LifeFlight Emergency Communications Manager

Vanderbilt University Medical Center; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Vanderbilt University Medical Center is seeking a Manager of Emergency, Flight & Transportation Communications to oversee operations in emergency communications. This role entails strategic planning, staff development, and financial oversight, ensuring excellent service delivery.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree and 3 years of relevant experience, along with certifications in Flight Communication and Emergency Medical Technician. Join us in fostering a culture of safety and innovation.

Qualifications

• 3 years of relevant work experience is required.
• Certified Flight Communicator, along with Emergency Medical Technician certifications.

Responsibilities

• Lead operations of Vanderbilt's Emergency Communications Center.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory standards and promote safe work environments.
• Monitor budget, expenditures, and prepare financial reports.
• Coordinate emergency notifications and support disaster response communications.

Skills

Leadership

Operations Planning

Emergency Management

Decision Making

Change Management

Listening

Compliance

Quality Management

Financial Acumen

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Job Summary

The Manager of Emergency, Flight & Transportation Communications leads the operations of Vanderbilt’s Emergency Communications Center, Transport Coordination Center or FlightCom Communications Center. This role ensures the delivery of safe, efficient, and compliant communication services supporting air medical transport, ground medical transport or emergency response coordination and regional healthcare partnerships. The Manager is responsible for strategic planning, operational oversight, staff development, and financial stewardship, fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement aligned with institutional goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor quality assurance standards and ensure compliance with regulatory and institutional requirements.
• Define and achieve financial targets; monitor budgets, expenditures, and prepare financial reports.
• Promote a safe, enriching work environment and support staff development through training and performance feedback.
• Lead departmental planning, performance improvement, and cross‑functional coordination.
• Recruit, train, and evaluate staff; ensure qualifications and competencies align with job responsibilities.
• Ensure service standards are met or exceeded; use customer satisfaction data to improve systems and outcomes.
• Coordinate emergency notifications and support disaster response and mass casualty incident communications.
• Facilitate real‑time communications between EMS agencies, hospitals, and emergency services.
• Manage high‑volume emergency communication systems, including multi‑line phones and radio networks.
• Monitor and triage VUMC and MCJCHV helipads.
• Monitor aircraft movements, weather conditions, and flight routes to support safe operations.
• Maintain knowledge of FAA Part 135 regulations and ensure adherence to aviation policies.
• Facilitate real‑time communications between flight crews, hospitals, and other essential personnel.
• Ensure accurate documentation of flight transport activities and communications in dispatch systems.
• Provide leadership to flight communication specialists, ensuring alignment with protocols.
• Coordinate with other flight programs when aircraft are unavailable and manage incoming/outgoing air transport requests.
• Oversee coordination of ground medical transport logistics across multiple facilities, ensuring safety, efficiency, and compliance.
• Facilitate communications between ground transport teams and healthcare providers.
• Supervise and guide transportation communication staff, ensuring effective operations and adherence to standards.

Technical Capabilities

• Leadership (Novice): Demonstrates adaptable leadership styles, communicates goals clearly, and models initiative.
• Operations Planning (Novice): Anticipates resource needs, organizes tasks, and manages multiple priorities effectively.
• Emergency Management (Novice to Intermediate): Applies structured methodologies and practical expertise in emergency response coordination.
• Decision Making (Novice): Makes timely, effective decisions in high‑pressure environments with broad consideration of alternatives.
• Change Management (Novice): Supports organizational adaptation through structured problem‑solving and solution testing.
• Listening (Intermediate): Engages actively in communication, ensuring clarity and understanding across diverse stakeholders.
• Compliance (Novice): Applies regulatory knowledge and escalates issues appropriately.
• Quality Management (Novice): Continuously evaluates and improves operational processes and service delivery.
• Financial Acumen (Fundamental Awareness): Supports budget planning, monitors expenditures, and prepares financial documentation.

Position Qualifications

• Certifications: Certified Flight Communicator – IAMTCS; LIC‑Emergency Medical Technician Advanced; LIC‑Emergency Medical Technician – Paramedic; LIC‑Emergency Medical Technician Basic.
• Relevant Work Experience: 3 years.
• Education: Bachelor's degree.

EEO Statement

Vanderbilt Health is committed to fostering an environment where everyone has the chance to thrive and is committed to the principles of equal opportunity. EOE/Vets/Disabled.