Emergency Communications Director

Portland Police Department (Portland Regional Communications Center); Portland (ME); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

The Portland Regional Communications Center (PRCC) seeks an experienced Emergency Communications Director to provide administrative and managerial oversight of 24/7 public safety dispatch operations serving Portland, South Portland and Cape Elizabeth.

The Director will lead daily operations, oversee budgets and vendor relationships, shape policy and strategic planning, and drive IT systems planning, workforce development, and continuous operational improvement across Police, Fire and EMS

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a related field.
• A minimum of 10 years in emergency communications.
• Expertise in FCC regulations and public safety equipment.
• State of Maine emergency telecommunicator certifications or equivalent preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee 24/7 operations and compliance with laws and best practices.
• Develop recruitment and staffing strategies for 37 staff.
• Lead IT systems and special projects including 911 and radio systems.
• Manage finances, budgets, contracts, and vendor relations.
• Provide leadership and performance evaluations for staff and leadership.
• Act as liaison with member communities, law enforcement, and city departments.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic Planning

Project Management

Budgeting

Public Safety Communications

Team Leadership

Communication

FCC Regulations

Vendor Management

Policy Formulation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in related field

Tools

911 Systems

Radio Systems

EOC Software

Public Safety IT

Job description

The Portland Regional Communications Center (PRCC) is seeking an experienced, decisive, and collaborative leader to serve as its Emergency Communications Director. The Director provides administrative and managerial oversight of PRCC, which serves the communities of Portland, South Portland, and Cape Elizabeth, providing public safety communications services for Police, Fire, and EMS.

This critical leadership position is responsible for the 24/7 operation of public safety communications, overseeing a full-strength staff of 37 dedicated communications professionals. The Emergency Communications Director will lead daily operations, support regional public safety partnerships, and ensure the continued delivery of professional, reliable, and effective emergency communications services.

The role encompasses a broad range of administrative and strategic responsibilities, including project management, vendor relationship management, policy formulation, contract negotiation, and strategic fiscal planning. The Director will also help shape the future of emergency communications through strong organizational leadership, technology planning, workforce development, and continuous operational improvement.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations, ensure compliance with State laws, and maintain industry "best practice" standards for police, fire, and EMS dispatching.
• Develop recruitment strategies to address staffing challenges and direct long-term operational improvements.
• Lead and coordinate PRCC IT systems and special projects, including 911, non-emergency telephony, radio systems, and the Emergency Operations Center (EOC).
• Manage PRCC finances, develop annual budgets, oversee contract execution, and manage vendor relationships.
• Provide proactive wellness check-ins, oversee recruitment, facilitate onboarding, and conduct performance evaluations for leadership and front-line staff.
• Act as a liaison with PSAP member communities, law enforcement, city departments, and the Board of Directors to discuss emergency service issues and mutual aid.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in a related field, or an equivalent combination of education, experience, and training.
• Experience: A minimum of 10 years of experience working in the emergency communications field.
• Expertise in FCC regulations, State Codes, public safety communications equipment, and contemporary office management/administration.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain full State of Maine certification as an emergency telecommunicator, including Emergency Medical Dispatching, Emergency Fire Dispatching, Next Generation 911, and NENA Center Manager certification (or equivalent).

Requirements of Work

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in a related field and a minimum of 10 years of experience working in the emergency communications field; or an equivalent combination of education, experience, and training which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to perform the work.

Knowledge of relevant Federal Communications Communication (FCC) regulations, State Codes, operation policies and procedures, emergency communication procedures, equipment and functions of emergency communications systems.

Knowledge of principles, practices, methods and application of contemporary office management, administration, organization, planning, and effective methods and techniques in a public setting and a clear understanding of legal issues related to Public Safety Answering Point operation.

Knowledge of participating jurisdictions involved in emergency dispatch communications systems.

Knowledge of principles, practices, techniques and equipment used in the design, operation and maintenance of communications systems.

Experience with principles and practices of fiscal management, budgeting and fiscal planning.

Effectively manage, supervise and coordinate the activities of a staff engaged in emergency response; develop and implement organizational programs.

Ability to collect, analyze, and evaluate complex data and problems, to detect alternatives, to identify consequences, and to develop sound recommendations, prepare comprehensive reports, and to implement plans and policies.

Ability to exercise judgment, discretion and prudence in applying and implementing policies and procedures, pertinent laws, rules and regulations and ordinances.

Ability to independently exercise judgment and initiative; recognize and respond appropriately to problems of a sensitive or political nature; efficiently coordinate resources and activities of others.

Ability to communicate tactfully and effectively orally, demonstrating skill to present findings, recommendations and policies clearly before public officials, other officials, media, employees and community groups in order to gain concurrence and cooperation through discussion and persuasion.

Ability to communicate effectively in writing, evidencing skill to prepare clear administrative, technical and statistical reports logically and concisely.

Understanding of the general mechanical principles of automated communications equipment; analyze contemporary communications dispatch systems potential, identify problems and potential emerging problems and develop remedies for maximum efficiency; evaluate, develop and implement technological changes to improve systems and programs.

Ability to establish and maintain effective work relationships with all those contacted in the course of work including all levels of user agencies, support staff, employees, public officials and community members. Requires strong emotional intelligence.

Experience with supervision of direct professional, technical and clerical staff.

Ability to provide excellent and courteous customer service, establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted through the course of work.

Ability to acquire a working knowledge of Maine law pertaining to the collection, storage, and dissemination of criminal history record information.

Ability to work effectively with representatives of other public safety agencies, city departments, state, county, and federal governments, and private agencies in coordinating activities and resolving problems. Ability to work proactively and independently.

Necessary Special Requirements

Must be able to obtain full certification by the State of Maine as an emergency telecommunicator and maintain required certifications. This includes:

• Emergency Medical Dispatching Certification
• Emergency Fire Dispatching Certification
• Certified Terminal Operator
• Emergency Telecommunicator Certification
• Next Generation 911 Certification
• NENA Center Manager Certification or equivalent