DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC SAFETY COMMUNICATIONS

La Crosse County•La Crosse, WI

About The Position

The Public Safety Communications Director provides strategic leadership and executive oversight for the County’s Public Safety Communications Center, countywide public safety communications, 9-1-1 operations, and emergency dispatch services. The Director oversees department planning, operations, and technology management to provide efficient, reliable, and responsive services to law enforcement, fire, emergency medical services, and the community. The position is appointed by the County Administrator following a competitive selection process and reports directly to the County Administrator and the Judiciary and Law Committee. The Director establishes policies, procedures, and performance standards; leads workforce planning and staffing; develops and administers the department’s annual budget; and prepares statistical and planning reports. The role also oversees public safety radio and communications systems, including towers, consoles, computers, and the E9-1-1 telephone system, and develops a long-range capital improvement plan. The Director researches emerging technologies, manages vendor and service contracts, and represents the County in regional, state, and national forums, as well as through public information initiatives and community outreach. The position requires a leader who can build effective teams and stakeholder relationships, exercise independent judgment, respond to community and partner concerns, and adapt to changing operational needs. Work is primarily office-based, with frequent in-County travel to partner agencies and occasional out-of-County travel for professional development and conferences. Occasional work outside normal business hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, may be required. Other duties may be assigned or required.

Requirements

At least 5 years of progressively responsible leadership experience in law enforcement, fire, EMS, emergency management, or related public safety operations is preferred.
A bachelor’s degree is preferred; equivalent combinations of education and relevant experience will be considered.
Must successfully pass a law enforcement background check suitable for working with public safety agencies.
Willingness and ability to occasionally work outside normal business hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Knowledge of, or ability and willingness to learn, federal, state, and local laws governing public safety communications and emergency management practices, including MABAS and NIMS.
Strong leadership, supervisory, and organizational management skills.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to engage effectively with diverse audiences, the public, and the media.
Proficiency in financial management, including budget development and administration.
Ability to foster collaboration and build trusted relationships across public safety, government, and the community.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of computer-aided dispatch systems, radio communications infrastructure, E9-1-1 systems, and emergency medical dispatching.
Bachelor’s degree.

Responsibilities

Provide strategic direction and executive oversight of all Public Safety Communications Center operations.
Establish and implement policies, procedures, and performance standards.
Develop solutions using independent judgment and discretion when guidelines may not exist.
Lead departmental workforce planning, including recruitment, training, performance management, and succession planning.
Monitor workloads, staffing levels, and service demand, and recommend adjustments.
Develop, present, and administer the annual departmental budget, ensuring fiscal responsibility and transparency.
Prepare and analyze statistical and planning reports to inform decisions and future planning.
Model accountability through consistent and reliable attendance.
Oversee management and modernization of public safety radio and communications systems, including towers, consoles, computers, and the E9-1-1 telephone system.
Develop and maintain a long-range capital improvement plan aligned with future operational needs.
Research emerging technologies and recommend innovations to improve efficiency, resiliency, and service delivery.
Manage vendor and service contracts for installation, maintenance, and support of mission-critical systems.
Build and sustain working relationships with law enforcement, fire, EMS, and other partner agencies.
Represent the County in regional, state, and national public safety communications forums.
Lead public information initiatives and represent the department through presentations, media engagement, and community outreach.
Investigate and resolve complaints from partner agencies and the public fairly and promptly.
Participate in advisory boards, legislative committees, and councils to advocate for policies that strengthen public safety communications.
Perform other duties as assigned or required.