Communications Officer

Title: Communications Officer

VP Area: Campus Public Safety and Security

Department: Communication Center

Work Schedule: Irregular/on call

Telework Availability: On-campus Position

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Employee Classification: Regular full-time (staff 30 hours)

Hours per week: 40

Months per year: 12

Job Purpose:

Join Gonzaga University's Campus Security & Public Safety team as a Communications Officer. In this critical role, you'll be the first point of contact for emergency and non-emergency calls, providing clear communication with security personnel, first responders, and campus stakeholders.

Serve as the first point of contact for students, faculty, staff, and visitors, offering assistance and information while maintaining a high level of professionalism and service. Work closely with other departments and agencies to coordinate resources and responses to campus-wide events, emergencies, and routine security operations. As a Security Communications Officer, you'll be part of an essential team that plays a direct role in ensuring the well-being of students, faculty, staff, and visitors. With our beautiful campus and strong sense of community, you'll be in a position to make a meaningful impact every day.

Essential Functions:

75% - Communications & Systems -

• Communications:
  • Handle emergency and non-emergency calls, gather vital information, and determine appropriate action, including dispatching officers, transferring calls, or guiding to internal and external resources.
  • Use proper radio protocols, prioritize calls, and multitask while dispatching officers and Plant Services after business hours.
  • Manage Switchboard lines during holidays, closures, and meetings.
  • Assess and escalate custodial, maintenance, IT, and grounds issues for on- and off-campus properties.
  • Provide after-hours notifications to on-call administrators and departments for emergencies or unusual circumstances.
  • Facilitate radio communication between officers and Spokane emergency services.
• Systems
  • Alarms: Monitor fire, burglar, panic, blue light phone, and high-temperature lab alarms. Manage Persona card access for building lock/unlock and emergency lockdowns.
  • Security Cameras: Conduct real-time and post-incident surveillance across 600 cameras, notifying officers of suspicious activity and exporting footage upon request.
  • Omnigo: Document dispatch calls, daily logs, and generate reports.
  • T2 & Crowdfind: Use T2 software to identify individuals and document lost and found items in Crowdfind.

20% - Resource Liaison -

• Coordinate community services, including Safe Ride, Uber Health, Detox, Spokane Police and Fire, Spokanimal, Avista, Lutheran Services, and other agencies.
• Maintain emergency and non-emergency contact lists for staff, faculty, and students.
• Provide access to student health information for emergencies.
• Utilize EMS, StarRez, and other internal systems as needed.

• Additional Duties as Assigned by the Department

Educational Requirement:

Vocational, Associates, or Technical Degree

Years of Related Experience Requirement:

1 year

In lieu of the educational qualifications, candidates may qualify with equivalent professional experience at a ratio of one year of experience for each year of required education.

Certifications and/or Licensures:

Skills & Abilities:

• Basic understanding of campus safety operations and emergency procedures.
• Strong communication, multitasking, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure and handle emergency situations efficiently.
• Basic understanding of computer systems and dispatch software.
• Knowledge of radio protocols and call prioritization.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and accurate documentation.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with systems like Omnigo, EMS, StarRez, T2, Persona, and Crowdfind.
• Previous work experience in higher education.
• Previous experience in dispatch, security, or emergency services is preferred.
• Proficiency with security and surveillance technologies, including video monitoring systems and card access control.

Physical & On-Campus Requirements:

In-Office Presence - Ability to work on-site in typical office setting and participate in in-person meetings with colleagues: 5 days/week

Standing/Sitting - Ability to remain in a stationary position for a prolonged period: Daily (>75% of time)

Walking - Ability to move about on foot to accomplish tasks: Often (50%-75% of time)

Lifting/Carrying - Ability to move or transport objects up to a specified weight (e.g., 50 pounds): Rarely (1%-49% of time)

Attention to Detail - Ability to focus on detailed tasks for extended periods: Daily (>75% of time)

Problem-Solving - Ability to identify and resolve issues effectively: Daily (>75% of time)

The budgeted salary range that the University reasonably expects to offer for this position: $ 20 Hr

Pay Range:

Minimum Salary (Annualized 12 months and 40 hours/week): 41600

Midpoint Salary (Annualized 12 months and 40 hours/week): 46400

Maximum Salary (Annualized 12 months and 40 hours/week): 51240

Minimum Salary (Non-Exempt): 20

Midpoint Salary (Non-Exempt): 22.30

Maximum Salary (Non-Exempt): 24.63