911 Emergency Communications Director

Bernalillo County•Albuquerque, NM

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Emergency Communications provides administrative direction for Bernalillo County’s communications programs, services, and facilities. The role develops and enforces policies, coordinates operations with local, state, and national agencies, and ensures effective staff supervision. It oversees budgeting, program implementation, quality assurance, resource allocation, and stakeholder relationships. As a Director II, this position serves in senior management at the top of a department’s organizational structure. It leads managers and supervisors, mentors staff, helps evaluate operations and address challenges, and ensures county policies, procedures, and initiatives are implemented. The director also represents the department to County leadership, elected officials, agencies, and the community. The position promotes and administers Emergency Communications programs; leads development and training for the department’s Emergency Operations Plan; coordinates communications across jurisdictions and agencies; manages departmental resources, facilities, and technology; and works to ensure high-quality service delivery and performance. Essential duties are primarily indoors in a temperature-controlled environment, with occasional outdoor work. The role may operate a county vehicle as assigned.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Emergency Services, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field.
Eleven years of work experience in Emergency Operations or an Emergency Communications Center, including work related to public safety dispatching, E9-1-1, communication systems project management, and 700 MHz radio communications and/or microwave communications.
Four years in a managerial role.
Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience may be considered.
Successful completion of a post-offer employment medical examination and background investigation.
Adherence to all County safety guidelines.
Complete all FEMA trainings assigned to the position.
Possess a valid New Mexico driver’s license by the employment date, or obtain one within 90 days of hire, and maintain it while employed.
Complete required supervisor training, if applicable.
Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
Policy analysis and development skills.
Leadership and team collaboration skills.
Process improvement and performance measurement skills.
Exceptional communication and presentation skills.
Ability to navigate politically sensitive and high-profile issues.

Responsibilities

Provide executive leadership and direction for departmental operations, programs, and staff.
Develop and implement strategic plans, policies, and procedures to achieve departmental goals.
Oversee departmental budgeting, financial management, resource allocation, and expenditure monitoring.
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws, regulations, standards, and fiscal requirements.
Collaborate with County leadership, elected officials, and external stakeholders to advance departmental initiatives.
Monitor and evaluate program effectiveness and recommend and implement improvements.
Supervise and mentor managers and staff, fostering accountability, excellence, engagement, and collaboration.
Represent the department in public meetings, hearings, and community engagement activities.
Prepare and present reports, proposals, and recommendations to County leadership.
Promote and administer Emergency Communications programs.
Lead development and training for the department’s Emergency Operations Plan (EOP).
Coordinate communications operations across jurisdictions and agencies.
Inform stakeholders about system operations and updates.
Build relationships with internal departments, emergency services, and community groups.
Attend public meetings and assess legislative impact.
Implement new programs and improve current services.
Manage departmental resources, including facilities and technology.
Ensure high-quality service delivery and performance.
Handle sensitive or confidential information appropriately.
Perform other duties as required.