Description
****THIS POSITION CLOSES ON MAY 1, 2026 AT 5:00 P.M.****
South Metro Fire Rescue (SMFR) is looking for a strategic leader to serve as the Director of our Emergency Communication Bureau. (SMFR) is located just south of the Denver metro area in the beautiful state of Colorado. SMFR serves an approximate population of 580,000 residents and nearly 300 square miles across Arapahoe, Douglas, and Jefferson counties. This includes 13 cities, Centennial Airport, and 3 large office parks. The District has approximately 795 full-time employees, with approximately 625 line and 170 staff personnel, with an annual budget of over $225 million. In addition to the 30 fire stations strategically located throughout the District, the District operates administratively out of a headquarters building and two training centers, the Joint Service Facility (JSF) and the Troy Jackson Training Center (TJTC).
The Emergency Communications Director serves as the leader of the Emergency
Communications Bureau, providing strategic vision and operational oversight for all 911 dispatch
services. This role is responsible for ensuring efficient, high-quality emergency communications
through strong leadership of daily operations, staffing, training, and resource management. The
Director drives innovation by advancing mission-critical technologies, including CAD systems,
NG911, radio networks, and GIS integrations, to enhance system reliability and service delivery.
In addition to overseeing the bureau’s budget, infrastructure, and technology lifecycle, this
position fosters a culture of accountability, professionalism, and continuous improvement while
building strong partnerships with internal teams and regional agencies. This is a key leadership
role dedicated to delivering exceptional public safety communications and supporting the
organization’s mission through forward-thinking strategy and operational excellence.
GENERALPOSITION SUMMARY
The Emergency Communications Director serves as the head of the Emergency Communications Bureau and
is responsible for developing and directing the operations of the bureau in a manner consistent with
organizational values. This position provides strategic leadership and direction for all Emergency
Communications dispatch operations, overseeing daily functions, staffing, training, and resource
management to ensure efficient and effective service delivery. The role also directs the integration and
advancement of communications technology to ensure systems, software, and infrastructure support
operational goals and enhance service reliability and performance. Additionally, this position oversees the
emergency communications budget which includes the operational needs of the center, radio equipment
and infrastructure, and 9-1-1 technology systems.
ESSENTIALDUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (The following statements are illustrative of the duties and
responsibilities of the position and do not list every duty that may be required of the employee for this
position. The District retains the right to change the duties and responsibilities of the position at any time
without notice.)
Management and Leadership
Provides organizational leadership by leading up and leading laterally to foster continuous development and
professional growth through the organization; provides visionary leadership to ensure the 911
Communications Center operates with excellence, accountability, and professionalism.
Lives the SMFR culture and models organizational values; creates a welcoming culture of inclusivity,
accountability, candor, and transparency; builds and strengthens relationships with all members of the
organization.
Coordinates all operations of the bureau, establishes goals and objectives, and implements short- and long range plans; works to achieve maximum, positive impact on the operation of the assigned functional areas with the intent to foster professional development and performance optimization to support SMFR’s primary mission.
Provides leadership and a commitment to excellence by inspiring, empowering, and motivating personnel;
fosters a learning organization by encouraging innovation, professional development, and continuous
improvement; participates in the selection and training of employees; evaluates performance; provides
coaching and mentoring; and takes corrective measures, including disciplinary actions.
Provides management, supervision, and coordination of personnel in Emergency Communications including
scheduling and assigning work; allocates resources; assists in the coordination of contracted personnel, e.g.,
instructors, vendors, etc.
Works in coordination with the Division Chief of Operations Support to develop, implement, and enforce policies and procedures related to employee performance and professional development within the bureau; recommends and implements changes to improve efficiency and operational effectiveness.
Provides management, supervision, and coordination of personnel in Emergency Communications
including scheduling and assigning work; allocates resources; assists in the coordination of
contracted personnel, e.g., instructors, vendors, etc.
Works in coordination with the Division Chief of Operations Support to develop, implement, and
enforce policies and procedures related to employee performance and professional development
within the bureau; recommends and implements changes to improve efficiency and operational
effectiveness.
Monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures;
allocates resources; initiates, coordinates, and enforces systems, policies, and procedures.
Plans, directs, and coordinates work activities; assigns projects and programmatic areas of
responsibility; assesses and monitors workload; reviews and evaluates work methods and
procedures; meets with staff to identify and resolve problems.
Explains, advocates for, and defends programs, policies, and activities; negotiates and resolves
sensitive and controversial issues.
Participates in the selection of staff; orients and trains employees, developing personal growth
opportunities.
Maintains a safe and healthy working environment by establishing and enforcing safe work practices
and organizational values, adhering to legal requirements.
Emergency Communications
Analyzes and evaluates fire service and emergency response protocols and accreditation standards;
makes recommendations for standardization and effective delivery of communications services;
directs the improvement of management systems and processes while ensuring compliance with
operational standards.
Develops and administers the annual Emergency Communications budget, ensuring effective
management of financial resources, including purchasing, capital expenditures, and grants; prepares
comprehensive financial and grant reports.
Works with SMFR Executive staff in negotiations with outside agencies and exploring partnerships;
serves as liaison with other public safety communications agencies and maintains an active role in
outside activities including attendance at meetings with local and state agencies.
