DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC SAFETY COMMUNICATIONS

APCO International; La Crosse (WI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

La Crosse County is seeking a Public Safety Communications Director to provide strategic leadership for the county’s 9-1-1 operations, emergency dispatch, and related technology management. The role oversees planning, operations, and vendor contracts to ensure reliable public safety communications for law enforcement, fire, EMS, and the community.

The ideal candidate has at least 5 years of progressively responsible leadership in public safety, familiarity with CAD and E9-1-1 systems, and a

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred; equivalent combinations of education and relevant experience will be considered.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible leadership experience in public safety operations preferred.
• Knowledge of CAD, radio communications infrastructure, E9-1-1 systems, and emergency medical dispatching preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction and executive oversight of Public Safety Communications Center operations.
• Develop and maintain policies, procedures, and performance standards for operational excellence.
• Lead departmental workforce planning, including recruitment, training, performance management, and succession planning.
• Oversee budgeting and fiscal management for the department with transparency and accountability.
• Collaborate with law enforcement, fire, EMS, and partner agencies to ensure integrated public safety services.
• Represent the department in regional, state, and national forums and lead public information initiatives.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Budget management

Public safety knowledge

Strategic planning

Stakeholder collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree preferred; equivalent combinations of education and relevant experience will be considered

Tools

CAD systems

Radio communications infrastructure

E9-1-1 systems

Emergency management practices

Job description

Welcome to La Crosse County — Where Your Work Truly Matters

Every day, our unique teams contribute to our vision of a community that is vibrant, safe, and resilient. Whether you're supporting families, safeguarding natural resources, maintaining infrastructure, or delivering essential services, your work here creates real impact for the people who live, work, and visit our county.

What You’ll Gain by Joining Us

• A Future You Can Count On: Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS), one of the most respected pension programs in the nation.
• Reliable, Affordable Coverage: Countywide insurance plans plus growing access to local, no-cost care options for everyday health needs.
• Time Off That Works For You: You’ll have two dedicated banks of vacation and sick time, giving you the freedom to plan real downtime when you need it—and the peace of mind to take care of yourself when you’re under the weather. Start earning vacation and sick time your very first day
  • Bank up to 2× your annual vacation accrual
  • Build up to 150 sick days as a full time employee

A Place Where Everyone Belongs

We believe our workforce should reflect the community we serve. We’re committed to fostering a culture of respect, inclusion, and belonging—because diverse perspectives lead to better outcomes for everyone.

Overview

FLSA: Exempt. The Public Safety Communications Director is responsible for directing the County’s Public Safety Communications Center, providing strategic leadership for countywide public safety communications, 9-1-1 operations, and emergency dispatch services.

This role requires a forward-thinking, innovative leader who can anticipate future challenges and opportunities in public safety communications. The Director will oversee all aspects of department planning, operations, and technology management, ensuring efficient, reliable, and responsive services to law enforcement, fire, emergency medical services, and the community.

Appointed by the County Administrator following a competitive selection process, the Director reports directly to the County Administrator and the Judiciary and Law Committee.

Essential Leadership Functions

Act with Integrity and Build Trust

• Demonstrate mutual respect, humility, and honesty in all interactions
• Speak up appropriately, even when expressing unpopular viewpoints
• Actively listen and remain open-minded to diverse perspectives

Drive for Results

• Set clear goals and objectives to motivate self and others to achieve outcomes
• Seek new opportunities to improve processes and drive sustainable results
• Hold self and others accountable through consistent evaluation and monitoring

Develop Talent and Effective Teams

• Foster a collaborative environment that encourages knowledge sharing and growth
• Provide mentorship and support to help self and others reach full potential
• Recognize and leverage diverse strengths within self and team

Lead with Vision and Strategy

• Understand and communicate a compelling vision that aligns with organizational goals
• Develop and execute comprehensive strategies to achieve long-term objectives
• Connect daily work to the bigger picture, inspiring self and others to contribute meaningfully

