Communications Officer

University of Mississippi•University, MS

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The University of Mississippi, a premier public research institution, is seeking a Communications Officer for its University Police & Campus Safety department. This role is crucial for receiving and transmitting emergency and non-emergency calls, monitoring security systems, and coordinating emergency responses. The University of Mississippi, the "Flagship" University for Mississippi, has an enrollment of over 27,000 students and employs over 15,000 faculty and staff. It has been recognized nationally as a "Great Colleges to Work For" for 15 consecutive years, highlighting its commitment to employee well-being, competitive benefits, leadership confidence, diversity, professional development, and job satisfaction.

Requirements

High School Diploma or equivalent
Valid driver's license
Must be a citizen of the United States (as required by Mississippi Board of Emergency Telecommunicators Standards and Training - BETST)
Must become state certified within one year of employment (at no cost to the employee)
Must pass an extensive background check, computer-based aptitude assessment, psychological evaluation, and drug screening.
Speak, read, and understand English fluently.
Intermediate computer skills at minimum.
4 Years of Relevant experience

Nice To Haves

Technologically Savvy
Reliable
Quick Thinking
Expert Multi-tasker
Calm Under Pressure
Superior Customer Service
Quick, Accurate, and Thorough Documentation
Clear and Concise Communication
Strong ethics
A Desire to Serve the Ole Miss Community
Additional languages

Responsibilities

Responds to emergency and non-emergency calls for service and dispatches personnel, including campus security officers, police officers, and emergency responders, as needed.
Monitors security and emergency systems, including cameras and alarm systems, to ensure the safety and security of campus.
Provides guidance and assistance to callers, including information about campus policies, procedures, and resources.
Monitors multiple calls and incidents simultaneously, maintaining awareness of status and prioritizing responses based on the nature and severity of the situation.
Provides accurate and timely information to responding personnel, including location, nature of the incident, and any special circumstances.
Maintains accurate records of all calls and incidents, including actions taken and outcomes.
Answer, direct, and make both emergency and non-emergency phone calls.
Operate multi-channel handheld and console radios.
Dispatch University Police Officers to calls for service.
Become familiar with department policies and procedures.
Maintain the highest level of personal and professional ethics.
Maintain strict confidentiality.
Follow after-hours notification procedures.
Coordinate multi-agency incident response: Oxford Police, Lafayette County Sherriff’s Office, Oxford Fire, Baptist EMS, etc.
Complete initial training as well as continuing education.
Act as an answering point for and delegate tasks to other departments such as Parking and Transportation, Facilities, Housing, Counseling, etc.
Determine appropriate priority and complete multiple tasks simultaneously.
Code calls and record details appropriately for proper response and reporting purposes.
Utilize numerous databases.
Operate advanced equipment and conduct minor troubleshooting as needed.
Monitor campus-wide camera systems.
Monitor campus-wide alarm systems.
Facilitate a positive relationship between UPD and the community.
Maintain composure during times of crisis.
Assign responding units as necessary.
Facilitate emergency translation services.
Monitor weather conditions and relay information for campus safety.
Provide communications for special events such as athletic, Greek, Commencement, entertainment, and protection details.
Assist internal divisions as requested: Patrol, Investigations, Accreditation, Campus Safety, Emergency Management, etc.

Benefits

Starting Pay: $18.64 hourly ($38,771 annually) with no experience plus an additional shift differential for evenings and weekends.
Cost of Living and Merit Raises as Allowed
State Health/Dental/Vision/Prescription Insurance
State Retirement (PERS)
Life Insurance, Long-term Disability, Cancer, and Accidental Death Policies Available
Paid Vacation, Holidays, Sick Time
Free/Discounted Staff/Dependent Tuition
Staff Textbook Scholarship
Discounts on Meals, Golf Course, Recreation Centers, Ford Center, and Athletics Events
Mississippi State Employee Personnel Board Discounts on Restaurants, Retail, Tickets, Travel, etc.