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City of Portland · 1 month ago

Bureau of Emergency Communications Director (Director I) - Open Until Filled

Portland, OR

Full-time

Hybrid

Director/Executive

10+ years exp

The City of Portland is seeking an experienced and innovative Director to lead the Bureau of Emergency Communications (BOEC). The Director will oversee all bureau operations, manage external relations, and ensure effective 9-1-1 and non-emergency call-taking and dispatch services for police, fire, and medical responders.

GovernmentTransportationWater

H1B Sponsor Likely

Responsibilities

Employee Centered Leadership – Recognizes the value and importance of a diverse and inclusive workforce, ensuring that these principles are embedded into all aspects of the bureau’s operations. Fosters a healthy workplace culture through transparency in decision-making, engaging in meaningful dialogue with staff, and implementing strategies that reduce burnout and support mental health

Executive Leadership - Directs all aspects of the bureau’s operations, including policy development, program implementation, and staff management. Provides strategic oversight to managers and supervisors, ensuring the bureau fulfills its mission effectively while promoting high performance, accountability, and professional development among staff

Community Engagement - Represents BOEC to the public, partner jurisdictions, and professional organizations. Builds and maintains relationships with community stakeholders, elected officials, and the media. Ensures the bureau’s services meet the needs of Portland and regional partners, and advocates for public safety priorities

Collaboration - Works closely with internal teams, partner agencies, and intergovernmental bodies to coordinate emergency response services. Negotiates agreements, resolves conflicts, and develops service and quality standards in a multi-jurisdictional environment. Promotes teamwork and cross-agency partnerships to achieve shared goals

Budget and Financial Expertise - Oversees the bureau’s budget and financial management, ensuring resources are allocated effectively to meet operational needs. Directs financial planning, monitors expenditures, and coordinates with city leadership to maintain fiscal responsibility while supporting bureau priorities

Strategic Thinking - Develops and implements long-term plans and policies to ensure the bureau’s operations, technology, and workforce meet evolving public safety needs. Evaluates programs, anticipates challenges, and drives continuous quality improvement to enhance emergency communication services

Technology Modernization - Oversees the selection, deployment, and maintenance of advanced emergency communication technologies, including CAD systems, 9-1-1 telephony, radio networks, and voice recording systems. Ensures that BOEC adopts state-of-the-art tools and participates in NextGen 9-1-1 initiatives to optimize operational efficiency

Qualification

Emergency Communications ManagementBudget ManagementStrategic PlanningCommunity EngagementTechnology ModernizationEmployee Centered LeadershipPublic Safety KnowledgeDiversityInclusionAnalytical SkillsCollaborationCommunication SkillsInterpersonal Skills

Required

Ten (10) years of progressively responsible supervisory and management experience in a large, multi-jurisdictional Emergency Communications center, preferably including experience as a police/fire/EMS call taker or dispatcher

Experience guiding organizational progress by analyzing existing practices, identifying areas of improvement, establishing a vision, setting measurable objectives and successfully implementing solutions to meet short- and long-term goals

Experience developing, managing, and administering large-scale budgets, including forecasting, resource allocation, and mid-year adjustments in alignment with programmatic priorities and operational needs

Experience creating and maintaining equitable and inclusive workplace practices, including recruiting, developing, and retaining a diverse, culturally competent team while fostering a respectful, transparent and service-oriented environment

Experience building and maintaining trusted relationships with internal and external stakeholders (including frontline, administrative, and support staff, elected officials, community members, and media) through transparency, accountability, and integrity

Demonstrated knowledge in emergency communications (9-1-1) operations, emergency communications technology, emergency management, logistics, training, accreditation, and regulatory standards

Be able to pass a comprehensive police background investigation and psychological evaluation

Preferred

Master's degree in public administration from an accredited college or university, or related field

National Emergency Number Association Emergency Number Professional (ENP) certification

Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (APCO) Certified Public-Safety Executive (CPE) or Registered Public-Safety Leader (RPL) certification

Company

City of Portland

Providing leadership and expertise in attracting, developing, and sustaining a diverse workforce committed to quality public service.

Founded in 1851

Portland, Oregon, USA

5001-10000 employees

https://www.portland.gov

H1B Sponsorship

City of Portland has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)

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Trends of Total Sponsorships

2025 (1)

2023 (1)