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Mission Critical Partners · 16 hours ago

Executive Director – Will County Emergency Telephone System

Joliet, IL

Full-time

Onsite

Director/Executive

10+ years exp

Mission Critical Partners is seeking an Executive Director for the Will County 9-1-1 Emergency Telephone System. The Executive Director will be responsible for the overall coordination and management of the system, ensuring effective service delivery and continuous improvement while fostering collaboration among various stakeholders.

Information TechnologyTelecommunications

Responsibilities

Provide strategic leadership promotes trust, collaboration, creativity and teamwork; cultivate an inclusive, high-performance culture that supports morale, engagement and professional growth

Recommend, select, train, develop, and evaluate assigned personnel, supporting accountability and continuous professional development

Deliver high quality responsive service to the ETSB, PSAPs, community members, and internal staff through effective workforce planning and leadership

Oversee projects so they are completed timely and within budget. Effectively monitor progress, measure outcomes, and provide regular "work in progress" updates to the ETSB

Lead continuous improvement initiatives of systems and services through research, benchmarking, and adoption of industry best practices and innovative approaches

Prepare and administer an annual budget that meets legal, operational and strategic obligations. Set financial priorities, manage resources responsible, and promote transparency in financial reporting

Develop, implement and maintain policies and procedures that align with applicable laws, regulations, and organizational philosophy, supporting both operational excellence and workforce motivation

Maintain awareness of, legal, financial, and legislative trends affecting operations and proactively advise the Board on implications and opportunities

Partner with the ETSB and its committees to organize board meetings, strategic planning sessions, and information sharing that foster trust and collaborative decision-making

Oversee and modernize 9-1-1 system infrastructure—including maintenance and upgrades and/or replacement (e.g., CAD, 9-1-1 CPE, voice logging, GIS, console furniture, data systems, etc.)—promoting reliability, cybersecurity, and technological readiness

Negotiate and manage vendor contracts, intergovernmental agreements, and relationships to achieve optimal performance and accountability

Model and uphold organizational integrity through ethical leadership, effective internal controls, and personal accountability

Lead community engagement and public education initiatives to build awareness and trust with communities, news media, school districts, business leaders and government liaison groups about 9-1-1 services and innovations

Guide and integrate 9-1-1 operations within the broader legal, regulatory, and political operating contexts to promote compliance, coordination, and efficiency

Represent ETSB interests at the state and national levels, advocating for legislation, regulation and technology that support the System’s mission

Direct Continuity of Operations (COOP) and disaster recovery planning, so that plans are tested, effective, and responsive to emergencies

Strengthen relationships and collaborate with County, Local, State, and Federal agencies, 9-1-1 system coordinators, the Statewide 9-1-1 Advisory Board, emergency management entities, and other professional organizations to share expertise, influence policy, and promote unified 9-1-1 preparedness

Maintain regular open communication with PSAP Directors to address issues, share updates and foster accountability. Provide consistent, transparent monthly reports to the ETSB, PSAPs, and member agencies

Perform related duties and special assignments as required or assigned by the ETSB

Qualification

Public Safety Systems ExpertiseProjectVendor ManagementCybersecurityData GovernanceStrategicAdaptive ThinkingTechnical ProficiencyIndustry AwarenessCertifications & MembershipsContinuous LearningCollaboration & Team BuildingAnalytical AbilityEmotional IntelligenceCommunicationDecision-Making

Required

Education & Experience: Bachelor's degree in a public safety-related field and at least ten (10) years of progressively responsible leadership experience in public safety communications, emergency management, or a closely related field. A master's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered

Project and Vendor Management: Demonstrated experience managing technology modernization projects, contracts, and multi-vendor environments with structured planning, evaluation, and performance oversight

Technical Proficiency: Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, data visualization tools; ability to compile, analyze, interpret, and communicate complex operational and financial data

Public Safety Systems Expertise: Comprehensive knowledge of 9-1-1 architecture, NG9-1-1 technologies, PSTN, CAD, GIS, and data integration platforms, large-scale system integrations, modernization efforts, and service delivery improvements supporting PSAP operations

Cybersecurity and Data Governance: Working awareness of cybersecurity, data integrity, and interoperability standards impacting 9-1-1 systems, network infrastructure, and public safety communications

Strategic and Adaptive Thinking: Ability to interpret operational data to guide strategic decisions and adapt to emerging technologies and system requirements

Continuous Learning and Industry Awareness: Evidence of commitment to professional development and awareness of trends, standards, best practices and innovations in emergency communications and public safety technology

License: Valid driver's license

Preferred

Certifications & Memberships: ENP (Emergency Number Professional), RPL (Registered Public-Safety Leader) and/or CPE (Certified Public-Safety Executive) strongly preferred. Active membership and participation in both NENA 'National Emergency Number Association' and APCO 'Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials' organizations