911 Emergency Communications Director

Bernalillo County; United States; On-site; USD 146,000 - 182,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

generous leave accruals

career development opportunities

remote & flex-work options as appropri

longevity pay

education assistance program

health benefits

lucrative retirement

Job summary

Bernalillo County is seeking an exceptional 911 Emergency Communications Director to lead the Emergency Communications department. This role provides administrative direction for the county's communications programs, structures, and facilities, coordinating with local, state, and national agencies, and ensuring effective supervision of staff.

The position requires extensive experience in emergency operations and strong leadership to develop policies, oversee budgets, and drive department-wide

Qualifications

• 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.

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.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Leadership and team collaboration

Policy analysis

Communication and presentation

Problem solving

Budgeting/financial management

Education

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

Job description

Job Posting Title: 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

The offer of this Bernalillo County position requires compliance with the following:

• 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.