Lead Communications Center Dispatcher

Virginia's Community College System; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 37,000; Part time

Job summary

Tidewater Community College is seeking a Lead Communications Center Dispatcher to coordinate emergency and non-emergency communications, dispatch officers, monitor radio and telephone systems, and enter data. This essential role requires flexibility across a 24/7 schedule to ensure campus safety.

The position emphasizes training for dispatch personnel and collaboration with multiple agencies to maintain secure operations on campus.

Qualifications

• Experience as a dispatcher or high-volume call center, preferably in law enforcement or campus security.
• Ability to convey information accurately for timely responses.
• Familiarity with public safety or dispatch software such as Omnigo Dispatch, Kenwood radios, or RAVE.
• Excellent typing, communication, multitasking, and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Operate public safety communications equipment per guidelines.
• Dispatch officers and responders to calls for service promptly.
• Process service requests via telephone, radio, and alert systems.
• Coordinate with campus community, law enforcement, and emergency agencies.

Skills

Dispatcher experience

High-volume calls

Public safety software

Strong typing

Tools

Omnigo Dispatch

Kenwood Radio Systems

RAVE Emergency Notification System

Job description

Working Title Lead Communications Center Dispatcher Role Title Emergency Coordinator II Role Code 69152-SW FLSA Nonexempt Pay Band 04 Position Number 295W0080 Agency Tidewater Community College Division Tidewater Community College (Div) Work Location Norfolk - 710 Hiring Range $24.46 per hour, part time Emergency/Essential Personnel Yes EEO Category 3-Technicians Full Time or Part Time Part Time Does this position have telework options? -Telework options are subject to change based on business needs- No Does this position have a bilingual or multilingual skill requirement or preference? No

Work Schedule Must be available to work a flexible schedule (6:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m., 12:15 p.m.-6:30 p.m., 6:15 p.m.-11:30 p.m. 11:30am-6:00am, Monday- Sunday) Dispatch Operations run 24/7/365

Sensitive Position No Job Description

Tidewater Community College has served South Hampton Roads – both students and employers – for 50 years. It has grown from 1 campus into a regional educational and economic force. TCC is the largest provider of higher education and workforce services in Hampton Roads, enrolling nearly 25,000 students in 2024-25. Founded in 1968 as a part of the Virginia Community College System, Tidewater Community College (TCC) services South Hampton Roads with 4 campuses in Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Virginia Beach, 7 regional centers and 2 important cultural institutions. The college had 3,399 graduates in 2024-2025, 40 percent of whom pursued degrees that would let them transfer to 4-year institutions. Of South Hampton Roads residents enrolled in higher education 33% enrolled at TCC. TCC’s institutional accreditation is affirmed through 2027 by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Position Summary

The Lead Communications Center Dispatcher provides a high level of safety and security service to the college community by coordinating emergency and non-emergency communications and dispatch operations. This position operates telecommunications equipment, dispatches Public Safety Officers, monitors radio and telephone communications, and simultaneously enters and retrieves data. The Lead also provides initial and ongoing training to TCC and contracted dispatch personnel.

This position, designated as an essential position, must be able to report to work and fulfil responsibilities of the position in the event of college/campus closure due to weather or emergent conditions.

Functional Responsibilities

• Operate public safety communications equipment in accordance with established guidelines and procedures.
• Receive and transmit radio communications in compliance with FCC regulations and departmental guidelines.
• Dispatch Public Safety Officers and emergency/non-emergency responders to calls for service.
• Receive and process service requests through telephone, radio, and community alert systems.
• Coordinate requests from the campus community, public, law enforcement, emergency responders, and emergency management agencies.
• Ensure calls for service are handled promptly, efficiently, professionally, and appropriately.
• Maintain accurate computerized daily communications and dispatch logs.
• Collect, organize, enter, retrieve, and maintain operational data from computerized systems.
• Monitor campus security operations, surveillance cameras, alarm systems, emergency call boxes, and mobile Blue Light systems.
• Oversee daily dispatch operations and ensure appropriate personnel are dispatched to incidents.
• Develop, update, and maintain Call Taker/Dispatch standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Recommend operational improvements and equipment repairs to the Security Operations Manager.
• Coordinate 24/7/365 dispatch coverage, including scheduling, call-off coverage, and providing operational guidance to dispatch personnel.

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 Governor.

KSA's/Required Qualifications

• Experience as a dispatcher or in a high-volume call center, preferably in law enforcement, campus police, or security.
• Ability to receive, assess, and communicate information accurately to ensure timely and appropriate responses.
• Experience using public safety or dispatch software, such as Omnigo Dispatch, Kenwood Radio Systems, or RAVE Emergency Notification System.
• Strong typing, communication, multitasking, and attention-to-detail skills.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with distressed or crisis callers.
• Ability to obtain and relay information through telephone and radio communications.
• Ability to read and interpret maps, reference materials, technical manuals, and related documents.
• Ability to remain calm and exercise sound professional judgment during emergency and crisis situations.
• Ability to coordinate with multiple departments and maintain effective communication while supporting public safety operations.
• Ability to operate multi-line telephone systems, including transferring, prioritizing, and routing calls.

Additional Considerations

• Previous experience with access control system administration

Operation of a State Vehicle

No Supervises Employees Yes Required Travel N/A

Posting Number WGE_3471P

Recruitment Type General Public - G Number of Vacancies 1 Position End Date (if temporary) Job Open Date 09/23/2026 Job Close Date 10/13/2026 Open Until Filled No Agency Website TCC.edu Contact Name Lizette White Email [e-mail] Phone Number

Special Instructions to Applicants

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 provide their AHP Letter (formerly called a Certificate of Disability) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans may also apply via the AHP if they also provide an AHP Letter. To request an AHP Letter, use this link: https://www.dars.virginia.gov/drs/cpid/PWContact.aspx or call DARS at 800-552-5019, or DBVI at 800-622-2155

Additional Information

This position, designated as an essential position, must be able to report to work and fulfil responsibilities of the position in the event of college/campus closure due to weather or emergent conditions.

Background Check Statement Disclaimer

The selected candidate’s offer is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background investigation, which may include: fingerprint checks, local agency checks, employment verification, verification of education, credit checks (relevant to employment). Additionally, selected candidates may be required to complete the Commonwealth’s Statement of Economic Interest. For more information, please follow this link: http://ethics.dls.virginia.gov/

EEO Statement

The Virginia Community College System (VCCS) provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, political affiliation, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or other non-merit factors.

ADA Statement

The Virginia Community College System (VCCS) is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and complies with the Americans with Disabilities Acts (ADA and ADAAA), to provide, reasonable accommodation to applicants in need of access to the application, interviewing, and selection processes when requested.

E-Verify Statement

VCCS uses E-Verify to check employee eligibility to work in the United States. You will be required to complete an I-9 form and provide documentation of your identity for employment purposes.

Quicklink for Posting https://jobs.vccs.edu/postings/101568