The City of Dublin is accepting applications for the next Director of the Northwest Regional Emergency Communications Center (NRECC). We are seeking an experienced and visionary leader to oversee center operations, guide strategic planning efforts, and maintain partnerships across multiple law enforcement and fire agencies.

The Northwest Regional Emergency Communications Center (NRECC) is the primary public safety dispatch center for the City of Dublin, City of Hilliard, City of Upper Arlington (police and fire), City of Worthington (police and fire), Washington Township, and Norwich Township. Located inside the Dublin Justice Center, NRECC was formed in October 2013 when Dublin began providing dispatching services for Norwich Township Fire and became the primary 9-1-1 answering point for all of Hilliard. Dispatching for Hilliard Police started in January of 2014. Upper Arlington fire joined in October 2017 and Upper Arlington Police in January 2018. Worthington police and fire joined in 2020.

Primary Focus
Responsible for the overall supervision and management of operations, functions and activities with the Northwest Regional Emergency Communications Center (NRECC). Oversees daily operations and activities of the Northwest Regional Emergency Communications Center (NRECC). Contributes and aligns NRECC’s organizational commitment to CALEA Accreditation and professional standards. Provides direction, vision, and accountability for the Communications function. Serves as a multi-jurisdictional liaison with NRECC partner agencies (Washington Township Fire, Hilliard Police, Norwich Township Fire, Upper Arlington Police and Fire, Worthington Police and Fire)

Given the nature of this classification's duties/responsibilities, it has been designated as Exempt under governing Fair Labor Standards Act regulations and therefore is not entitled to formal overtime compensation and/or formal compensatory time.

This position will primarily work day shift hours but will require some evening and weekend hours.

Supervisory Responsibilities
Direct supervision of three (3) Communications Managers, one (1) CAD Manager and one (1) Communications Systems Specialist.
Oversight responsibilities for Communication Supervisors and Communication Technicians (dispatchers).
Manages Communication Center operations and personnel (e.g., assigns tasks, provides direction, administers discipline, evaluates employee performance levels, approves leave requests, etc.); meets regularly with Communications Managers and Communications Supervisors to discuss and provide direction with tasks, policies, and personnel issues or concerns.

Updates and implements policies for NRECC staff; solicits feedback from Communications Managers and Supervisors prior to final changes.

Identifies ongoing needs of service (operational performance standards, quality assurance standards, new hire training, ancillary duties for staff member, etc).

Plans and directs operations of the multi-jurisdictional and multi-disciplinary 9-1-1 communications center, ensuring proper emergency call receiving and dispatching services are provided to partners, customers and communities served by NRECC.

Oversees the maintenance of all NRECC staff member training records, including EMD re-certifications, Instructor re-certifications, CPR, AED etc. Facilitates NRECC management staff’s collaboration with the Professional Standards Manager in providing documentation necessary for CALEA accreditation compliance.

Maintains effective communication and collaborative working relationships with members and representatives of the collective bargaining unit to support labor-management cooperation, address workplace concerns, and ensure compliance with negotiated agreements. Participates in collective bargaining negotiations.

Represents NRECC at local, regional, state and national boards, commissions and organizations related to public safety communications, including APCO, NENA, ESINET, 9-1-1 committees, etc.

Manages and directs technical services, functions, and activities including purchasing and updating, implementing, and maintenance of technology; manages contracts, agreements, and communicates with vendors, suppliers, and other service providers that support NRECC operations.

Oversight of all aspects of NRECC, including staffing, budgeting, agency contracts, adherence to standards, and service levels.

Manages all aspects of major projects related to emergency communications.

Manages aspects of the Central Ohio Interoperable Radio System (a council of governments formed to own and operate a regional public safety radio system), as directed by the COIRS governing board.

Maintains relations with other Local, County, State and Federal law enforcement agencies; fire, EMS and other agencies in public safety; interacts with other agencies, citizens and customers.

Represents the City of Dublin and NRECC at meetings, conferences, and seminars with other government agencies, business groups, citizen groups, professional associations, and the public.

Conducts short and long term strategic planning for NRECC.

Prepares and maintains records, reports, and correspondence; disseminates information; meets with staff, participates in staff meetings, and responds to inquiries on agency matters; represents NRECC in speaking to various groups and organizations.

Contributes innovative recruitment ideas and strategies in collaboration with Human Resources to ensure quality candidate interest and acquisition.

Participates in educational initiatives, training programs and ongoing professional development opportunities. Represent NRECC and public safety communications on related committees.

Performs other related duties as assigned.
Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice, Business Administration, Public Administration, or other relevant field and five years of leadership and/or management experience in Public Safety.

