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!

Department:

Job Summary:

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

About Us: The University of Mississippi

We are the “Flagship” University for the state of Mississippi with enrollment of over 27,000 for 2024 and climbing annually. The University employs over 15,000 faculty and staff across its campuses. We have earned a spot on The Chronicle of Higher Education’s national “Great Colleges to Work For” list for 15 years! The factors considered include among others: employee well-being, competitiveness of policies and benefits, confidence in leadership, diversity and inclusion, professional development, and job satisfaction.

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.

University Police Department
The University of Mississippi Police Department is a state accredited law enforcement agency operating on the Oxford campus. We continue to create additional positions to accommodate University growth.

Communications Officers are not Police Officers but are known by many other names: Dispatcher, Call-taker, Telecommunicator, or First Responder.

We are open 24 hours a day year-round and work 8-hour shifts five days a week with set off days. The currently available shift is 3PM - 11PM Thursday through Monday; days off will be Tuesday and Wednesday. Weekends/Holidays may be required based on seniority and staffing. Occasional overtime may be offered or required based on department needs. We work alongside others in an office type environment. Everything we do revolves around technology. It is essential to possess intermediate computer skills at minimum.

This position requires a great deal of interaction with the public. We have an amazing team of dispatchers from different backgrounds whose common thread is the desire to maintain safety and make a difference in the lives of the community members we serve.

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: Oxford Police, Lafayette County Sherriff’s Office, Oxford Fire, Baptist EMS, etc.
• Complete initial training as well as continuing education
• Act as an answering point for and delegate tasks to other departments such as Parking and Transportation, Facilities, Housing, Counseling, etc.
• Determine appropriate priority and complete multiple tasks simultaneously
• Code calls and record details appropriately for proper response and reporting purposes.
• 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 such as athletic, Greek, Commencement, entertainment, and protection details
• Assist internal divisions as requested: Patrol, Investigations, Accreditation, Campus Safety, Emergency Management, etc.

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

Examples of common calls: wrecks, jump starts, unlocks, welfare concerns, mental health crisis, parking complaints, conflict resolution, damage to property, missing property, substance issues, alarms, traffic stops, medical, safety escorts, building checks, parking lot checks, etc.

Consideration will only be given to those who provide a resume and cover letter.

• 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.

Job Responsibilities:

Due to the nature of the position, the candidate must speak, read, and understand English fluently. Additional languages are always a plus, but are not required.

Education Qualifications:

High School (Required)

Experience:

Relevant experience | 4 Years | Required

Compensation:

$18.64 - $27.96