911 Emergency Communications Director

Bernalillo County; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 146,000 - 182,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Flexible work options

Job summary

Bernalillo County seeks an experienced 911 Emergency Communications Director to provide executive leadership for the Emergency Communications department. You will develop strategic plans, oversee budgets, and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local standards while coordinating with local, state, and national agencies.

You will supervise staff, mentor managers, and represent the department in public meetings, hearings, and community engagement activities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field as specified.
• 11 years of work experience in Emergency Operations or Emergency Communications Center with related duties.
• 4 years in a managerial role.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Responsibilities

• Provide executive leadership for departmental operations, programs, and staff.
• Develop and implement strategic plans, policies, and procedures to achieve goals.
• Oversee budgeting, financial management, and resource allocation.
• Ensure compliance with laws, regulations, and standards.
• Collaborate with County leadership and stakeholders to advance initiatives.
• Monitor program effectiveness and drive improvements.
• Mentor managers and staff to foster accountability and excellence.
• Represent the department in public meetings and legislative activities.
• Prepare and present reports and recommendations to County leadership.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Policy analysis

Leadership

Process improvement

Communication

Public engagement

Education

Bachelor's degree in Communications, Emergency Services, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field

Job description

911 Emergency Communications Director

Department

Emergency Communications

Location

10401 HOLLY AVE NE

Pay Range

$145,787.00-$182,250.00

Close Date

December 4, 2026

Employees at Bernalillo County enjoy the ability to team up with each other to build a high quality of life for our county residents, communities, and businesses. In addition to being an organization with a strong focus on work-life balance, building a culture of flexibility, learning, and belonging the County offers many benefits. Employees of Bernalillo County enjoy many thoughtful rewards such as, but not limited to generous leave accruals; career development opportunities; remote & flex-work options as appropriate; longevity pay; education assistance program; health benefits; lucrative retirement; and so much more.

Director II positions serve in senior management roles at the top of a department’s organizational structure. They manage and lead lower-level managers and supervisors, serve as mentors, and ensure that county policies, procedures, and initiatives are implemented correctly. Director II's work with managers to evaluate business operations, identify challenges, and act as liaisons to the County Manager’s Office.

EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS

The Director of Emergency Communications provides administrative direction for the County’s communications programs, services, and facilities. Develops and enforces policies, coordinates operations with local, state, and national agencies, and ensures effective supervision of staff. Oversees budgeting, program implementation, quality assurance, and stakeholder relationships.

Duties And Responsibilities

• Provides executive leadership and direction for departmental operations, programs, and staff.
• Develops and implements strategic plans, policies, and procedures to achieve departmental goals.
• Oversees budgeting, financial management, and resource allocation for the department.
• Ensures compliance with federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and standards.
• Collaborates with County leadership, elected officials, and external stakeholders to advance departmental initiatives.
• Monitors and evaluates program effectiveness; recommend and implement improvements.
• Supervises and mentors managers and staff, fostering a culture of accountability and excellence.
• Represent the department in public meetings, hearings, and community engagement activities.
• Prepare and present reports, proposals, and recommendations to County leadership.
• The above information is intended to outline the general nature and scope of the duties required for this position. It is not an exhaustive list and may vary depending on specific job assignments and responsibilities.

EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS

• Promotes and administers Emergency Communications programs.
• Leads development and training for the department’s Emergency Operations Plan (EOP).
• Coordinates communication operations across jurisdictions and agencies.
• Fosters staff engagement and collaborative work environments.
• Informs stakeholders about system operations and updates.
• Prepares and manages the department’s budget.
• Monitors expenditures and ensure fiscal compliance.
• Optimizes use of departmental resources and budgets.
• Builds relationships with internal departments, emergency services, and community groups.
• Attends public meetings and assess legislative impact.
• Implements new programs and improves current services.
• Manages departmental resources, including facilities and technology.
• Ensures high-quality service delivery and performance.
• Handles sensitive or confidential information appropriately.
• Performs other duties as required.
• The above information is intended to outline the general nature and scope of the duties required for this position. It is not an exhaustive list and may vary depending on specific job assignments and responsibilities.

Minimum Qualifications

EMERGENCY COMMUNCATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Emergency Services, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Eleven (11) years of work experience in Emergency Operations or an Emergency Communications Center, including work related to public safety dispatching, E9-1-1, communication systems project management, and 700 MHz radio communications, and/or microwave communications.
• Four (4) years in a managerial role.
• Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience may be considered for the above requirements.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities / Competencies

• Strategic thinking and problem-solving.
• Policy analysis and development.
• Leadership and team collaboration.
• Process improvement and performance measurement.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to navigate politically sensitive and high-profile issues.

SCREENING AND COMPLIANCE

• Successful completion of a post-offer employment medical examination and background investigation.
• Adherence to all County safety guidelines.
• Complete all FEMA training(s) assigned to this position.
• Possess a valid New Mexico driver’s license by the employment date, or obtain within 90 days of hire, and maintain it while employed in this position.
• Complete required supervisor training, if applicable.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Most essential duties are performed indoors.
• Work takes place in a temperature-controlled environment.
• Duties are performed on an even surface, typically carpeted or tiled, and generally dry.
• Duties may occasionally be performed outdoors, where the employee may be exposed to weather conditions, uneven surfaces, or construction environments.

EQUIPMENT, TOOLS, AND MATERIALS

• Equipment commonly used includes a telephone, computer, and copy machine.
• Materials handled include files, smart boards, markers, forms, reports, various paperwork, and a wide variety of basic office supplies.
• May operate a county vehicle as assigned.