Communications Officer

University of Mississippi; United States; On-site; USD 1,864 - 38,771; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Paid vacation and holidays

Employee discounts on various services

Job summary

The University of Mississippi seeks Communications Officers for the University Police Department. This role involves managing emergency calls, monitoring security systems, and providing assistance to the public. Candidates must obtain state certification within one year and possess notable communication skills.

Starting pay is $18.64 hourly with comprehensive benefits including health insurance and vacation time. The position requires teamwork, ethical standards, and the ability to handle tense situations.

Qualifications

• Valid driver's license required.
• Must become state certified within one year of employment.
• Extensive background checks and assessments are necessary.

Responsibilities

• Answer and manage emergency and non-emergency calls.
• Operate dispatch radios and coordinate police response.
• Monitor security systems and maintain accurate incident records.

Skills

Strong communication

Interpersonal skills

Ability to work in a fast-paced environment

Intermediate computer skills

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Job description

Overview

The University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) invites applications for Communications Officers within the University Police Department. This 24/7 dispatch role receives and transmits emergency and non-emergency calls, monitors security and emergency systems, coordinates emergency response, and provides information and support to callers and responding personnel. The position involves high interaction with the public, multi-tasking across calls and incidents, and collaboration with campus and local agencies.

Responsibilities

• Answer, direct, and manage both emergency and non-emergency calls for service.
• Operate multi-channel handheld and console radios; dispatch University Police Officers to calls for service.
• Monitor campus security and emergency systems, including cameras and alarms.
• Provide guidance to callers with information about campus policies, procedures, and resources.
• Maintain accurate records of calls, incidents, actions taken, and outcomes.
• Coordinate multi-agency incident responses (e.g., Oxford Police, Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office, Oxford Fire, Baptist EMS).
• Complete initial training and ongoing education; adhere to department policies and procedures; uphold high ethical standards and confidentiality.
• Serve as an answering point and delegate tasks to other departments (Parking and Transportation, Facilities, Housing, Counseling, etc.).
• Determine priority and manage multiple tasks simultaneously; code calls and record details for reporting; utilize databases; operate advanced equipment and perform minor troubleshooting.
• Monitor campus-wide camera and alarm systems; maintain composure during crises; assign responding units as necessary.
• Provide emergency translation services when needed; support special events (athletics, Greek life, commencement, entertainment, protection details).
• Assist internal divisions (Patrol, Investigations, Accreditation, Campus Safety, Emergency Management, etc.).

Qualifications

• Minimum education: High School Diploma or equivalent; valid driver's license.
• BETST requires Communications Officers to become state certified within one year of employment (at no cost to the employee); must be a U.S. citizen.
• Extensive background checks, computer-based aptitude assessment, psychological evaluation, and drug screening are required for advancement.
• No prior experience required; strong communication, ethics, and ability to work in a fast-paced environment preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to interact with the public; intermediate computer skills; ability to work in an office-type environment with technology emphasis.

Benefits

• Starting pay: $18.64 hourly ($38,771 annually) with shift differential for evenings and weekends.
• State health, dental, vision, and prescription insurance; state retirement (PERS); life and long-term disability insurance.
• Paid vacation, holidays, sick time; staff/family tuition discounts; staff textbook and meal/drug discounts; access to campus facilities and events.
• Employee discounts on restaurants, retail, tickets, travel, etc.

Compliance & Equal Opportunity

The University of Mississippi provides equal opportunity in employment and adheres to applicable laws governing equal opportunity and non-discrimination on race, color, gender, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, ethnicity, citizenship, age, disability, military status, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status. Background investigations, including criminal history checks and, when appropriate, financial or driving history checks, are conducted for applicants being considered for employment.