Deputy Director of Communications

Deputy Director of Communications

Department: Police – