Communications Officer 00581

Christopher Newport University; Newport News (VA); On-site; USD 47,000 - 59,000; Full time

Job summary

Christopher Newport University seeks an Emergency Coordinator I in Newport News to manage police communications, receive calls for service, and accurately disseminate information to appropriate responders, serving as the vital link between the public and emergency personnel.

This full-time, non-exempt position requires a high school diploma, experience with word processing and computers, and fingerprint-based background checks.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Experience with word processing and general computer use.
• Certification as a Communication Officer and NCIC/VCIN operator preferred.

Responsibilities

• Receive police intelligence calls and disseminate to appropriate providers.
• Serve as the key link between the public and emergency personnel.
• Facilitate completion of services from officers to the public in a timely manner.

Skills

Decision making

Unbiased judgment

Public interaction

Office software

Interpersonal skills

Team collaboration

Radio/phone comms

Shift work

Emergency training

Computer literacy

Education

High school diploma

Certified as a Communication Officer

NCIC/VCIN operator certification

Job description

Working Title:

Communications Officer 00581

Role Title:

Emergency Coordinator I

Position Number:

00581

FLSA:

Non Exempt

Appointment Type:

Full Time

Type of Posting:

General Public

Is Sensitive Position?:

Yes

If Sensitive Position, please paste statement:

This position is a sensitive position and requires that finalist applicants undergo a fingerprint-based criminal history check.

Designated Personnel:

Yes

Responsible Employee:

This position is designated as a “responsible employee” who has the authority to redress sexual violence, who has the duty to report incidents of sexual violence or other student misconduct, or who a student could reasonably believe has this authority or duty.

If Designated Personnel, please paste statement:

This position is a “designated position” meaning this position could potentially be required to work (depending on the event) during an emergency closing

Statement of Economic Interest:

No

Is this a restricted position subject to availability of funding?:

Yes

If Restricted Position, please paste statement:

This is a restricted position subject to availability of funding.

Departmental Objective:

The University Police Department’s mission is to patrol the University properties helping to assure safety and well being of students, faculty, staff, and visitors to the campus by using the philosophy of community policing. The Department’s mission will be achieved through a proactive, community service approach to problem resolution and by offering crime prevention programs on safety, self-protection, substance abuse, sexual assault, and protection of personal belongings. This mission will be the charge of every employee of this Department.

Purpose of the Position:

The Communications Officer receives calls for police intelligence and service, and accurately and timely disseminates to appropriate providers of service. Serves as the key link between the public and emergency personnel. This position will facilitate the completion of services from police officers to the public in an accurate and timely manner.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Related to Position:

• Ability to evaluate situations and make decisions independently that are consistent and reflect positively with the mission statement and the function of the Christopher Newport University Police Department
• Ability to maintain an open approach to situations and an impartial view to consider the impact and/or potential outcome
• Ability to deal effectively with the public and maintain a lack of bias
• Ability to learn specialized software, basic knowledge of general office practices to include the ability to type, good organizational skills, and excellent oral and written communication skills,
• Good interpersonal communication and public contact skills
• Ability to work collaboratively with other supervisors to resolve issues as they may arise
• Ability to answer phones and listen to/communicate on radio frequencies
• Ability to work rotating shifts to include nights, weekends, and holidays
• Must be available to work during inclement weather and other emergency situations.
• Ability to successfully complete training courses related to emergency response communication
• Knowledge/experience with computers to include word processing and the ability to learn specialized software

Education, Experience, Licensure, Certification Required :

Education:

• High school diploma or equivalent experience that equates to a high school diploma

Experience:

• Experience with computers to include word processing

Additional Consideration(s):

Education:

• Certified as a Communication Officer through an accredited Academy
• Certified as an NCIC/VCIN operator through the Virginia State Police or an accredited Academy.

Experience:

• Previous experience in law enforcement/emergency response communication duties/dispatching

Salary Information:

Salary $47,278 to $59,114, Commensurate with Education and Experience

CNU Information:

This position includes Commonwealth of Virginia and Christopher Newport University employee benefits. CNU offers a comprehensive benefits package to include retirement plans, medical, dental, vision, and a variety of other options. Available leave includes vacation, sick time, personal time, and volunteer/service leave. State employees are eligible for discounted travel, banking, legal and retail services, among others. To view more information about our benefits, please visit https://cnu.edu/hr/benefits/.

Role Code:

69151

Conditions of Employment:

• This is a classified position. New and returning classified employees are required to complete a 12-month probationary period.
• Selected candidate must attend a 2-day New Employee Orientation Program.
• Ability to work rotating shifts to include nights, weekends, and holidays
• Must be available to work during inclement weather and other emergency situations.
• Ability to successfully complete training courses related to emergency response communication.

Is this position telework eligible?:

No

Light Lifting (less than 20 lbs.):

Essential

Moderate Lifting (20-50 lbs.):

Essential

Heavy Lifting (more than 50 lbs.):

Non-Applicable

Pushing/Pulling:

Non-Applicable

Standing:

Marginal

Sitting:

Essential

Bending:

Marginal

Walking:

Non-Applicable

Climbing:

Non-Applicable

Reaching:

Essential

Repetitive Motion:

Essential

Fast Pace:

Essential

Average Pace:

Essential

Multiple Priorities:

Essential

Intense Customer Interaction:

Essential

Multiple Stimuli:

Essential

Frequency Changes:

Essential

Memory:

Essential

Reasoning:

Essential

Hearing:

Essential

Reading:

Essential

Analyzing:

Essential

Logic:

Essential

Verbal Communication:

Essential

Written Communication:

Essential

Posting Number:

PS1272P

Number of Vacancies:

1

Posting Date:

10/30/2026

Closing Date:

11/29/2026

Open Until Filled:

No

Quick Link for Direct Access to Posting:

https://jobs.cnu.edu/postings/21365

EEO/Diversity Statement(s):

Christopher Newport University, an EO Employer, is fully Committed to Access and Opportunity.

Reasonable Accommodation Request:

Christopher Newport University (CNU) will make a reasonable effort to accommodate persons with disabilities in the application and/or interview process. Persons with disabilities who require accommodation should contact the CNU Human Resources Office by calling [phone].

Alternative Hiring Process:

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth’s Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to upload an approved AHP Letter received from the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS) or from the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI) to their applications. Note: Certificates of Disability provided by DARS or DBVI dated April 1, 2022, through February 29, 2024, will still be accepted as applicable for the AHP. The name change to AHP Letter became effective March 1, 2024. Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Background Check:

Applicant finalists are required to complete a CNU sponsored background check. After accepting employment, individuals are required to complete a USCIS Form I-9 (employment eligibility verification) and present documentation from the USCIS List of Acceptable Documents that establishes both their identity and employment authorization to work in the United States. The provided documents will be verified through the Department of Homeland Security E-Verify website.