E911 Emergency Communications Director

GENERAL DEFINITION

This administrative position oversees the streamlined operation of the Communications Division and the management of employees who dispatch law enforcement, fire departments, emergency medical services and other equipment in response to calls for service and/or emergency situations.

This position is responsible for providing leadership to the Emergency Communications Center (ECC) to ensure effective investment, acquisition and leveraging appropriate technologies to meet public safety delivery needs in Franklin County.

The Communications Director will be responsible for researching, formulating and deploying long-range strategic goals for the agency to include policy development, service delivery and regional involvement. Additionally, the Communications Director must apply a broad perspective for the agency that will ensure that the operation of the Emergency Communications Center (ECC) aligns with the County’s overall public interest.

This position is responsible for all aspects of the organization’s emergency communications strategies and systems. The Director will provide direction and support for technology and communication solutions that enhance mission critical business operations.

As a member of the Command Staff Management Team, the Communications Director will work closely with decision makers in other departments to identify, recommend, develop, implement, and support cost-effective communications solutions for all aspects of the organization.

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIP

This position is considered a member of the Command Staff Management Team.

Work is completed under the direction of the Sheriff, Major, or appointed designee.

TYPICAL TASKS

• Develop and achieve strategic, operational, and business goals for the Communications Division by fostering innovation, setting priorities, and managing technology deployment.
• Create and implement long-term plans for efficient and cost-effective communication technologies, including staffing, purchasing, and in-house development.
• Advise management on the financial and liability impacts of emergency communications.
• Focus on continuous improvement, evaluating processes to enhance performance and service delivery.
• Oversee the preparation and management of annual operating and capital budgets, including approving expenditures and evaluating major spending initiatives.
• Work with vendors on equipment and software maintenance, evaluate new technologies, and oversee the deployment and support of hardware and software based on center needs.
• Negotiate and manage contracts for hardware, software, and maintenance agreements.
• Ensure all communication operations comply with relevant laws and regulations.
• Establish policies and standards for acquiring, implementing, and operating communications systems, ensuring effective control and accountability.
• Build and maintain strategic partnerships with governments, vendors, and partner organizations.
• Represent the Communications Division through regular written, verbal, and in-person communications with agency leadership and the Sheriff.
• Stay updated on trends and advancements in emergency communications, including technologies, pricing, and public safety impacts.
• Oversee staffing, including recruitment, supervision, scheduling, professional development, evaluations, and disciplinary actions.

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Ability to provide leadership that motivates individuals and organizations to embrace technology and manage change effectively.
• Knowledge of the principles of supervision and personnel management.
• Knowledge of two-way radio, Computer Aided Dispatch and Enhanced 911 systems.
• Knowledge of Federal and State regulations governing the use of radio transmissions, VCIN/NCIC, EMD, computer privacy and security, records retention, and emergency communication work.
• Knowledge of statutory and administrative codes, ordinances, and regulations related to public safety communication.
• Thorough knowledge of data processing, hardware platforms, enterprise software applications, and emergency management and communication systems.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to identify and secure funding opportunities.
• Considerable knowledge of business theory, processes, management, budgeting, and business office operations.
• Strong knowledge of human resource management principles, practices, and procedures.
• Ability to set and manage priorities effectively and judiciously.
• Skilled in researching, advocating for, leveraging, and implementing technology solutions to solve organizational challenges.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to present ideas in business-friendly and user-friendly language.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective interpersonal relationships.
• Proficient in negotiation and project management.
• Exceptionally self-motivated and service oriented.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to evaluate and resolve issues effectively, balancing attention to detail with a global perspective.
• Ability to analyze emergency situations objectively and make sound decisions.
• Ability to perform and organize responses to complex emergencies.
• Proven ability to motivate and collaborate in a team-oriented environment.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with County staff, local emergency response teams, training organizations, other public entities, colleagues, and the community.

TRAINING, EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• An associate degree in computer science, public administration, business management, information systems, or a related field is required.
• A bachelor’s or master’s degree in a related field is preferred.
• Equivalent experience, training, and professional credentials will be considered in lieu of formal education.
• Candidates with at least eight years of related work experience or six years of management experience in a relevant field are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Demonstrated results-oriented experience in strategic planning, high-level organizational initiatives, and policy development.
• Proven experience in communication infrastructure strategic planning, development, project management, and policy creation.
• Extensive experience with systems design and development, from business requirements analysis through daily operations management.
• Significant experience working in a team-oriented, collaborative environment.

Preferred Training Credentials:

• Virginia Basic Telecommunicator through the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services;
• National Emergency Management Systems (NIMS) 100, 200, 700 and 800;
• Emergency Medical Dispatch Certification;
• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Trained;
• Familiarity with the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system;
• Certification for utilization of the Virginia Criminal Information Network (VCIN);
• Certification for utilization of the National Crime Information Center (NCIC);

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS AND RELATED OBLIGATIONS

• Possession of a valid driver’s license issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia is required.
• Must successfully complete and maintain all state-mandated requirements through a criminal justice academy.
• Subject to a thorough criminal history background check with acceptable results.
• Must pass psychological and polygraph examinations.
• Must be capable of performing the job, including supervisory responsibilities.
• Requires the ability to spend significant time at a desk, utilizing various computer systems, and multi-tasking effectively.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment is typical law enforcement/public safety communications center with adequate desk, seating and lighting for performing all communication objectives.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT COMPLIANCE

Franklin County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Franklin County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with the employer.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $68,275.00 - $88,758.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

Salary : $68,275 - $88,758