Communications Officer

Virginia's Community College System; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 47,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Virginia Community College System is seeking a Communications Officer Emergency Coordinator I to support the College Police Department. You will receive, prioritize, and dispatch calls, coordinating timely responses across the college's campuses, with shift work to support 24-hour operations.

You will maintain records, liaise with law enforcement, and provide courteous service to students, faculty, staff, and visitors.

Qualifications

• Experience in emergency dispatching or public safety communications.
• Knowledge of records management, confidentiality, and information security.
• Ability to operate communications equipment and related technology.
• Strong verbal and written communication for diverse audiences.
• Ability to prioritize and respond effectively in routine and emergency situations.

Responsibilities

• Receive and prioritize calls for service for College Police.
• Dispatch police and security personnel and coordinate responses across campuses.
• Maintain accurate communications and dispatch records.
• Support 24-hour Public Safety operations and shift work.

Skills

Emergency dispatching

Public safety communications

Records management

Radio operations

CCTV / security systems

Calm under pressure

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

DCJS Dispatcher certification

VCIN/NCIC certification or ability to obtain

Basic computer proficiency

Tools

Emergency dispatch software

Radio systems hardware

Alarm monitoring systems

Job description

Working Title Communications Officer Role Title Emergency Coordinator I Role Code 69151-SW FLSA Nonexempt Pay Band 03 Position Number 28300344 Agency J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College Division J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College (Div) Work Location Henrico - 087 Hiring Range $47,000 - $50,000 Emergency/Essential Personnel Yes EEO Category 6-Administrative Support Full Time or Part Time Full Time Does this position have telework options? -Telework options are subject to change based on business needs- No Does this position have a bilingual or multilingual skill requirement or preference? Work Schedule

As determined by the supervisor, to support college operations.

Sensitive Position Yes Job Description

Reynolds is one of the largest community colleges in Virginia and serves Virginia’s capital city and five nearby counties. Annually, our four campus sites serve approximately 13,000 credit students and provide training for 7,400 students through the Community College Workforce Alliance. Reynolds is committed to hiring and retaining a racially diverse, culturally competent staff at all levels of the organization who reflect the demographics of our students. We also believe in providing an ongoing investment in our faculty and staff to deepen their skills and competencies to serve the full range of our student population.

To provide essential emergency and non-emergency communications support for the College Police Department by receiving and prioritizing calls for service, dispatching police and security personnel, and coordinating timely responses to incidents across the college’s campuses. The position maintains accurate communications and dispatch records, supports effective coordination among law enforcement personnel, and provides professional, courteous assistance to students, faculty, staff, and visitors.

This position contributes to a safe and secure learning and working environment by supporting the Department’s public safety mission and delivering responsive, effective communications services. The position requires shift work to support 24-hour Police Department operations.

Special Assignments

May be required to perform other duties as assigned. May be required to assist the agency or state government generally in the event of an emergency declaration by the Governor.

KSA's/Required Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

• Knowledge of emergency communications and dispatch procedures, radio codes, and voice communications systems.
• Working knowledge of public safety operations, law enforcement procedures, and emergency response protocols.
• Knowledge of records management principles, administrative procedures, and confidentiality and information security requirements.
• Demonstrated skill in operating communications equipment, radio systems, telephone systems, security cameras, alarm monitoring systems, and related technology.
• Ability to assess and prioritize incoming calls, gather pertinent information, and coordinate appropriate responses in routine and emergency situations.
• Ability to remain calm, exercise sound judgment, and respond effectively in stressful or rapidly changing situations.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to speak clearly, listen attentively, and accurately convey information to emergency responders and individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to maintain a pleasant, courteous, and professional demeanor when interacting with students, faculty, staff, visitors, and the public, including during challenging situations.
• Ability to follow established policies, procedures, and instructions; maintain accurate records; and prepare factual reports.
• Ability to interpret and apply applicable policies, procedures, and regulations, including requirements governing confidential law enforcement information.
• Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and maintain accuracy and attention to detail in a 24-hour public safety communications environment.

Education, Experience, Licensure, and Certification Required for Entry into Position

• High school diploma or equivalent, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Experience in emergency dispatching, public safety communications, customer service, or a related field.
• Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) Dispatcher certification and VCIN/NCIC certification, or the ability to obtain required certifications within established timeframes following employment.
• Basic proficiency in operating computers and related software applications.

Additional Considerations

Special Assignments: May be required to perform other duties as assigned. May be required to assist the agency or state government generally in the event of an emergency declaration by the Govemor.

Operation of a State Vehicle Yes Supervises Employees Yes Required Travel

If needed between college campuses, or as directed by the supervisor.

EEO Statement

The Virginia Community College System (VCCS) provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, political affiliation, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or other non-merit factors.

ADA Statement

The Virginia Community College System (VCCS) is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and complies with the Americans with Disabilities Acts (ADA and ADAAA), to provide, reasonable accommodation to applicants in need of access to the application, interviewing, and selection processes when requested.

E-Verify Statement

VCCS uses E-Verify to check employee eligibility to work in the United States. You will be required to complete an I-9 form and provide documentation of your identity for employment purposes.