University of Michigan's Communications Officer

University of Michigan’s Communications Officer

DPSS leads all public safety functions within the university, including police, security, and emergency management, and offers an integrated approach to safety and security, operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. DPSS combines Ann Arbor, Dearborn, and Flint operations to provide students, visitors, faculty, and staff with a safe and secure environment. Through our partnerships across the university and local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, they use a blended service model to meet the needs of our community and exceed expectations.

Employing those who actively embrace and uphold our values of respecting differences, promoting equitable practices, and fostering intentional inclusion, the department creates an environment where everyone in our community feels valued, welcomed, and safe. They prize proactive engagement with our community and provide compassionate and professional service to enhance the quality of life for all.

These positions will work onsite in a professional workplace environment, including office settings and entry points to large public-facing facilities. This position is covered under the collective bargaining agreement between the U-M and the Police Officers Association of Michigan union, which contains and settles all matters concerning wages, benefits, hours, and other terms and conditions of employment.

The salary range for a new Communications Officer is $49,400.00 – $50,388.00. Those who have completed a one-year probationary period are $52,936 – $61,464 and can be found in the POAM bargaining agreement.

Under the direction of your Communications Sergeant and the management team, you will perform the following tasks:

• Receive and prioritize calls and determine appropriate action for emergency and non-emergency assistance.
• Communicate with, and elicit useful information from upset and irate citizens.
• Dispatch public safety and security personnel to all University owned and leased facilities and properties.
• Coordinate first responder information through computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system and radio, mobile data terminal, telephone, pager, and other devices.
• Monitor several complex public safety radio frequencies, building alarms, and security systems.
• Maintain liaison with police, fire, and other emergency agencies to assure the safety of the University community.
• Participate in social media platforms to support safety-related operations.
• Deal with confidential information.
• Other responsibilities as assigned.

• High school or GED equivalent and two (2) years of relevant experience OR Associate’s degree and one (1) year of relevant experience
• AND the following:
  • Capability to react with compassion and calmness while eliciting useful information and adopting appropriate action plans for emergencies
  • You have mental, visual, and auditory acuity stamina
  • Advanced typing skills for data entry
  • You must pass a comprehensive public safety background investigation, drug screening, psychological evaluation, and physical examination.
  • You will be in a uniformed position and required to maintain appearance and grooming standards by following the DPSS uniformed personnel dress code.

Being part of something greater, of serving a larger mission of discovery and care — that’s the heart of what drives people to work  some way, great or small, every person here helps to advance this outstanding institution. It’s adding a purpose to your profession. Work at Michigan and become a victor for the greater good.

In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, the University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family, and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:

• Generous time off, including parental leave
• A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting
• Many choices for comprehensive health insurance, including “Other Qualified Adult” coverage
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability coverage
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses
• Tuition…