EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR

Munis Self Service; Portland (ME); On-site; USD 104,000 - 128,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid holidays

Sick, vacation, and personal leave

Life, dental, vision insurance

Retirement plan

Recreation facilities

Fitness reimbursement

Professional development discounts

Job summary

The City of Portland's Portland Regional Communications Center (PRCC) seeks an experienced Emergency Communications Director to oversee 24/7 public safety dispatch operations serving Portland, South Portland, and Cape Elizabeth.

You will lead 37 dedicated staff, shape IT/infrastructure, manage budgets and contracts, and drive policy, vendor relations, and strategic planning to improve service delivery across Police, Fire, and EMS.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in a related field and a minimum of 10 years of experience in emergency communications; or equivalent combination of education, experience, and training.
• Strong understanding of FCC regulations, State Codes, NCIC compliance, fiscal planning, and legal issues relating to PSAP operations.
• Proven ability to manage, supervise, and coordinate a 24/7 emergency response staff; high emotional intelligence to work across public/private sectors; excellent written/verbal communication.

Responsibilities

• Oversees all PRCC functions to implement the Board's emergency communication services and ensures compliance with laws, agreements, and policies.
• Leads and updates IT systems and infrastructure supporting 911, non-emergency telephony, regional radio systems, and the EOC.
• Develops and manages the annual budget, finances, equipment needs, capital plans, and pursues municipal dispatch contracts and grants.
• Provides wellness support, directs recruitment, onboarding, and performance evaluations for management and dispatch staff.
• Collaborates with member communities and regional partners to optimize emergency service delivery and mutual aid.

Skills

Data analysis

Problem solving

Communication

Emotional intelligence

Leadership

Budget management

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Tools

FCC regulations

NCIC compliance

PSAP operations

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 and Responsibilities:

• Oversees all PRCC functions to implement the Board's emergency communication services. Ensures operations comply with State laws, collective bargaining agreements, City/Board policies, and industry best practices.
• Leads, coordinates, and continually updates PRCC IT systems and infrastructure supporting 911, non-emergency telephony, region-wide radio systems, and the Emergency Operations Center (EOC).
• Develops and manages the annual budget, handles PRCC finances, reviews equipment/supply needs, plans capital expenditures, and actively solicits municipal dispatch contracts, grants, and alternative revenues.
• Provides proactive wellness support and check-ins for staff, referring members to EAP or peer support teams when needed. Directs recruitment, interviewing, onboarding, and performance evaluations for the management team and dispatch staff.
• Collaborates with PSAP member communities, regional agencies, Cumberland County partners, and hospital networks to optimize emergency service delivery and maintain mutual aid.

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 providing the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Strong understanding of Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations, State Codes, NCIC compliance, fiscal planning, and legal issues relating to Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) operations.
• Proven ability to manage, supervise, and coordinate a 24/7 emergency response staff. Demonstrated skill in data analysis, complex problem-solving, and professional written/verbal communication. High emotional intelligence is required to establish effective working relationships across all levels of public and private sectors.

Necessary Special Requirements:

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

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

Applications accepted until October 23, 2026.

Offers of employment are contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background check.

Salary & Benefits:

This is a non union position, Grade D63, with a starting pay range of $104,069 - $127,985 per year, based on relevant years of experience.

The City of Portland prides itself on its outstanding benefits and collegial and mission-driven work environment.

City benefits include:

• Free employee health insurance with the completion of wellness incentives
• Thirteen paid holidays
• Sick, vacation, and personal leave
• Life, dental, vision and income protection insurances
• Choice of retirement plans, including a pension plan
• Use of City recreation facilities
• Fitness Reimbursement
• Discount on professional development programs through USM and Thomas College

The City of Portland believes that to do our best work, our employees need to reflect the diverse, vibrant community we serve. We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to celebrating all dimensions of diversity in the workplace. Applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other applicable legally protected characteristics. If you need to request a reasonable accommodation, please call 207-874-8624 or email [e-mail].