What are the responsibilities and job description for the Communications Manager position at City of Berkeley?
The City of Berkeley invites you to apply for the position of Communications Manager in the Police Department. In this role, you will be developing and implementing policies, procedures and operating standards, and the continuous evaluation of the efficiency and maintenance of all communication equipment and systems. The incumbent in this classification is responsible for the overall management of the Communications Center Bureau.
The ideal candidate is a strong and steady leader who can build trust with staff and communicate clearly in a fast-paced environment. They have experience managing or supervising a communications center and understand the challenges of staffing shortages, training, and employee wellness. They are proactive in finding solutions to staffing needs, supporting recruitment and retention efforts, and maintaining service levels during difficult conditions. The ideal candidate is also comfortable leading through change, including the implementation of new technologies and systems, and can help staff adapt through clear communication, training, and support. They are organized, approachable, and able to make sound decisions under pressure while keeping the team focused and supported.
See the full job description here: Communications Manager Classification
A typical way of gaining the knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position is
Equivalent to graduation from high school and completion of 60 college semester or 90 quarter units in business administration, public administration, criminal justice or a related field; may substitute experience on a year-for-year basis for education; and five (5) years increasingly responsible experience in a public safety communications center, one of which must have been at the supervisory level or administrative capacity and two years of experience directly related to emergency dispatching.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Must be able to pass a psychiatric evaluation and P.O.S.T Dispatcher background investigation. Must be willing to work evening, night, weekend and holiday shifts. An Emergency Medical Dispatcher, P.O.S.T. Dispatcher, Civilian Supervisor, Instructor Certificate, or completion of training required for one or more of these certificates is desirable. ICS 100, 200, 300, 400, 700 and 800 Incident Command system certification is desirable.
Must be able to travel to various locations within and outside the City of Berkeley to meet the program needs and to fulfill the job responsibilities. When driving on City business, the incumbent is required to maintain a valid California driver's license as well as a satisfactory driving record.
Applications must be received by Monday, June 1, 2026, at 5:00 pm PT and must include a completed application. Please note that resumes are not a substitute for a completed application.Applications are available in alternative formats (audio format, braille, large print, electronic text, etc. upon request to ada@berkeleyca.gov. Please allow 10 days for production of the material in an alternative format.The exam process will include, but may not be limited to:
- Application review for minimum qualifications and required documents (qualifying experience will be calculated based on the administrative review date)
- Review of Supplemental Questionnaire
- Assessment Center – Tentatively the Week of July 20th or July 27th
- Oral Interview Exam (70%)
- Written Exercise (30%)
Reasonable Accommodations: The City is committed to making reasonable accommodations in the examination process and in the work environment. Individuals requesting reasonable accommodations in the examination process must submit a request in writing to hr@berkeleyca.gov at the time of application.
Salary : $144,394 - $175,465