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Harvard University

Communications Dispatcher

Closes:

706

Company Description

The Harvard University Police Department (HUPD) is a full-service police agency dedicated to maintaining a safe and secure environment that supports Harvard's mission of teaching, research, and learning. Serving a diverse community of more than 22,000 students, 14,000 faculty and staff, and over 700 buildings across an open and accessible campus, HUPD provides professional policing grounded in partnership, respect, and constitutional values. With a Patrol Division, Detective Bureau, and Dignitary Protection Unit, HUPD delivers comprehensive law enforcement and public safety services, responding to a wide variety of incidents, conducting investigations, supporting crime prevention initiatives, and assisting community members with services ranging from safety escorts to wellness checks. Joining HUPD means contributing to a mission-driven department that honors free expression, diversity, and individual rights while working collaboratively to protect life, safeguard property, and reduce fear of crime within the Harvard community.

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Job Description

Please note: Shift hours are primarily 11:00 PM to 7:00 AM and serving a floater (filling in on the 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM or 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM shifts) four days on, two days off rotation.

Under general supervision, the Dispatcher will be assigned to the Harvard University Police Department (HUPD). The HUPD is responsible for maintaining a public safety environment that supports the mission of Harvard University. The dispatcher will be responsible for communications between police units through various occurrences. Dispatchers will undergo extensive training on all aspects of HUPD's Communications Center. The HUPD's Communications Center is a 24/7 operation, and mandatory overtime may apply.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

  • Receiving, transmitting, and disseminating information, both routine and emergency in nature, received from calls for service.
  • Work alongside the police units in the field, utilizing various telecommunications equipment, including, but not limited to, Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD), a Motorola Radio system, and various alarm monitoring systems.
  • Receive and respond to requests from police units for information needed to perform their duties.
  • Querying various law enforcement databases (e.g., vehicle registrations, Board of Probation records, and warrants) and other related duties.
  • Monitor emails from the community to the department and disseminate that information immediately to the appropriate personnel.
  • Monitoring and responding to emails from supervisors and other department personnel.
  • Keeping up to date on local, domestic, and international news to better serve the community.
  • Attend Roll Call (zoom or in person) while on duty when applicable.

Working Conditions:

  • Primary schedule is 11:00 PM-7:00 AM on a four-days-on, two-days-off rotation, with floating coverage on 7:00 AM-3:00 PM or 3:00 PM-11:00 PM shifts. Work is on-site in a climate-controlled environment, sometimes from a Mobile Command Center, and may require relocation to an alternate work location.
  • The role requires the ability to sit or stand for long periods, move between workstations (including bending and stretching), and work in close proximity to others while wearing a uniform. Strong vision and hearing are needed to operate computers, phones, and radios.
  • This is an essential personnel role with frequent phone interactions, requiring you to triage calls, manage frequent interruptions, maintain periods of intense concentration, and perform well under stress and pressure.
  • You must be available to work holidays, weekends, all shifts, overtime (including mandatory overtime), in inclement weather, and during declared emergencies. Remote work is not available.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

  • High School Diploma or equivalent
  • Minimum of three (3) years full-time, or equivalent part-time, paid experience in a customer service position. (Primary responsibility is triaging incoming calls and recording information for reporting purposes.)
  • Experience with Microsoft Windows is required.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) certified

Additional Qualifications:

  • Prior experience as a Dispatcher for a public safety agency, ambulance company, taxicab service, or delivery service.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Ability to type 40 words per minute
  • Apply police protocol, which includes, but is not limited to, utilizing sound judgment skills, maintaining a calm demeanor under duress, being able to multitask, and sitting for extended periods.
  • Knowledge of the Cities of Cambridge and Boston's main streets and intersections.
  • Ability to exercise good judgment and focus on the details required of the job.
  • Bilingual is a plus.
  • As an essential personnel member, must have the ability to work onsite in Cambridge/Boston during scheduled shifts; remote work is not available
  • Flexibility to work overtime, special events, and emergencies on short notice.

Additional Information

  • Standard Hours/Schedule: 40 hours per week
  • Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
  • Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education, Criminal, Credit, Certification/License, Motor Vehicle Record, Drug Test, DOT Physical, CORI, Employment, Prohibited Parties

Other Information: A CRIMINAL RECORD CHECK AND FINGERPRINTING WILL BE CONDUCTED ON ALL APPLICANTS. Harvard University cannot provide Visa sponsorship for this position.

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that all duties and responsibilities must be performed at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 053. Please visit Harvard's Salary Ranges to view the corresponding salary range and related information.

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to:

  • Generous paid time off including parental leave
  • Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one
  • Retirement plans with university contributions
  • Wellbeing and mental health resources
  • Support for families and caregivers
  • Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement
  • Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page.

