Communications Officer
- Employer
- University of Mississippi
- Location
- University, Mississippi, United States
- Salary
- Competitive Salary
- Date posted
- Nov 10, 2023
View more categoriesView less categories
- Position Type
- Administrative, Business & Administrative Affairs, Campus Security/Police
- Employment Type
- Full Time
Job Details
Note for Current UM Employees
Current employees must apply internally via connectU > connectu.olemiss.edu
Definition of Class
This position operates the communications center for the University Police Department. Incumbents employ multiple transmitting and receiving devices, communicating with both internal and external sources, and directing operational message traffic within the Department. Incumbents are supervised by shift officers holding the rank of Police Lieutenant.
Examples of Work Performed
- Receives incoming calls and messages; directs communication internally as required, to include dispatching officers in a response mode; monitors situational developments; maintains radio message log; provides information and guidance to callers while demonstrating a courteous and helpful demeanor.
- Utilizes two-way radios, employing police radio codes; computers; telephone system; fax machine; and the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD).
- Monitors fire and burglar alarms and closed circuit video cameras; interacts with a variety of systems including Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD), Systems Applications and Products (SAP), and the National Crime Information Center (NCIC).
- Responds rapidly to emergency calls, employing effective decision-making and prioritization skills. Understands and complies with departmental operating procedures, and procedures applicable to the University’s Physical Plant Department, Oxford Fire Department, and other law enforcement agencies. Develops and utilizes detailed knowledge of campus streets, buildings and facilities.
- Trains University Police Department members in effective public safety communication.
- Maintains awareness of officers’ status, particularly when responding to situations. Understands patrol techniques and monitors situational developments. Maintains full awareness when handling simultaneous actions.
- Pays attention to detail. Communicates clearly, especially in situations involving excited callers, international students with strong dialects, and police officers under stress. Provides appropriate response.
- Recognizes when situations escalate; coordinates appropriate response in conjunction with the Shift Lieutenant.
- Maintains composure when receiving verbal abuse or when involved in conflict resolution, whether in person or telephonic; provides advice to callers; attempts to resolve complaints if possible, or refers issues to appropriate authority.
- Performs similar or related duties as assigned or required.
These essential functions include, but are not limited to, the following. Additional essential functions may be identified and included by the hiring department
- Serves as the communications focal point for the University Police Department.
- Processes critical information rapidly, accurately, and utilizing a variety of communication modes.
- Places priority on the safety, survival and well-being of both police officers and the citizens served by the department.
- Continually employs excellent public relations techniques while serving as the day-to-day spokesperson and “voice” of the University Police Department.
Minimum Education/Experience
Education:
Graduation from a standard four-year high school or equivalent (GED).
AND
Certification:
Completion of the Basic Communication course required by the Mississippi State Minimum Standards Board, and achieve National Crime Information Center computer certification within one year of employment.
Licensure:
Must have a valid driver’s license upon employment.
Salary/Wage Information
To learn more about our pay structure and view our salary ranges, click here to visit the Compensation page of our Human Resources website. This link is provided for general pay information. Hourly rate or salary may vary depending on qualifications, experience, and departmental budget. Note: Unclassified positions (faculty, executives, researchers and coaches) do not have established salary ranges.
EEO Statement
The University of Mississippi provides equal opportunity in any employment practice, education program, or education activity to all qualified persons. The University complies with all applicable laws regarding equal opportunity and affirmative action and does not unlawfully discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based upon race, color, gender, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, citizenship, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or genetic information.
Interview Requirements: Any candidate who is called for an interview must notify the Department of Equal Opportunity/Regulatory Compliance in writing of any reasonable accommodation needed prior to the date of the interview.
Background Check Statement
The University of Mississippi is committed to providing a safe campus community. UM conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.
Nearest Major Market: Oxford Mississippi
Company
Founded in 1848, The University of Mississippi, affectionately known to alumni, students and friends as Ole Miss, is Mississippi's flagship university. Included in the elite group of R-1: Doctoral Universities - Highest Research Activity by the Carnegie Classification, it has a long history of producing leaders in public service, academics and business. With more than 24,000 students, Ole Miss is the state's largest university and is ranked among the nation's fastest-growing institutions. Its 15 academic divisions include a major medical school, nationally recognized schools of accountancy, law and pharmacy, and the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College, renowned for a blend of academic rigor, experiential learning and opportunities for community action. The University of Mississippi embraces diversity and inclusion as core values and seeks to empower all members of the University community.
The university’s path to becoming the flagship university it is today has been marked by two decades of accelerated growth and prosperity. Student enrollment at UM has increased over 40 percent over the past seven years — illustrating the growing reputation and national draw of the university. We were the 10th-fastest growing university among public doctoral institutions over the period of 2005–2015. Over the past few years, the university has instituted dynamic new academic programs and greatly expanded its campuses with the completion of multiple major construction projects. The 2018 U.S. News & World Report annual rankings of Best (Undergraduate) Colleges and Universities ranked the University of Mississippi No. 73 in the Top Public National Universities category. The rankings reflect 15 indicators of academic excellence, including faculty resources, financial resources, and undergraduate academic reputation. In 2016, indicating a major milestone, the university was elevated to the Carnegie R1 Highest Research Activity classification — placing it in the top 2.5 percent of colleges and universities nationwide.
For ten consecutive years, The University of Mississippi has been voted by our staff as one of the great colleges to work for in the Chronicle of Higher Education’s survey, and has been widely recognized as one of the most beautiful campuses in America by Newsweek, the Princeton Review and USA Today. Sometimes called the “Cultural Mecca of the South,” Oxford has been the home of William Faulkner, John Grisham, Willie Morris, Barry Hannah and many more outstanding writers. In recent years, it has become known for its award-winning chefs and restaurateurs. Oxford is often recommended by many publications as a bucket list place to visit.
We build leaders, serve our community and our neighbors, and compete to win. We are a literary mecca, a research center, a launchpad for careers across the professions, a home away from home, and so much more. We are Ole Miss.
Committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse and talented workforce, the university offers competitive salaries and benefits, an extensive support network, and above all, an enriching and highly collaborative community that is deeply passionate about our vision for higher education and public service.
The University of Mississippi offers exciting opportunities for career development and continuous learning. Every day is different, with new ideas, challenges, and benefits just around the corner—no matter which department you’re a part of. It’s an exciting place to build a meaningful career at any level.
Our University, like all institutions, is only as strong as our people. Our faculty, staff, and students represent an exceptional group of people with a rich diversity of talents and backgrounds. There’s no better place to start a great career than in Oxford, Mississippi.
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