Communications Manager

The University of Arizona Police Department (UAPD) is seeking a Communications Manager to provide operational leadership for the UAPD Dispatch Center and oversee the emergency communications program. This role requires specialized expertise in 9-1-1 operations, CAD and radio systems, staffing, training, and regulatory compliance. The Communications Manager will develop and implement operational policies and process improvements to ensure effective service delivery and performance outcomes. This position strengthens efficiency, staff development, and sustained compliance with evolving industry standards.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Provides overall operational management of the University’s law enforcement dispatch and 9-1-1 communications function, ensuring consistent, high-quality emergency response coordination.
• Serves as PSAP (Public Safety Answering Point) Manager, overseeing dispatch services, performance outcomes, and operational continuity.
• Maintains communications recordings and documentation for evidentiary and operational purposes.
• Plans, leads, and supervises a Communications Bureau work unit, providing direction, coaching, and accountability for staff performance.
• Manages hiring, training, evaluation, and corrective actions for exempt and non-exempt employees.
• Promotes a culture of teamwork, professional development, and service excellence across emergency communications operations.
• Develops, implements, and evaluates operational plans, goals, and bureau-wide policies for police communications and dispatch services.
• Reviews existing procedures, identifies opportunities for improvement, and implements process enhancements to strengthen efficiency, service delivery, and alignment with industry standards.
• Ensures consistent leadership and stability within a specialized functional area.
• Ensures bureau compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and accreditation standards governing 9-1-1 and police communications.
• Serves as System Security Officer for ACJIS, overseeing secure access, adherence to justice information policies, and departmental compliance requirements.
• Provides leadership over dispatch technology systems, coordinating upgrades and system changes for CAD, radio infrastructure, dispatch consoles, and 9-1-1 equipment in partnership with vendors and stakeholders.
• Assists in forecasting, developing, and monitoring the communications budget, including annual justifications and resource planning.
• Serves as liaison to patrol operations, government agencies, and regional interoperability committees to advance emergency communications partnerships and cooperation.
• Attends meetings and conferences with other public safety organizations representing department interests and needs.
  
  

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Knowledge of 9-1-1 systems, policy, and legislation.
• Knowledge of applicable Town, State and Federal statutes, rules, ordinances, codes, regulations governing dispatching.
• Knowledge of CAD and Telecommunications systems, methods and equipment as it applies to Public Safety dispatching.
• Knowledge of management and/or supervision principles and possession of strong leadership skills.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of Public Safety Communications.
• Knowledge of the University of Arizona and Department's policies and procedures.
• Skill in operating computers and public safety related communication equipment utilizing a variety of software and operating systems/applications.
• Skill in quick decision making and correcting emergency situations.
• Ability to demonstrate flexibility and judgment in difficult or stressful situations.
• Ability to be an active, positive and contributing team member of the Department’s Management Team.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in written communication.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines and follow up on work assignments with minimal supervision.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional level experience required.
• Five years of related work experience, including two years of managerial experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• Successfully pass an in-depth background investigation to include criminal history and a polygraph examination.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in police communications systems.
• Experience with police practices and functions.
• Experience with computer database skills and excel.
  
  

How to Apply

Please apply online through the University of Arizona Human Resources website.

Search Position: UAPD Communications Manager Req25649

After receiving your application, we will email you instructions on how to access and complete the background questionnaire. Applicants who submit an application, meet the minimum qualifications, and complete the Preliminary Applicant Questionnaire (PHQ) will be considered for further evaluation.