Experience in a multi-jurisdictional, multi-discipline Communications Center is preferred or any equivalent combination of education and/or experience which indicates a comprehensive knowledge of public safety communications, planning and departmental policy, and a demonstrated ability to manage a large work unit and apply management principles to practical situations.

Considerable knowledge of Part 90 Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules and regulations.

Considerable knowledge of LEADS and NCIC regulations and rules regarding the release of criminal history information.

Considerable knowledge of 911 system operations, practices, procedures and standards and computer-aided dispatch (CAD) automated information/communications system, and Next Generation 9-1-1.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Ability to create effective collaborative relationships within NRECC, the City of Dublin, and partnering agencies.

Ability to acquire and maintain LEADS and NCIC certification.

APCO Registered Public Safety Leader (RPL) and Certified Public Safety Executive (CPE) or NENA Emergency Number Professional (ENP) and Communications Manager Certification Program (CMCP) certifications strongly preferred.

Knowledge and experience with Collective Bargaining Agreements, including negotiation, language interpretation and the grievance process is preferred.

Physical Requirements
Ability to use public safety radio communications equipment.

Ability to move about the inside of an office space to access file cabinets and office equipment.

Constantly operate a computer and other office machinery, such as a copier, fax machine, mobile device, shredder, scanner, etc.

Must be able to remain in stationary position at workstation throughout scheduled workday.

Ability to exchange information with co-workers and citizens through use of email system, the telephone, and in-person interactions.

Ability to lift and move objects weighing 10-15 lbs.

Special Requirements
Possession of a valid driver's license.

Other Requirements
A conditional offer of employment is subject to the candidate's successful completion of all required pre-employment screening processes, including a background investigation and records checks, a psychological evaluation, a post-offer medical examination, and a drug test.

Demonstration of the following established City and Police Department core values: Integrity, Respect, Communication, Teamwork, Accountability, Positive Attitude, Commitment, Professionalism, and Dedication to Service.

Must establish and maintain a primary place of residence within a County within which the Police Department has jurisdiction, or a county contiguous with such County of jurisdiction. (List includes Franklin, Delaware, Union, Morrow, Marion, Hardin, Logan, Champaign, Madison, Pickaway, Fairfield, Licking, and Knox Counties.)

Regular attendance, as governed by and in accordance with applicable rules, regulations, procedures and laws, is regarded as an essential requirement of this classification.

Compliance with training directives established by supervisory/managerial personnel.

Adherence to all applicable Federal and State safety laws, rules, and regulations and City safety policies/procedures.
Managing Self & Personal Skills: The individual knowledge, skills, and traits required to fulfill the duties and responsibilities of the position. The ability to recognize, identify, and reconcile gaps in his/her own knowledge, skills and experience to effectively meet job requirements and pursue professional development. An understanding of the position and how it fits into the overall vision and objectives of the Department while also understanding personal motivators in terms of values, career and other aspirations. Must have the ability to deal tactfully with other employees and the public in a diplomatic manner, exercising good emotional control.

Providing Direction: Develop and implement operational plans for area of responsibility. Ensure that the Department has an overall strategic plan and each identified area of responsibility has an operational plan that will facilitate achieving the objectives set out in the strategic plan. Provide a strategy to ensure the Department’s and community’s needs are met, defining standards for measuring success. Ensure that the Department acts in accordance with Department goals in relation to its personnel, customers, stakeholders and community. Facilitate an organizational culture in which individuals are aware of potential risks. Assure the Department has an awareness of diversity and an active commitment to ensure equality.

Facilitating Change: Solicit, consider, and implement new ideas and improvements to existing services and improvements to existing practices, procedures and systems. Be an advocate for the Department vision and support those involved in making the vision a reality.

Working with People: Foster and create effective working relationships with all personnel within the organization and with individuals and organizations external to the Department. Oversee recruitment and selection of personnel for various positions within the Department. Encourage personnel to take responsibility for their own learning and provide an environment in which learning is valued. Encourage and support the highest quality of workplace team interaction and behavior by leadership and example.Provide ongoing coaching and mentorship, offering support of professional growth and skill development. Promote teamwork, communication, and collaboration among leadership, encouraging high levels of engagement and job satisfaction.

Using Resources: Manage a variety of resources effectively including finances, risk, physical resources and facilities, and technology. Ethically approach the management of resources. Work with stakeholders and personnel to ensure the safety and effective use of all resources

Achieving Results: Be responsible for the overall performance of the agency in terms of quality of service provided to the community and stakeholders. Identify all of the agency “customers,” both internal and external, and approach each with a quality service philosophy. Establish and support regular and on-going agency and personnel performance assessments. Manage projects effectively, efficiently, and ethically.