Public Safety Communications Director

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Additional Information

This job posting expires at 11:59PM on July 31, 2026. No applications can be submitted after 11:59PM on July 31, 2026. Job Title: Public Safety Communications Director Department: Public Safety Communications External Hiring Range: $107,458.64 - $171,557.72 Compensation Grade: 3013 Posted Internally and Externally Buncombe County's Public Safety Communications Department is hiring a Director to lead our team of dedicated emergency services & telecommunications professionals. Our Public Safety Communications Center is a 24/7 operation and is the central answering point for all public safety agencies within our County. As of 2022, all 911 services for the City of Asheville and Buncombe County are co-located, and all dispatchers and telecommunicators are employed by Buncombe County. Our Public Safety Communications staff dispatch for City of Asheville Fire and Police Departments as well as Buncombe County Sheriff and Emergency Services. Public Safety Communications receives approximately 400,000 calls and dispatches over 300,000 incidents annually. This Director position directly supervises three managers over the following divisions: 911 Administration, Operations, and 911 Support Services. There are currently 79 regular full-time positions in the department. The selected candidate will have a thorough knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, regulations, standards, and best practices governing public safety communications, emergency communications systems, NextGen911 operations, CJIS security requirements, emergency management, and PSAP administration. Purpose of the position: This position is responsible for planning, directing, and evaluating the operations and service delivery of the Public Safety (911) Communications Center, while ensuring continuity of service, compliance with statutory responsibilities, and alignment with the agency's strategic priorities. The role supports various county and outside agencies to include Emergency Management Services (EMS), Sheriff's Office, Police, Fire, and Volunteer Fire Departments (VFD) communications and dispatch services, ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations, effective management of technological systems, and collaboration with emergency response agencies. The Public Safety Communications Director will be responsible for overseeing the following essential projects. Please note this list is not all-encompassing of responsibilities, projects and initiatives: Overseeing the agency's NCLEA accreditation process, which began in March 2026, and ensuring all requirements are met for anticipated completion in March 2028. Leading the transition of the organization's Computer‑Aided Dispatch (CAD) system from Central Square to Motorola, including coordination with internal teams, vendors, and stakeholders. Implementing AI‑based non‑emergency call‑taking technology and managing its integration into existing workflows. Participating in and supporting the organization‑wide Classification and Compensation Study, ensuring accurate representation of departmental roles and needs. Securing funding and driving strategic planning efforts to replace outdated radio hardware, addressing current inconsistencies between City and County dispatcher equipment. Managing the project consolidation and evaluation of City and County telecommunicator operations, including operational, staffing, and governance considerations. Implementing and supervising the PowerEngage Community Feedback Program to strengthen citizen engagement and enhance feedback collection after calls for service. Essential Functions of the position: Direct and oversee the implementation of departmental strategic plans, goals, policies, procedures, and operational practices aligned with the County's strategic plan, while providing high-level analysis and recommendations to improve operations and service delivery. Provide leadership and direction to management, professional, and support staff through direct and indirect supervision, ensuring effective operations, employee development, policy compliance, and continuous improvement in service delivery, training, and performance standards. Ensure departmental compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, policies, procedures, and industry standards, including NextGen911/i3 requirements. Direct and manage Communications Center operations, including identifying equipment, staffing, technology, and funding needs; overseeing procurement, inventory, installation, maintenance, and repair of communications systems, software applications, and databases. Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with internal departments, emergency response agencies, municipal partners, community organizations, and professional associations to coordinate public safety communications services and initiatives. Promote community awareness and effective use of Emergency Communications services through participation in emergency planni