Builds and maintains effective communication and working relationships with regional dispatch
centers; provides services toother agencies including creating and maintaining contracts; oversight
of the multiple CAD to CAD interfaces.
Serves as South Metro’s representative on various regional and state committees.
Oversees Special Teams within the Communications Center including the Unmanned Arial Vehicle
(UAV) Drone program and Incident Dispatch Team (IDT).
Technology and Systems
Provides leadership and oversight to all mission critical technologies including Next Generation 911
(NG911) telephone systems, Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD), GIS Integrations, and land mobile (LMR)
systems.
Oversees the procurement of equipment, technology, and services; guides the evaluation, selection, and
adoption of emerging technologies and system upgrades to enhance service delivery and operational
capabilities.
Oversees lifecycle management, capital planning, and long-range forecasting for all 911
Communications infrastructure, including radio networks, CAD systems, and other emergency
communication systems.
Provides oversight to ensure strong collaboration and performance monitoring across contractors,
internal technical staff, and the 911 communications team.
Provides oversight on system reliability; oversees continuity of operations and disaster recovery
planning for mission critical systems; collaborates with IT on ensuring cybersecurity compliance.
Coordinates with IT, contractors, 911 authorities, regional radio governance groups, telecommunication
providers, and partner agencies to ensure interoperability and alignment with industry standards.
Ensures operational compliance of the Emergency Communications Center and SMFR with established
procedures and ACE standards.
Coordinates the operations of the VHF and 800 MHz digital trunked radio system to identify operational
needs.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Requirements
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, LICENSES &CERTIFICATIONS (An equivalent combination of education,
training, and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position is
qualifying.)
Bachelor’s degree in emergency communications or a related field is required.
Five (5) years of responsible, professional-level, full-time experience in emergency dispatch operations
and communications center is required.
Five (5) years of supervisory experience and management in an emergency communications center is
required.
Possession of APCO Registered Public-Safety Leader Certification (RPL) or the ability to obtain within 2
years of hire is required.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS CONTINUED
Possession of:
-NENA Center Manager Certification Program (CMCP)
-Communications Center Manager Certification (CCM)
-Federal Aviation Administration Part 107 remote Pilot Certificate
or the ability to obtain these certifications within 1 year of hire is required.
Possess a valid Colorado Driver’s License and an acceptable driving record in accordance with the
SMFR’s Driving Records Policy
Possession of ICS 100, 200, 300, 400, IS 700, 800, Blue Card (within one year of hire), APCO
Telecommunicator, and CPR Certification.
NECESSARY KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of the principles and practices of public safety communications management, including
911 operations, dispatch protocols, and emergency response coordination.
Knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques of emergency dispatch and communications
center management, including Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD).
Knowledge of organizational administration and management theories/practices including
budgeting, personnel management, strategic planning, and maintenance/retention of public
records.
Knowledge of computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems with technical expertise in two-way,
microwave and 800 MHz radio systems and Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL).
Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations and standards pertaining to fire
and emergency medical services; personnel; safety; FCC rules and regulations governing radio and
telephone usage.
Knowledge of Next Generation 911 (NG911) systems, ESInet architecture, and IP-based call delivery
and routing.
Knowledge of Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) systems, Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
mapping, radio networks (P25, analog, and trunked systems), and telephony infrastructure.
Knowledge of Cybersecurity and data privacy.
Knowledge in Incident Command System (ICS) and National Incident Management System (NIMS)
principles and their application to 911 and public safety operations.
Knowledge of Project management methodologies for large-scale technology implementations,
including vendor management, RFP development, and contract oversight.
Knowledge in budgeting and financial management, including grant writing, 911 surcharge fund
management, and capital improvement planning.
Knowledge in personnel management practices, including performance evaluation, scheduling, and
employee development.
Knowledge in regulatory requirements and standards, including those from the FCC, NENA, APCO,
and state 911 boards.
Knowledge in data analytics and performance metrics related to call processing, response times,
and operational efficiency.
Communication skills with ability to express ideas clearly and concisely in written or verbal formats
and present complex findings to a variety of audiences.
Strategic leadership, decision-making, and long-range planning for multi-agency communications
systems.
Managing and motivating a diverse team in a high-stress, 24/7 operational environment.
Conducting or overseeing technical audits, system testing, and performance evaluations.
Utilizing software tools such as CAD administration suites, GIS software, reporting dashboards, and
analytics tools to monitor performance.
Leading or coordinating disaster recovery, contingency planning, and interoperability exercises.
Preparing clear, detailed reports and presentations for boards, commissions, or oversight agencies.
Negotiating contracts and managing relationships with vendors, consultants, and partner agencies.
Ability to analyze data, develop conclusions and demonstrate critical thinking.
Ability to exercise independent judgment and initiative to establish and maintain effective working
relationships.
Ability to manage interpersonal and organizational conflicts.
Ability to select, supervise, train, motivate and evaluate staff; ability to provide goals, direction, and
effective leadership.
Ability to operate radio, telephone and computer systems under routine, emergency, and high stress
conditions.
Ability to speak one or more other languages (besides English) is helpful.
