Much of the work involves assessing which business functions and systems are essential, then designing recovery strategies, like backup data centers, so they can be restored within an acceptable window. Planners regularly run mock-disaster exercises to pressure-test existing plans, then write detailed reports on what worked and what needs updating. When an actual disruption hits, they often step into a coordinating role, helping the organization execute the continuity plan under real pressure. The work is desk-based and team-oriented day to day, but demands calm judgment when an actual crisis puts the plan to the test.
Pros
High upside earning potential, with top pay reaching $150k
Large field with over 108,000 jobs nationwide, offering broad opportunity across industries
Standard 40 to 45 hour week with steady, predictable planning-cycle work
Cons
Only modest projected job growth (3% over the next decade)
Work centers on worst-case scenarios, requiring constant attention to disaster and crisis planning
Regularly deals with frustrated or upset colleagues, especially during live disruption events
A typical day
The tabletop exercise is today's centerpiece: at 10, a dozen executives gather while the planner walks them through a simulated ransomware outage — hour by hour, decision by decision — noting every gap where the plan says one thing and instinct says another. The morning before was preparation's quiet work: business impact analysis updates, confirming which systems the company truly cannot live without for four hours versus four days, and the recovery-time numbers that drive every downstream investment. The afternoon processes the exercise's harvest into an action list with owners and dates, then a vendor call about the alternate work site's capacity. A hurricane forecast for next week adds a real-world edge to everything. The job is professional pessimism in service of resilience: imagining the worst carefully so it stays imaginary.
Tasks at the job
Develop emergency management plans for recovery decision making and communications, continuity of critical departmental processes, or temporary shut-down of non-critical departments to ensure continuity of operation and governance.
Develop disaster recovery plans for physical locations with critical assets, such as data centers.
Test documented disaster recovery strategies and plans.
Analyze impact on, and risk to, essential business functions or information systems to identify acceptable recovery time periods and resource requirements.
Write reports to summarize testing activities, including descriptions of goals, planning, scheduling, execution, results, analysis, conclusions, and recommendations.
Review existing disaster recovery, crisis management, or business continuity plans.
Workplace & working conditions
Work happens indoors in a climate-controlled setting, and most of the day is spent sitting at a desk.
There's a regular, moderate amount of time pressure. You'll regularly deal with frustrated or upset people as part of the job, and almost all of the work is done as part of a team.
Education necessary or common
Bachelor's degree
Common college majors
Business AdministrationEmergency ManagementInformation SystemsRisk Management
Licenses & certifications
CBCP (Certified Business Continuity Professional, DRI)