Communications Officer

The University of Mississippi — fondly referred to as Ole Miss — stands as a premier public research institution with a proud legacy of academic distinction. We are devoted to nurturing a vibrant, inclusive community where every member — student, faculty, and staff — can achieve their fullest potential.

Join the Ole Miss Family — Build Your Legacy Here!

Job Summary:

Receives and transmits emergency and non-emergency calls for service, monitors security and emergency systems, and coordinates emergency response.

Job Description:

• Responds to emergency and non-emergency calls for service and dispatches personnel, including campus security officers, police officers, and emergency responders, as needed.
• Monitors security and emergency systems, including cameras and alarm systems, to ensure the safety and security of campus.
• Provides guidance and assistance to callers, including information about campus policies, procedures, and resources.
• Monitors multiple calls and incidents simultaneously, maintaining awareness of status and prioritizing responses based on the nature and severity of the situation.
• Provides accurate and timely information to responding personnel, including location, nature of the incident, and any special circumstances.
• Maintains accurate records of all calls and incidents, including actions taken and outcomes.

Required Tasks: Answer, direct, and make both emergency and non-emergency phone calls; Operate multi-channel handheld and console radios; Dispatch University Police Officers to calls for service; Become familiar with department policies and procedures; Maintain the highest level of personal and professional ethics; Maintain strict confidentiality; Follow after-hours notification procedures; Coordinate multi-agency incident response; Complete initial training as well as continuing education; Act as an answering point for and delegate tasks to other departments; Determine appropriate priority and complete multiple tasks simultaneously; Code calls and record details appropriately; Utilize numerous databases; Operate advanced equipment and conduct minor troubleshooting as needed; Monitor campus-wide camera systems; Monitor campus-wide alarm systems; Facilitate a positive relationship between UPD and the community; Maintain composure during times of crisis; Assign responding units as necessary; Facilitate emergency translation services; Monitor weather conditions and relay information for campus safety; Provide communications for special events; Assist internal divisions as requested.

Preferred Skills: Technologically Savvy; Reliable; Quick Thinking; Expert Multi-tasker; Calm Under Pressure; Superior Customer Service; Quick, Accurate, and Thorough Documentation; Clear and Concise Communication; Strong ethics; A Desire to Serve the Ole Miss Community.

Minimum education required: High School Diploma or equivalent. Valid driver's license. The Mississippi Board of Emergency Telecommunicators Standards and Training (BETST) requires all state certified dispatchers to be citizens of the United States. BETST requires Communications Officers to become state certified within one year of employment (at no cost to the employee). All candidates who advance in the hiring process must pass an extensive background check, computer-based aptitude assessment, psychological evaluation, and drug screening. No prior experience is necessary.

Benefits: Starting Pay: $18.64 hourly ($38,771 annually) with no experience plus an additional shift differential for evenings and weekends. Cost of Living and Merit Raises as Allowed. State Health/Dental/Vision/Prescription Insurance. State Retirement (PERS). Life Insurance, Long-term Disability, Cancer, and Accidental Death Policies Available. Paid Vacation, Holidays, Sick Time. Free/Discounted Staff/Dependent Tuition. Staff Textbook Scholarship. Discounts on Meals, Golf Course, Recreation Centers, Ford Center, and Athletics Events. Mississippi State Employee Personnel Board Discounts on Restaurants, Retail, Tickets, Travel, etc.