Communications Center Manager

COMMUNICATIONS CENTER MANAGER POSITION

APPLICATIONS ARE DUE BY: Open Until Filled

1st review of Applications will be April 6, 2026

JOB INFORMATION

Job Title: Communications Center Manager

Civil Service: No

Department: Marion Public Safety Communications

Bargaining Unit: No

Reports to Position: Administration Lieutenant

Pay Grade: Non-Bargaining Pay Scale

Location: Police Department

Overtime Status: No Paid Overtime

Effect. Date: 03/23/2026

FLSA Status: Exempt

JOB SUMMARY

This position provides leadership and management of the Communications Center that serves the Public Safety Communications for the City of Marion. This position is responsible for planning, developing, implementing, and coordinating emergency and non-emergency communication procedures, and communication and system needs to ensure the highest quality of service is provided to the citizens of Marion. The Communications Manager will manage and coordinate the staff training program in compliance with the Iowa Online Warrant and Articles (IOWA)/National Crime Information Center (NCIC) system. Additionally, this position is responsible for preparing and administering the Communications Center budget.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES/WORK PERFORMED

• Direct overall operation of the Communications Center with the assistance of the Communications Supervisor.


• Create, coordinate, review and implement policies and procedures in line with those of the police and fire departments that provide a cohesive direction to Communications Center Staff.


• Directs supervision of all operators. Manage and coordinate staff training to maintain compliance with Iowa Department of Public Safety (IADPS) AND Iowa Online Warrant Article/National Crime Information Center system (IOWA/NCIC). 


• Responsible for the personnel administration for the Communications Center staff. Maintains the staff shift schedules and department payroll.


• Responsible for Communications Center staff evaluations; administer performance praise or discipline action as required.


• Responsible for Quality Control/Quality Assurance. Ensure that all staff members are competent and in compliance with the law and the policies, procedures, and rules and regulations of the police and fire departments.


• Work together with the Communications Supervisor to create and maintain a coordinated and consistent supervisory environment.


• Supervise and schedule the Communications Training Operator Program. Monitor the Probationary Communication Operator (PCO) progress with the Communication Training Operations (CTO). 


• Serve as or appoint the Terminal Access Coordinator (TAC) backup.


• Maintain all records pertinent to the successful function of the department.


• Schedule, supervise, and interact with police and fire bargaining unit members in a fair, professional manner that is within management rights, scope of current bargaining contracts, and all City and department rules, regulations, and procedures. 


• Make recommendations to develop, guide, and implement the strategic plan of the department in a manner that fosters the use of data, City resources, and community partners to achieve the identified goals.


• Serve as a liaison between operators, the public and other departments and agencies. 


• Manages communications inside and outside the department.


• Responsible for the maintenance of the 911 equipment. Analyze system and equipment needs and recommend changes or upgrades as deemed appropriate via proposals and supporting documentation. 


• Prepare and administer the Communications Center budget; responsible for monitoring the available funds and all financial issues.


• Executive board member of the Linn County 911 Service Board.


• Member of the Linn County Wide Radio Governance Board.


• Attend necessary meetings, including but not limited to Linn County Wide Radio System, Radio Governance Board (LCWRS/RGB) and the Linn County 911 Executive Board.


• Perform related work as required or directed. 
  

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, AND SKILLS

• Advance knowledge of police/fire department policies, rules and regulations.


• Advanced knowledge of IOWA/NCIC policies, rules and regulations.


• Knowledge of the principles and practices of public safety computer-aided dispatching methods, record management systems, and equipment.


• Knowledge of elements, principles, and procedures of an emergency phone system (E9-1-1, NG911, T911) as well as standard phone operations.


• Knowledge of two-way radio systems and vehicle communication devices with special emphasis on trunked radio and mobile data.


• Knowledge of administrative and supervisory principles and practices, including budgeting, planning, program evaluation, developing and implementing policies and procedures, and employee supervision.


• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees, City departments, civil groups, and the general public.


• Ability to develop and implement policies and operating procedures.


• Ability to effectively organize, direct, and manage emergency and non-emergency communications functions.


• Ability to prepare and administer an operating budget.


• Ability to maintain confidentiality.


• Ability to maintain the skills and certifications needed to perform the line function. 


• Knowledge of Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) and Emergency Fire Dispatch (EFD) protocols and quality assurance processes. 


• Knowledge of Tactical Dispatching principles for high-risk, low-frequency public safety incidents. 


• Knowledge of National Incident Management Systems (NIMS) and Incident Command System (ICS) as they relate to emergency communications and emergency management.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to read, speak, write and understand English to effectively communicate with citizens and employees by telephone, in written form, or face-to-face.


• Ability to operate telephone, computer keyboard, calculator, switchboard, teletype, photocopier, and similar electronic and manual office machines. 


• Ability to monitor and respond to all required police radio traffic.


• Ability to sit for long periods of time for typing and computer work.


• Ability to bend, reach, climb, stoop, and lift 40 pounds for filing or records retrieval. 

QUALIFICATIONS

• Associate's degree and considerable experience in public safety dispatch communications, including supervisory assignments; or any equivalent combination of education, experience, and training which provides the knowledge and abilities necessary to perform the work, as determined by the Chief of Police.


• A minimum of seven (7) years of experience in a related field is required.


• Iowa Online Warrant and Articles (IOWA)/National Crime Information Center (NCIC) Certification.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) and Emergency Fire Dispatch (EFD).


• Experience in Tactical Dispatching and Emergency Management Communications.


• Completion of NIMS/ICS 100, 200, 300, 400, 700, and 800. 

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Work in a 24/7 office environment on various shifts.


• Work may require call-in without notice; on-call 24 hours a day to respond to center/staff concerns.


• Work in a potentially stressful environment.

REQUIRED BACKGROUND CHECKS

• Sex Offender Registry Check


• Criminal Background Check


• Drug Screening


• Pre-Employment Physical


• Driving Record


• Polygraph

QUESTIONS

Contact Chief of Police at 319-377-1511

Contact City of Marion Human Resources at 319-743-6301