Description
Deputy Director of Communications
Department: Police – Dispatch Division
Job Code: DD/1.2
Labor Grade: Grade 20: $75,512.42-$114,558.63
FLSA Status: Exempt
Employment Type: Full-Time, 35 Hours/Week
Reports To: Director of Communications
Step into leadership today — and grow into the future of emergency communications.
The Town of Hanover is seeking a motivated and forward-thinking professional to join the Hanover Regional Emergency Dispatch Center as Deputy Director of Communications. Designed as a succession-track leadership role, this position offers a unique opportunity to develop advanced operational and leadership skills, mentor public safety professionals, and prepare for future advancement into the Director of Communications role while making an immediate impact supporting critical emergency response operations.
Why Join Us & Benefits – Town of Hanover, NH
Play a leadership role at the center of emergency response operations
Grow into a succession-track position designed for future advancement
Work with a highly professional and collaborative regional dispatch team
Serve a community that values safety, innovation, and professional excellence
Enjoy competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package, which may include:
Health and dental insurance
Participation in the New Hampshire Retirement System
Paid time off
Town-paid disability and life insurance
Professional development and leadership training opportunities
The Deputy Director of Communications embodies and demonstrates the core values of the Hanover Police Department: Integrity, Respect, Fairness, Excellence, and Positivity. Reporting to the Director of Communications, this position assists in the leadership, administration, and daily operations of the Hanover Regional Emergency Dispatch Center.
Requirements
The Deputy Director supports efficient delivery of emergency communications services, staff development, operational planning, and system reliability.
This position is designed as a succession-track leadership role, providing progressive development and mentorship with the long-term goal of assuming the Director of Communications position.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Assist in directing daily operations of the Dispatch Center, including call processing and dispatch coordination
Ensure high-quality emergency dispatch services to citizens and partner agencies
Perform Communications Officer duties as needed and maintain operational proficiency
Participate in scheduled or on-call dispatch shifts to support staffing needs
Support management of projects, administrative functions, and operational initiatives
Assist with budget preparation, expenditure monitoring, and financial tracking
Help develop, implement, and review policies and procedures
Coordinate staffing assignments, scheduling, and operational coverage
Provide leadership, mentoring, and supervisory support to Communications personnel
Assist with training, evaluations, professional development, and discipline processes
Promote departmental philosophy, professional standards, and operational consistency
Support oversight of telecommunications systems including radios, CAD/RMS systems, mobile data terminals, telephones, and video infrastructure
Work with vendors and technical partners to maintain system reliability
Assist with research and evaluation of new technologies and equipment
Support grant management efforts, including Homeland Security funding
Maintain required records and assist with reporting requirements
Support NH 911 coordination and data management activities
Participate in interoperability planning and regional coordination meetings
Serve as liaison with partner agencies and represent the Dispatch Center at meetings as assigned
Serve as Acting Director during the Director’s absence
Assist with facility planning, equipment upgrades, and technology initiatives
Perform related duties as assigned
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of emergency communications operations and dispatch procedures
Knowledge of telecommunications systems including radio, telephone, CAD/RMS, and related technologies
Understanding of leadership and supervisory principles
Knowledge of budgeting and administrative processes
Knowledge of project coordination and implementation
Familiarity with CJIS, NCIC, and NH SPOTS requirements
Strong decision-making skills in high-pressure environments
Excellent interpersonal, communication, and public relations skills
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in communications, public safety administration, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
Experience in emergency dispatch or communications operations within a public safety environment
Demonstrated leadership potential; supervisory experience preferred
Ability to obtain and maintain SPOTS/NCIC certification
Ability to serve as Acting Director and participate in succession planning development
