Emergency Communications Director

JOB SUMMARY:

This position is responsible for the overall direction, and performance of the Archuleta County Combined Dispatch Center. This includes overall fiscal management of the department as well as long-term strategy, including researching and planning for future technology changes. Provides highly responsible and complex staff input and assistance to the Dispatch Executive Management Board.

Receives general supervision from the Dispatch Executive Management Board. Works under the guidelines of various governmental financial and accounting regulations as well as under Archuleta County policies and procedures, as well as various other industry-specific regulations.

Supervises staff directly or through assigned managers.

The duties described herein are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

• Plan, direct, coordinate and review the work plan for the Combined Dispatch Center; assign work activities, projects and programs; review and evaluate work products, methods and procedures; meet with staff to identify and resolve problems.
• Act as the spokesperson for the organization; responsible for planning and organizing services and infrastructure for the center.
• Primary contact for media and press related information.
• Maintains professional affiliations and attends related training, workshops and seminars.
• Directs operations and programs, reviews procedures, provides guidance to resolve technical problems, analyzes costs and recommends cost control measures.
• Develops and administers all policies and procedures governing the operation of the center.
• Develops with the guidance of the Executive Management Board and oversees implementation of short- and long-range strategic plans and initiatives, setting goals and developing business plans aligned with user agencies.
• Establishes action plans to meet goals and objectives.
• Evaluates performance indicators, conducts operational assessments to identify and evaluate operational proficiencies.
• Identifies opportunities for improving service delivery methods and procedures, reviews as appropriate with the Executive Management Board and user agency command staff.
• Monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures.
• Supervise senior staff in all aspects of operations, directs and reviews all evaluations of all staff, makes hiring or termination decisions.
• Plan and coordinate ongoing meetings with user agency representatives regarding performance measures and policy or procedural requirements.
• Develop and administer the budget for the Combined Dispatch Center; direct the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; monitor and approve expenditures; implement adjustments.
• Oversees the maintenance, development and use of the Dispatch facility.
• Represent the Combined Dispatch Center to other County departments, elected officials and outside agencies.
• Represent the Combined Dispatch Center to vendors and state and national level governing organizations.
• Build awareness among area residents regarding the Archuleta County Combined Dispatch Center, the 911 system, and public safety communications capabilities and technologies through special programs, educational efforts, public awareness campaigns, and interaction with the news media.
• Assist with maintenance of Geographic Information utilized in the center including Computer Aided Dispatch system and mapping information and emergency phone system data.
• Maintain functional operation of backup Dispatch Center and related Continuity of Operations (COOP) plan.
• Maintain a short- and long-term vision for the proper usage of surcharge funds.
• Direct and oversee any purchases or projects approved by the Executive Management Board and Board of County Commissioners.
• Attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of Emergency Communications.
• Attend and participate in regional and state meetings regarding 911 related legislation and rule making.
• Respond to and resolve difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints.
• Maintains statistical records for efficient data retrieval.
• Drafts grant proposals.
• Authorizes expenditures that have gone through the budget process and internal…