Communications Officer

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Job Summary

The Division of Public Safety and Security (DPSS) leads all public safety functions within the university, including police, security, and emergency management, and offers an integrated approach to safety and security, operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. DPSS combines Ann Arbor, Dearborn, and Flint operations to provide students, visitors, faculty, and staff with a safe and secure environment. Through our partnerships across the university and local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, we use a blended service model to meet the needs of our community and exceed expectations.

We employ those who actively embrace and uphold our values of respecting differences, promoting equitable practices, and fostering intentional inclusion. This means creating an environment where everyone in our community feels valued, welcomed, and safe. We prize proactive engagement with our community and provide compassionate and professional service to enhance the quality of life for all.  

Our Dispatch Operations department is seeking to fill several Communications Officer positions. As a Communications Officer, you will report to a Communications Sergeant.

If selected, you may be contacted through email by Spark Hire (video interview vendor) and may be required to submit a video presentation answering pre-screening questions, at no cost to you.

Why Work at Michigan?

Being part of something greater, of serving a larger mission of discovery and care — that's the heart of what drives people to work at Michigan. In some way, great or small, every person here helps to advance this outstanding institution. It's adding a purpose to your profession. Work at Michigan and become a victor for the greater good.

Benefits Offered at Michigan

In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, The University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family and plan for a secure future including:

  • Generous time off including parental leave
  • A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting
  • Many choices for comprehensive health insurance including "Other Qualified Adult" coverage
  • Life insurance
  • Long-term disability coverage
  • Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses
  • Tuition Support Program

Responsibilities*

Under the direction of the your Communications Sergeant and the management team, you will perform the following tasks:

  • Receive and prioritize calls and determine appropriate action for emergency and non-emergency assistance
  • Communicate with, and elicit useful information from, upset and irate citizens
  • Dispatch public safety and security personnel to all University owned and leased facilities and properties
  • Coordinate first responder information through computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system and radio, mobile data terminal, telephone, pager, and other devices
  • Monitor several complex public safety radio frequencies, building alarms and security systems
  • Maintain liaison with police, fire and other emergency agencies to assure the safety of the University community
  • Participate in social media platforms to support safety related operations
  • Deal with confidential information
  • Other responsibilities as assigned

Required Qualifications*

  • High school or GED equivalent and two (2) years of relevant experience

OR

  • Associates degree and one (1) year of relevant experience

AND

  • Capability to react with compassion and calmness while eliciting useful information and adopting appropriate action plans for emergencies
  • You have mental, visual, and auditory acuity stamina
  • Advanced typing skills for data entry
  • You must pass a comprehensive public safety background investigation, drug screening, psychological evaluation, and physical examination.
  • You will be in a uniformed position and required to maintain appearance and grooming standards by following the DPSS uniformed personnel dress code.

Modes of Work

These positions work onsite at our Campus Safety and Security Building (CSSB)

Additional Information

All members of the Division of Public Safety and Security (DPSS) are considered Campus Security Authorities (CSAs) under The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act. As such, you are required to report Clery reportable offenses that come to your attention. DPSS employees are required to complete Clery Compliance Training within the first 14 days of employment and annually thereafter.

Union Affiliation

This position is covered under the collective bargaining agreement between the U-M and the Police Officers Association of Michigan union which contains and settles all matters concerning wages, benefits, hours and other terms and conditions of employment.

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days.  The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO/AA Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.