Communications Officer

J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College; Virginia; On-site; USD 47,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College is seeking a Communications Officer to provide essential emergency and non-emergency communications for the College Police Department.

You will receive and prioritize calls, dispatch police and security personnel, and coordinate timely responses across campus locations. The role requires shift work to support 24-hour operations, maintaining accurate dispatch records and ensuring professional, courteous assistance to students, faculty, staff, and visitors.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of emergency dispatch and radio/phone systems.
• Experience with public safety communications and customer service.
• Knowledge of records management and confidentiality requirements.
• Ability to operate communications equipment and security systems.
• Ability to assess and prioritize calls and coordinate responses.

Responsibilities

• Provide essential emergency and non-emergency communications support for the College Police Department.
• Receive and prioritize calls, dispatch personnel, and coordinate timely responses across campuses.
• Maintain accurate communications/dispatch records and support coordination with law enforcement.
• Work shift to support 24-hour Police Department operations.

Skills

Emergency dispatch

Public safety

Records management

Communications equipment

Call prioritization

Calm under pressure

Verbal & written comms

Policy adherence

24-hour operations

Education

High school diploma

Job description

Title: Communications Officer

Agency: J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College

Location: Henrico - 087

FLSA: Nonexempt

Hiring Range: $47,000 - $50,000

Full Time or Part Time: Full Time

Additional Detail

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.

Minimum 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.