in 2019, smartasset.com

• #1 city for tech jobs, lendingtree.com

• Columbus is the best U.S. city for tech jobs, fortune.com

• #8 best city for STEM Jobs, wallethub.com

• #3 best city for new grads to live, work, play, realtor.com

• Top 10 best city for Veterans to Live, veteransunited.com

• Top 10 best city for young, growing families, cnbc.com

Learn more about Columbus at experiencecolumbus.com

CITY GOVERNANCE STRUCTUREColumbus has a strong mayor form of government with a seven-member city council. Columbus Mayor Andrew J. Ginther was elected the 53rd mayor of the City of Columbus on November 3, 2015, for a four-year term. He was re-elected in November 2019 for another four-year term. The Columbus Fire Chief is appointed by and reports to the Public Safety Director, who serves at the pleasure of the Mayor. The City of Columbus provides a full array of municipal services with a total operating budget for FY 2020 of $969.5 million and more than 8,000 full-time employees.

https://www.businesschief.com/top10/7933/Top-10-smart-cities-in-the-UShttps://smartasset.com/mortgage/tech-workers-2019https://www.lendingtree.com/business/metro-areas-most-profitable-businesses/?ccontent=TnL5HPStwNw&s1=TnL5HPStwNw&s2=TnL5HPStwNw-TtcX8Tz96OdEK_lZeJ8m1w&ranMID=41202&ranEAID=TnL5HPStwNw&ranSiteID=TnL5HPStwNw-TtcX8Tz96OdEK_lZeJ8m1w&PUBSID=2116208&PUBNAME=Skimlinks.com.https://fortune.com/2019/07/29/the-top-10-u-s-cities-for-tech-jobs/https://wallethub.com/edu/best-worst-metro-areas-for-stem-professionals/9200/https://www.realtor.com/news/trends/best-places-for-new-college-grads-to-find-a-job-mate-and-affordable-home/https://www.veteransunited.com/realestate/best-cities-for-veteran-homebuyers/https://www.cnbc.com/2019/09/16/best-and-worst-cities-for-young-growing-families.html?__source=sharebar|twitter&par=sharebarhttp://www.experiencecolumbus.com

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I Emergency Services I Bureau I

Executive Staff

Fire Chief

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Revised 12.07.2017 Updated as of 4.1.2020

COLUMBUS DIVISION OF FIREThe City of Columbus Fire Division (CFD) is a full-spectrum, life safety agency protecting the residents who live, work, and play in America’s 14th largest city. CFD delivers fire suppression, emergency medical services (EMS), technical rescue including urban search and rescue teams, hazardous materials mitigation, fire prevention, domestic preparedness, fire/EMS safety education, and fire investigation programs. With a FY 2020 approved operations budget of over $271 million, the Division’s 1,656 uniformed personnel protect life, property, and the environment through their direct involvement in fire prevention, firefighting, emergency medical care, technical rescue, hazardous materials mitigation, disaster response, public education, and community service. An equally committed team of 51 non-sworn personnel provides technical and administrative expertise in their corresponding pursuit of CFD’s mission. Over 99% of the employees of the CFD are represented by the IAFF, Columbus Fire Fighters Local 67. Last year alone, the men and women of the CFD responded to approximately 166,087 incidents, with 80% of those (133,357) being EMS and Rescue 911 calls for service. The CFD provides a full range of life safety services and operates 35 Engine Companies, 7 Battalions, 16 Ladder Companies, 5 Rescue Companies, and has 40 EMS Transport Vehicles.

THE FIRE CHIEF

The Fire Chief is a key member of the Mayor’s executive leadership team and is expected to lead with integrity, have exceptional communication skills and to work closely with and under the guidance of the Mayor and Public Safety Director. The Fire Chief will be joining a high-energy, creative, and professional executive management team and will assume command of a professional organization with a tradition of providing excellent service. In addition to providing oversight and leadership for the day-to-day operational activities of the Division, he/she will serve as a technical advisor to other City departments on fire, disaster management, and EMS issues. The Chief is also responsible for establishing and maintaining a positive employee/labor relations climate and the proper and efficient use of both human and financial resources. Specific responsibilities and skills required of the Fire Chief include:

• Organizes and directs all resources of the Division of Fire for the most efficient discharge of its duty to protect persons and property and obeys and enforces ordinances of the City of Columbus;

• Plans, directs, and reviews activities of personnel in order to ensure the proper execution of a fire service program designed to facilitate fire prevention, inspections, EMS, fire, and rescue response; water supply, hazardous material response, and bomb disposal; makes recommendations as needed;

• Monitors and modifies fire programs in order to meet the changing needs of the community and the Division of Fire;

• Takes command at major incidents; responds to emergency calls when off duty;

• Makes assignments and supervises subordinate officers in the care and maintenance of equipment, stations, hose, appliances, and other supplies; supervises subordinate officers in the development and operation of fire training and fire prevention programs;

• Directs a communication system; directs the fire equipment maintenance program;

• Initiates and advises on the development of ordinances and regulations; reviews reports of divisional activities; prepares reports for city officials and state and national organizations interested in fire prevention;

• Oversees the preparation and maintenance of records and reports; meets with community groups and with officials who plan and approve the program of the Division;

• Attends conferences and meetings; coordinates activities of the Division of Fire with that of other divisions within the City and with other governmental and private agencies;

• Directs, supervises, and evaluates assigned staff; handles employee concerns and problems, counsels, disciplines, and completes performance appraisals;

• Establishes Division of Fire priorities and develops policies under the direction of the Public Safety Director;

• Directs the preparation, review, and update of long-range and strategic plans;

• Supervises the development of the Division’s annual budget request to the Public Safety Director;

• Recommends priorities for Capital Improvement Projects and major equipment purchases;

• Represents the Division in multi-agency functions; assists in developing multi-agency plans as directed by the Public Safety Director;

• Reviews the Division’s disaster plan annually; and

• Assumes other duties as assigned.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATEThe ideal candidate for consideration will be an experienced fire services manager and administrator who possesses outstanding interpersonal, organizational, and leadership skills.