Lead with Paradoxical, Critical, and Agile Thinking

• Navigate complex situations by considering multiple perspectives
• Adapt quickly to changes and uncertainties in the work environment
• Make critical decisions using analytical skills, experience, and input from others

Build and Maintain Effective Relationships

• Communicate and collaborate effectively with stakeholders across the organization
• Influence others through coaching, consulting, and team-minded thinking
• Develop and sustain partnerships that create positive outcomes for all stakeholders

Cultivate Community Engagement and Provide Excellent Service

• Understand and address the needs and concerns of the community
• Incorporate community perspectives into decision-making processes
• Drive initiatives that create positive impacts beyond the organization

Demonstrate Emotional Intelligence

• Show self-awareness and manage emotions effectively in challenging situations
• Seek and respond constructively to feedback, even in the face of setbacks
• Balance empathy with accountability when leading self and working with others

Essential Job Functions

Provide strategic direction and executive oversight of all Public Safety Communications Center operations.

Establish and implement policies, procedures, and performance standards to ensure operational excellence.

Exercise independent judgment and discretion in developing solutions where guidelines may not exist.

Lead departmental workforce planning, including recruitment, training, performance management, and succession planning.

Monitor workloads, staffing levels, and service demand; recommend adjustments to maintain effectiveness.

Develop, present, and administer the annual departmental budget; ensure fiscal responsibility and transparency.

Prepare and analyze statistical and planning reports to inform decision-making and future planning.

Ensure consistent and reliable attendance, modeling accountability for staff.

Oversee management and modernization of the County’s public safety radio and communications systems, including towers, consoles, computers, and the E9-1-1 telephone system.

Develop and maintain a long-range capital improvement plan aligned with future operational needs.

Research emerging technologies and recommend innovations to enhance efficiency, resiliency, and service delivery.

Manage vendor and service contracts for installation, maintenance, and support of mission-critical systems.

Build and sustain strong working relationships with law enforcement, fire, EMS, and other partner agencies.

Serve as the County’s primary representative for public safety communications in regional, state, and national forums.

Lead public information initiatives and represent the department through presentations, media engagement, and community outreach.

Investigate and resolve complaints from partner agencies and the public in a fair and timely manner.

Participate in advisory boards, legislative committees, and councils to advocate for policies that strengthen public safety communications.

This job description is not intended to encompass every job duty or responsibility but is only illustrative. This position is required to perform other duties as may be assigned or required.

Physical Demands: Work is primarily office-based, requiring frequent use of computers, telephones, and radios. Regular sitting, standing, bending, reaching, and handling of documents. Frequent in-County travel to partner agencies; occasional out-of-County travel for professional development and conferences.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of or ability and willingness to learn federal, state, and local laws governing public safety communications and emergency management practices, including MABAS (Mutual Aid Box Alarm System) and NIMS (National Incident Management System).

Strong leadership, supervisory, and organizational management skills.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse audiences, including the public and media.

Proficiency in financial management, including budget development and administration.

Ability to foster collaboration and build trusted relationships with stakeholders across public safety, government, and the community.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We’re proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to building a workforce that reflects the community we serve.

Need an Accommodation?

If you require a disability-related accommodation at any stage of the hiring process, reach out to Human Resources at [e-mail] — we're here to help.

Ready to Apply?

Submit your application through our online career site. Please double-check your materials before submitting them; complete applications help us move quickly and give every candidate fair consideration.

Training, Experience and Other Requirements

Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible leadership experience in law enforcement, fire, EMS, emergency management, or related public safety operations preferred.

Knowledge of computer-aided dispatch systems, radio communications infrastructure, E9-1-1 systems, and emergency medical dispatching preferred.

Bachelor’s degree preferred; equivalent combinations of education and relevant experience will be considered.

Must successfully pass a law enforcement background check suitable for working with public safety agencies.

Willingness and ability to occasionally work outside of normal business hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, as required.