Job details

Title
Communications Dispatcher
Employer
Harvard University
Location
Massachusetts Hall, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
Published
Jul 29, 2026
Closes:
Sep 27, 2026
Job type
Full time, Staff / Administration
Field
Police and Public Safety

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About the employer

Harvard University Jobs

Harvard University

4.0 Star Employer Ranking

Harvard University offers a diverse range of job and work opportunities across various categories, reflecting its status as a leading academic and research institution. These opportunities cater to different skill sets, academic backgrounds, and career stages. Harvard University Academic Positions - click here . Harvard University Staff Jobs - click here . The main types of jobs and work opportunities at Harvard: 1. Faculty and Academic Positions Tenure-Track Faculty : These roles include assistant, associate, and full professors across Harvard’s schools (e.g., Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Harvard Medical School, Harvard Business School). Faculty engage in teaching, research, and service. Qualifications typically include a Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree, a strong research portfolio, and teaching experience. Openings vary by department and school, with competitive hiring processes. Non-Tenure-Track Faculty : Includes lecturers, preceptors, and visiting professors. These roles focus primarily on teaching or short-term research projects and may require a Ph.D. or significant expertise in the field. Research Appointments : Postdoctoral fellowships, research associates, and scientists work on cutting-edge research in fields like medicine, engineering, humanities, and social sciences. These positions often require advanced degrees and are funded through grants or specific research programs. 2. Administrative and Professional Staff Administrative Roles : These include positions in academic administration (e.g., deans’ offices, registrar, admissions), student services, and program management. Examples include academic program coordinators, admissions officers, and financial aid advisors. These roles often require a bachelor’s or master’s degree and relevant experience. Professional Staff : Harvard employs professionals in areas like human resources, finance, communications, development (fundraising), and alumni relations. Examples include HR specialists, financial analysts, and marketing managers. These positions typically require specialized skills or certifications. Executive and Leadership Roles : Senior positions like directors, department heads, or executive administrators oversee operations in specific units or schools. These roles demand extensive experience and leadership skills. 3. Research and Laboratory Staff Research Support Staff : Includes lab managers, research technicians, and data analysts who support faculty and postdoctoral researchers in labs across disciplines like biology, chemistry, physics, and medicine. These roles often require technical skills, such as proficiency in lab equipment or data analysis software. Clinical Research Roles : At Harvard Medical School and affiliated hospitals, clinical research coordinators and specialists support medical and health-related studies. These positions may require certifications like Good Clinical Practice (GCP) training. 4. Technical and IT Staff Information Technology : Harvard employs IT professionals for roles like systems administrators, software developers, cybersecurity analysts, and data scientists to support its technological infrastructure. These positions require expertise in areas like cloud computing, AI, or network management. Library and Information Services : Harvard’s extensive library system hires librarians, archivists, and digital resource specialists. These roles often require a master’s degree in library science or related fields. 5. Support and Operations Staff Facilities and Operations : Includes roles in maintenance, custodial services, groundskeeping, and security. These positions ensure the smooth operation of Harvard’s campus and may not require advanced degrees but often need specific training or certifications. Dining and Hospitality : Harvard’s dining services employ chefs, food service workers, and catering staff to support campus dining halls and events. Administrative Support : Roles like executive assistants, office managers, and receptionists provide critical support to departments and faculty. 6. Student and Temporary Opportunities Student Employment : Harvard offers on-campus jobs for students, including work-study positions in libraries, dining halls, labs, and administrative offices. These roles are typically part-time and designed to accommodate academic schedules. Temporary and Seasonal Work : Temporary roles, such as event staff or short-term project assistants, are available for non-students as well. These are often listed through Harvard’s temporary staffing services. 7. Medical and Healthcare Roles Clinical and Healthcare Staff : Through Harvard Medical School and affiliated hospitals (e.g., Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham and Women’s Hospital), opportunities exist for physicians, nurses, medical technicians, and other healthcare professionals. These roles require medical licenses or certifications. Public Health Professionals : The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health employs researchers, policy analysts, and program managers focused on global health initiatives. 8. Creative and Media Roles Arts and Culture : Harvard’s museums (e.g., Harvard Art Museums) and cultural institutions hire curators, educators, and exhibition staff. The American Repertory Theater employs artists, stage managers, and production staff. Communications and Media : Roles in writing, graphic design, social media, and public relations support Harvard’s outreach and branding efforts. Key Characteristics of Harvard Jobs Diversity of Roles : Harvard’s workforce spans academic, administrative, technical, and operational functions, with opportunities for both entry-level and highly specialized professionals. Competitive Benefits : Harvard offers comprehensive benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, tuition assistance, and professional development. Faculty and staff also gain access to Harvard’s libraries, museums, and cultural events. Global Impact : Many roles, especially in research and public health, contribute to global advancements in knowledge and policy. Location : Most positions are based in Cambridge or Boston, Massachusetts, with some remote or hybrid options, particularly for administrative and IT roles. How to Find Opportunities Harvard Careers Portal : The primary resource for job listings is Harvard’s Human Resources website (hr.harvard.edu/jobs), which lists openings for faculty, staff, and temporary roles. School-Specific Listings : Each Harvard school (e.g., Harvard College, Harvard Law School) may post specialized positions on their websites. Networking and Referrals : Many academic and research roles are filled through professional networks or direct outreach to departments. X Platform : Searching for “Harvard University jobs” on X can reveal real-time discussions, job postings, or employee experiences, though these should be verified through official channels. Additional Notes Qualifications : Requirements vary widely. Faculty roles typically need advanced degrees, while support roles may prioritize experience or specific skills. Work Environment : Harvard emphasizes diversity, inclusion, and collaboration, with opportunities for professional growth and community engagement. Application Process : Most positions require an online application through Harvard’s careers portal, including a resume, cover letter, and sometimes additional materials like teaching statements or research portfolios.

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