Police Communications Lead

Department of Public Safety

Elevate Your Career at UCCS: Innovate, Inspire, and Impact in the Rockies!

Who We Are

The University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) is a premier educational institution that prides itself on academic excellence, research, and community engagement and is actively seeking a Police Communications Lead to join our team! UCCS is committed to academic excellence, professional development, and fostering an environment that supports innovation and student success.

At the base of the Rocky Mountains, Colorado Springs is captivated by its stunning landscapes, making it a paradise for nature lovers. This city is more than its scenery—a mosaic of history, arts, and a vibrant tech scene. We invite you to join a community that cherishes outdoor adventure as much as forward-thinking growth, an exceptional setting for both career and lifestyle.

Salary/Pay Range: $60,637 - $78,241 annually. Compensation will be commensurate upon experience and qualifications. This position is Non-Exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) overtime provisions.

Work Location: On-Site

Benefits at a Glance

At UCCS, our employees are our most valued asset. We're proud to offer:

• Generous Time Off: Enjoy 22 vacation days, 10 sick days, paid parental leave, 13 recognized holidays, and provisions for bereavement, jury duty, and FAMLI Leave.
• Robust Health Coverage: Our comprehensive medical plans cover preventative care at no cost, including a yearly mental health visit. Plus, benefit from affordable dental, vision plans, and competitive prescription drug prices.
• Financial & Retirement Benefits: Take advantage of our health savings, flexible spending accounts, and life and disability insurance. Plan for your future with our retirement options.
• Further Your Education: Avail twelve (12) waived credits per academic year for courses at any CU campus. We invest in your educational and professional growth.
• Wellness & More: From wellness programs aimed at achieving your best self to various additional benefits through CU Advantage, we prioritize well-being and holistic development.
• Want to know your total compensation? Use our calculator to get the complete picture!

Summary

The Police Communications Lead position with the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) Department of Public Safety serves as an advanced professional role within the Police Communications Center. This position performs the full scope of dispatcher duties while exercising a high level of discretion, analytical skill, and operational expertise in complex and high-risk public safety situations.

The Police Communications Lead functions as a subject matter expert and operational leader, providing guidance, mentoring, and professional support to dispatch staff without formal supervisory authority. This role supports operational continuity, training, quality assurance, and process improvement while working closely with the Police Communications Manager to maintain effective and compliant communications operations.

This position is designated as an essential employee. You may be required to “stay late” or “come in early”, as needed. You may also be required to respond to any emergencies as needed.

This position requires participation in a rotating on‑call schedule, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Essential Functions

The duties and responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to:

• Perform all core responsibilities of a Dispatcher, including receiving emergency and non-emergency calls, assessing and prioritizing information, dispatching appropriate public safety resources, and maintaining accurate and detailed records in the Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) system.
• Serve as a lead dispatcher and subject matter expert, providing day-to-day operational guidance and support to dispatch staff in accordance with departmental policies and procedures.
• Exercise independent judgment in managing complex, sensitive, or high-priority incidents requiring advanced decision-making and problem-solving skills.
• Provide mentoring, coaching, and on-the-job guidance to new and experienced dispatch staff; assist in training delivery and skills development.
• Assist in the development, coordination, and refinement of training programs, dispatch protocols, and operational procedures.
• Participate in quality assurance activities, including review of call-handling practices, documentation accuracy, and adherence to established standards.
• Provide constructive feedback and recommendations to support individual performance and continuous operational improvement.
• Support scheduling and staffing coverage needs, particularly during the absence of the Police Communications Manager.
• Act as a liaison between dispatch staff and management to facilitate communication, consistency, and operational continuity.
• Participate in special projects, system implementations, and operational initiatives as assigned by the Police Communications Manager or designee.

Tentative Search Timeline

• Priority will be given to applications submitted by: May 20, 2026.
• Potential interview dates: May 25 - 29, 2026
• Potential start date: July 1, 2026

Qualifications:

• Education:
  • High school diploma or GED is required
  • Associates or bachelor's degree in criminal justice, communications, or a related field is preferred
• Experience:
  • Must have experience in public safety dispatching
  • Must have lead-level or informal leadership experience in public safety or communications environment
  • Experience with CJIS, CAD, NCIC, and CCIC systems is preferred
• Special Qualifications:
  • Must have current NCIC/CCIC certification
  • Required certifications: CBI, FEMA, IS-100.C; IS-200; IS-700 B; and Notary Public
  • Current Communications Training Officer (CTO) certification is preferred
  • Highly qualified applicants will have advanced certifications in emergency communications or public safety disciplines
• Bilingual proficiency in Spanish is preferred.