Department/Unit Head
Key Responsibilities:
- Serve as the primary decision-maker for the department’s operations and continuity priorities.
- Provide direction and oversight for the development, approval, and implementation of the Mission Continuity Plan.
- Allocate resources and assign personnel to fulfill continuity planning requirements.
- Review and approve the plan annually to ensure alignment with organizational goals and compliance standards.
Why It Matters: Department/Unit Heads set the tone for continuity planning by demonstrating commitment and accountability. Their leadership ensures that continuity efforts remain a top priority and receive the attention and support needed for success.
Continuity Plan Manager
Key Responsibilities:
- Act as the primary point of contact for the department’s Mission Continuity Plan.
- Develop, update, and maintain the plan to keep it in a state of readiness.
- Assist OEMP with training, exercises, and awareness initiatives to test and validate the plan.
- Serve as a liaison with the Continuity and Resiliency Planning Team to address questions or updates.
Why It Matters: The Continuity Plan Manager keeps the department prepared and resilient by ensuring plans are actionable and up-to-date. Their organizational skills and attention to detail are crucial for identifying vulnerabilities and maintaining operational readiness.
IT Plan Manager
Key Responsibilities:
- Assess the department’s Information Technology needs and dependencies.
- Evaluate and document critical systems, applications, and data essential for operational continuity.
- Collaborate with IT services to develop recovery strategies and test backup solutions.
- Ensure IT components of the plan address cybersecurity risks and emerging technologies.
Why It Matters: In today’s digital environment, IT systems are integral to daily operations. The IT Plan Manager helps safeguard data integrity and system functionality, enabling departments to recover quickly from disruptions.
Leadership support is fundamental to effective Mission Continuity planning. It ensures that continuity strategies align with departmental and institutional priorities, resources are allocated appropriately, and responsibilities are clearly defined. As you prepare for the year ahead, we encourage each department to evaluate its current Mission Continuity Plan and confirm these key roles are assigned and actively engaged in plan development. Maintaining strong leadership support fosters a culture of resilience and readiness.
Stay resilient, be Mission Ready!
Resources for Plan Administrators
