PUBLIC SAFETY COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR
About La Crosse County:
At La Crosse County, we are committed to creating a vibrant, safe, and inclusive community. Guided by our Strategic Plan, we focus on economic growth, environmental stewardship, affordable housing, and robust public services that enhance the quality of life for all residents.
Why Join La Crosse County?
Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS): A top-rated pension program.
Affordable Insurance Premiums: Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage.
Generous Paid Time Off: Vacation, sick, and 10+ paid holidays annually.
Work-Life Balance: Flexible schedules and wellness programs.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB):
At La Crosse County, we believe that diversity strengthens our community. We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued.
Overview
FLSA: Exempt. The Public Safety Communications Director is responsible for directing the County’s Public Safety Communications Center, providing strategic leadership for countywide public safety communications, 9-1-1 operations, and emergency dispatch services.
This role requires a forward-thinking, innovative leader who can anticipate future challenges and opportunities in public safety communications. The Director will oversee all aspects of department planning, operations, and technology management, ensuring efficient, reliable, and responsive services to law enforcement, fire, emergency medical services, and the community.
Appointed by the County Administrator following a competitive selection process, the Director reports directly to the County Administrator and the Judiciary and Law Committee.
Essential Leadership Functions
Act with Integrity and Build Trust
Demonstrate mutual respect, humility, and honesty in all interactions
Speak up appropriately, even when expressing unpopular viewpoints
Actively listen and remain open-minded to diverse perspectives
Drive for Results
Set clear goals and objectives to motivate self and others to achieve outcomes
Seek new opportunities to improve processes and drive sustainable results
Hold self and others accountable through consistent evaluation and monitoring
Develop Talent and Effective Teams
Foster a collaborative environment that encourages knowledge sharing and growth
Provide mentorship and support to help self and others reach full potential
Recognize and leverage diverse strengths within self and team
Lead with Vision and Strategy
Understand and communicate a compelling vision that aligns with organizational goals
Develop and execute comprehensive strategies to achieve long-term objectives
Connect daily work to the bigger picture, inspiring self and others to contribute meaningfully
Lead with Paradoxical, Critical, and Agile Thinking
Navigate complex situations by considering multiple perspectives
Adapt quickly to changes and uncertainties in the work environment
Make critical decisions using analytical skills, experience, and input from others
Build and Maintain Effective Relationships
Communicate and collaborate effectively with stakeholders across the organization
Influence others through coaching, consulting, and team-minded thinking
Develop and sustain partnerships that create positive outcomes for all stakeholders
Cultivate Community Engagement and Provide Excellent Service
Understand and address the needs and concerns of the community
Incorporate community perspectives into decision-making processes
Drive initiatives that create positive impacts beyond the organization
Demonstrate Emotional Intelligence
Show self-awareness and manage emotions effectively in challenging situations
Seek and respond constructively to feedback, even in the face of setbacks
Balance empathy with accountability when leading self and working with others
Essential Job Functions
Provide strategic direction and executive oversight of all Public Safety Communications Center operations.
Establish and implement policies, procedures, and performance standards to ensure operational excellence.
Exercise independent judgment and discretion in developing solutions where guidelines may not exist.
Lead departmental workforce planning, including recruitment, training, performance management, and succession planning.
Monitor workloads, staffing levels, and service demand; recommend adjustments to maintain effectiveness.
Develop, present, and administer the annual departmental budget; ensure fiscal responsibility and transparency.
Prepare and analyze statistical and planning reports to inform decision-making and future planning.
Ensure consistent and reliable attendance, modeling accountability for staff.
Oversee management and modernization of the County’s public safety radio and communications systems, including towers, consoles, computers, and the E9-1-1 telephone system.
Develop and maintain a long-range capital improvement plan aligned with future operational needs.
Research emerging technologies and recommend innovations to enhance efficiency, resiliency, and service delivery.
Manage vendor and service contracts for installation, maintenance, and support of mission-critical systems.
Build and sustain strong working relationships with law enforcement, fire, EMS, and other partner agencies.
Serve as the County’s primary representative for public safety communications in regional, state, and national forums.
Lead public information initiatives and represent the department through presentations, media engagement, and community outreach.
Investigate and resolve complaints from partner agencies and the public in a fair and timely manner.
Participate in advisory boards, legislative committees, and councils to advocate for policies that strengthen public safety communications.
This job description is not intended to encompass every job duty or responsibility but is only illustrative. This position is required to perform other duties as may be assigned or required.
Physical Demands: Work is primarily office-based, requiring frequent use of computers, telephones, and radios. Regular sitting, standing, bending, reaching, and handling of documents. Frequent in-County travel to partner agencies; occasional out-of-County travel for professional development and conferences.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of or ability and willingness to learn federal, state, and local laws governing public safety communications and emergency management practices, including MABAS (Mutual Aid Box Alarm System) and NIMS (National Incident Management System).
Strong leadership, supervisory, and organizational management skills.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse audiences, including the public and media.
Proficiency in financial management, including budget development and administration.
Ability to foster collaboration and build trusted relationships with stakeholders across public safety, government, and the community
Training, Experience and Other Requirements
Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible leadership experience in law enforcement, fire, EMS, emergency management, or related public safety operations preferred.
Knowledge of computer-aided dispatch systems, radio communications infrastructure, E9-1-1 systems, and emergency medical dispatching preferred.
Bachelor’s degree preferred; equivalent combinations of education and relevant experience will be considered.
Must successfully pass a law enforcement background check suitable for working with public safety agencies.
Willingness and ability to occasionally work outside of normal business hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, as required.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:
La Crosse County is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.
If you need accommodations for a disability during the selection or interview process, please get in touch with Human Resources at jobs@lacrossecounty.org.
Application Process:
All applications must be submitted through our career website. Please ensure your application is complete and accurate,our hiring process highly values attention to detail.
https://jobs.dayforcehcm.com/en-US/laxcounty/CANDIDATEPORTAL/jobs/436
Deadline Note: