Public Safety Communications Director
Not Disclosed•Full-TimeOn-site
location_on45, Asheland Avenue, South Slope, Asheville, Buncombe County, North Carolina, 28801, United States
About the Team
Buncombe County's Public Safety Communications Department serves as the central answering point for all public safety agencies within the county. As of 2022, all 911 services for the City of Asheville and Buncombe County are co-located, with all dispatchers and telecommunicators employed by the County. The team dispatches for the City of Asheville Fire and Police Departments, as well as the Buncombe County Sheriff and Emergency Services. Annually, the center receives approximately 400,000 calls and dispatches over 300,000 incidents, operating 24/7 to ensure the safety and connectivity of our community.
About the Role
The Public Safety Communications Director leads a dedicated team of emergency services and telecommunications professionals, directly supervising three managers across the 911 Administration, Operations, and 911 Support Services divisions. This role is pivotal in planning, directing, and evaluating the operations of the Communications Center, ensuring continuity of service and alignment with the agency's strategic priorities.
The Director will guide the department through a transformative period, including the NCLEA accreditation process (targeting completion in March 2028), the transition of the Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) system from Central Square to Motorola, and the implementation of AI-based non-emergency call-taking technology. Additionally, the role involves securing funding to replace outdated radio hardware, managing the consolidation of City and County telecommunicator operations, and implementing the PowerEngage Community Feedback Program to strengthen citizen engagement.
Reporting to County leadership and collaborating with municipal partners, the Director ensures compliance with federal and state regulations, manages complex budgets, and fosters a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence.
Hiring Process
Applicants will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, with County Management expecting to fill this position by the beginning of August 2026. The salary is determined based on the selected candidate's qualifications. For questions regarding the application, please contact Recruiting Manager Caroline Long at caroline.long@buncombenc.gov.
Equal Opportunity & Culture
Buncombe County Government is committed to fostering a responsive and innovative organizational culture that fully engages all employees, honoring and building on each employee's unique experiences, opinions, and perspectives. The County realizes the importance of a diverse professional workforce.
It is the policy of Buncombe County to provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all persons regardless of race, natural hair or hairstyles, ethnicity, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin or ancestry, marital or familial status, pregnancy, veteran status, religious belief or non-belief, age, or disability. EEO practices and employment decisions regarding recruitment, hiring, assignment, promotion, and compensation shall not be based on any of these protected classes. The County expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment or discrimination.
Work location
Work model: On-site
45, Asheland Avenue, South Slope, Asheville, Buncombe County, North Carolina, 28801, United States
Asheville, North Carolina
Key Responsibilities
- check_circleDirect and oversee the implementation of departmental strategic plans, goals, policies, and operational practices
- check_circleSupervise three managers and 79 staff across 911 Administration, Operations, and Support Services divisions
- check_circleOversee the NCLEA accreditation process and ensure all requirements are met for completion by March 2028
- check_circleManage the consolidation and evaluation of City and County telecommunicator operations including staffing and governance
- check_circleDirect the preparation, administration, and monitoring of departmental operating and capital budgets
- check_circleEnsure departmental compliance with federal, state, and local laws including NextGen911 and CJIS security requirements
- check_circleEstablish collaborative relationships with emergency response agencies and municipal partners to coordinate services
- check_circle
Requirements
- verifiedBachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, Police Science, Political Science, Sociology, Emergency Management, Business Administration or related field
- verified7 years experience in Public Safety communications
- verified3 years supervisory/management experience at a Primary PSAP (911 Communications Center)
- verifiedValid U.S. Driver's License at time of hire
- verifiedCJIS certification within 60 days of hire
- verifiedAbility to live or relocate within 2-hour drive from worksite
Nice to Have
Master's degree in public administration or related emergency services field. Basic certifications: Emergency Telecommunicator Certification (ETC), Emergency Police Dispatcher (EPD), Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD). Advanced certifications: Center Manager Certification Program (CMCP), Registered Public Safety Leader (RPL), Certified Public-Safety Executive (CPE), Emergency Number Professional (ENP).
Benefits & Perks
check_circle8% County contribution to employee 401(k)check_circleFree physical therapycheck_circleEmployee and Family Health clinic with $5 co-paycheck_circle$0 Tier-1 generic prescriptions10+ vacation days per year
Skills, education and keywords
Skills: Nextgen911, Cjis, Emergency Management, Psap Administration, Computer-Aided Dispatch, Cad, Nena I3 Standards, Calea, Ace, Viper.
Education: Bachelor's degree in specified fields or equivalent combination of education and experience; Master's degree in Public Administration or related field preferred.
Frequently asked questions about Public Safety Communications Director at Buncombe County Government
What does a Public Safety Communications Director at Buncombe County Government do?expand_more
Day-to-day, the Public Safety Communications Director at Buncombe County Government will direct and oversee the implementation of departmental strategic plans, goals, policies, and operational practices; supervise three managers and 79 staff across 911 administration, operations, and support services divisions; oversee the nclea accreditation process and ensure all requirements are met for completion by march 2028; and manage the consolidation and evaluation of city and county telecommunicator operations including staffing and governance.
What are the requirements for this Public Safety Communications Director role?expand_more
Buncombe County Government is looking for candidates who meet the following requirements: Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, Police Science, Political Science, Sociology, Emergency Management, Business Administration or related field; 7 years experience in Public Safety communications; 3 years supervisory/management experience at a Primary PSAP (911 Communications Center); Valid U.S. Driver's License at time of hire; CJIS certification within 60 days of hire; and Ability to live or relocate within 2-hour drive from worksite.
Where is the Public Safety Communications Director role at Buncombe County Government located?expand_more
Public Safety Communications Director at Buncombe County Government is based in 45, Asheland Avenue, South Slope, Asheville, Buncombe County, North Carolina, 28801, United States. This is a on-site role.
Is this Public Safety Communications Director job remote, hybrid, or on-site?expand_more
Buncombe County Government has listed this Public Safety Communications Director role as on-site.
How much experience is required for this Public Safety Communications Director role?expand_more
Public Safety Communications Director at Buncombe County Government typically requires 7+ years of relevant experience at the executive level.
What skills do you need for the Public Safety Communications Director role at Buncombe County Government?expand_more
Key skills for Public Safety Communications Director at Buncombe County Government include Nextgen911; Cjis; Emergency Management; Psap Administration; Computer-Aided Dispatch; Cad; Nena I3 Standards; and Calea.
What education is required for Public Safety Communications Director at Buncombe County Government?expand_more
Educational requirements for this role: Bachelor's degree in specified fields or equivalent combination of education and experience; and Master's degree in Public Administration or related field preferred.
What category does the Public Safety Communications Director role belong to?expand_more
Public Safety Communications Director at Buncombe County Government is part of the admin job category on Recrutus.
About Buncombe County Government
Buncombe County Government, headquartered in Asheville, North Carolina, serves as the administrative body for a region nestled between the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains. Established over two centuries ago and named after Revolutionary War hero Col. Edward Buncombe, the organization manages a diverse landscape that has evolved from a rural farming community into a recognized metropolitan area. The county offers extensive natural attractions, including parks, lakes, and streams, alongside culturally rich neighborhoods.
The government operates with a workforce of approximately 1,400 employees dedicated to public service. This team includes firemen, sheriff deputies, nurses, social workers, pharmacists, librarians, emergency medical personnel, inspectors, agricultural agents, and planners. These professionals work to maintain high standards of safety, health, and community well-being for residents and visitors alike.
As the closest level of government to the people, the administration focuses on delivering essential services and resources. Information regarding county departments, news updates, community resources, and employment opportunities is available through the official website at buncombecounty.org.
Browse more roles: All Buncombe County Government jobs, admin jobs on Recrutus.