This top executive will have “command presence” complemented by confidence, strength of character, exceptional communication skills, and a strong sense of purpose.

This fire executive will not only be able to develop and implement a broad-based strategic plan for the organization in the short-term but will also be a forward-thinking visionary and look ahead 10 to 20 years into the future.

Additionally, the ideal candidate will be known as a politically astute, honest, fair, and consistent leader. An unblemished record of ethical and professional conduct is essential. The next Fire Chief will be able to quickly develop trust and be seen as credible across a spectrum of circumstances and audiences. Being a good listener is also important, as well as considering all input presented before making an unbiased decision. In this regard, the Mayor and Public Safety Director fully expect and demand presentation of all options and alternatives, as well as strong staff recommendations from the Fire Chief on his/her prescribed course of action.

Through frequent interactions, the Fire Chief will establish positive relationships with all employees throughout the organization and will place a high value on the professional development of staff. The Fire Chief will be considered a progressive leader within the fire service and be recognized for being an ongoing contributor to

the advancement of the profession. The Chief must have a reputation as an effective developer, motivator, and evaluator of subordinate personnel, with a reputation for providing training and education equitably for all staff.

Very few individuals on a national scale will possess all of the qualities needed for this position, combined with the ability to work at the scale and scope of the CFD. Ultimately, the select few that will be invited to interview will be quickly recognized as having the ability and track record of success necessary to join one of the best fire and emergency operations in the nation. In the final selection, the Mayor will identify the overall best individual that will provide executive leadership and guidance to this dynamic Division. The selected candidate will have the courage to lead and fortitude to guide the organization to new levels of achievement, diversity of staff, and organizational health.

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSIONIn 2020, Mayor Ginther laid out his Equity Agenda, that calls out racism and discrimination where it exists and plans to address it. The City is investing in equity by fighting to reduce infant mortality and the racial disparities that come with it; ensuring access to high-quality pre-K throughout the city; working to reduce evictions and increase the availability of affordable housing; connecting residents to good-paying jobs in the trades; and ensuring that all residents feel safe in every neighborhood. The Columbus Division of Fire plays a vital role in Mayor Ginther’s vision for Columbus and its residents.

The ideal candidate must champion the value of diversity and embrace Mayor Ginther’s high standard for the role of equity in the City. Columbus embodies an inclusive mindset that unites the community, and the City has made tremendous gains in its inclusion work. But Mayor Ginther views this work as just the start and knows that city government can do more to ensure that city employees and contractors reflect the diversity of Columbus. The Fire Chief is a key partner in advancing the Mayor’s commitment to diversity within and outside of the Division.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE Education and Experience – Possession of a Bachelor’s degree and one year of service as a permanent appointee in the class of Fire Assistant Chief OR five years with any combination of service as a Fire Assistant Chief, Fire Deputy Chief, and/or Fire Battalion Chief or comparable experience elsewhere.

Certification Required – The selected candidate will also be required to successfully complete (or maintain) valid Firefighter II and Fire Safety inspector certifications issued by the State of Ohio by the completion of the first-year probationary period.

Desirable Residency – Upon hire, residency within the corporate limits of the City of Columbus is highly desired.

Final Selection and Appointment – The search committee, Mayor, and Public Safety Director will identify the final candidate for appointment by the Public Safety Director, based on a combination of education, experience, and credentials that best fit the needs of the City of Columbus.

Probationary Period – There is a first-year, 365-day probationary period. After the successful completion of this probationary period, this position is protected for the next four years, with the City having the option to re-appoint the incumbent for one additional five-year period. Once the initial 365-day probationary period is successfully completed, an incumbent can only be terminated for cause.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITSA competitive compensation package, with excellent benefits, will be offered for this executive position.

THE SELECTION PROCESSInterested candidates may apply by sending their resume, cover letter, salary history, and six professional references to Ralph Andersen & Associates via apply@ralphandersen.com.

Candidates are requested to submit materials prior to Friday, October 9, 2020. Candidates may be asked to complete a series of written responses for further evaluation and possible presentation and submit a summary of career accomplishments as part of the final steps of the selection process.

Interested individuals should be aware that Ralph Andersen & Associates will work closely with the City throughout this process to ensure confidentiality to the fullest extent possible. References will not be contacted until mutual interest has been established. If you have questions or would like to discuss this opportunity further, please call Mr. Robert Burg at (916) 630-4900.

Notice: In accordance with Ohio law, all applications and resumes for public positions are a matter of public record and will be disclosed to the media or public upon proper request. Serious candidates are encouraged to discuss their interest with the Search Firm, Ralph Andersen & Associates, in advance of submitting their qualifications. If you have questions, please call Robert Burg to schedule a confidential telephone appointment  to discuss this career opportunity.

mailto:apply@ralphandersen.com

columbus.gov/public-safety/fire

The City of Columbus is an equal employment opportunity employer and encourages all qualified individuals to apply for this exceptional career opportunity.

Recruiter’s Website

City’s Website

Apply Today!

http://www.columbus.gov/public-safety/fire/https://www.cityofsalem.net/https://www.cityofsalem.net/https://www.ralphandersen.com/jobs/fire-chief-columbus-oh/http://www.columbus.gov/public-safety/fire/mailto:apply%40ralphandersen.com?subject=http://bit.ly/raa-85http://bit.ly/raa-85

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