Communications Officer

About the role

The University of Mississippi is a premier public research institution dedicated to fostering a vibrant, inclusive community where students, faculty, and staff can achieve their full potential. As part of the Ole Miss Family, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and security of our campus.

Responsibilities

• Receives and transmits emergency and non-emergency calls for service, dispatching personnel as needed.
• Maintains awareness of security and emergency systems, including cameras and alarm systems.
• Provides guidance and assistance to callers, including information about campus policies, procedures, and resources.
• Maintains accurate records of all calls and incidents, including actions taken and outcomes.

Requirements

• Answer, direct, and make both emergency and non-emergency phone calls.
• Operate multi-channel handheld and console radios.
• Dispatch University Police Officers to calls for service.
• Become familiar with department policies and procedures.
• Maintain the highest level of personal and professional ethics.
• Maintain strict confidentiality.
• Follow after-hours notification procedures.
• Coordinate multi-agency incident response with Oxford Police, Lafayette County Sherriff’s Office, Oxford Fire, Baptist EMS, etc.
• Complete initial training and continuing education.
• Delegate tasks to other departments such as Parking and Transportation, Facilities, Housing, Counseling, etc.
• Determine appropriate priority and complete multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Code calls and record details appropriately for proper response and reporting purposes.
• Utilize numerous databases.
• Operate advanced equipment and conduct minor troubleshooting as needed.
• Monitor campus-wide camera systems.
• Monitor campus-wide alarm systems.
• Facilitate a positive relationship between UPD and the community.
• Maintain composure during times of crisis.
• Assign responding units as necessary.
• Facilitate emergency translation services.
• Monitor weather conditions and relay information for campus safety.
• Communicate for special events such as athletic, Greek, Commencement, entertainment, and protection details.
• Aid internal divisions as requested: Patrol, Investigations, Accreditation, Campus Safety, Emergency Management, etc.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Valid driver's license.

Skills

• Technologically Savvy.
• Reliable.
• Quick Thinking.
• Expert Multi-tasker.
• Calm Under Pressure.
• Superior Customer Service.
• Quick, Accurate, and Thorough Documentation.
• Clear and Concise Communication.
• Strong Ethics.
• A Desire to Serve the Ole Miss Community.

Benefits

• Starting Pay: $18.64 hourly ($38,771 annually) with no experience plus an additional shift differential for evenings and weekends.
• Cost of Living and Merit Raises as Allowed.
• State Health/Dental/Vision/Prescription Insurance.
• State Retirement (PERS).
• Life Insurance, Long-term Disability, Cancer, and Accidental Death Policies.
• Paid Vacation, Holidays, Sick Time.
• Free/Discounted Staff/Dependent Tuition.
• Staff Textbook Scholarship.
• Discounts on Meals, Golf Course, Recreation Centers, Ford Center, and Athletics Events.
• Mississippi State Employee Personnel Board Discounts on Restaurants, Retail, Tickets, Travel, etc.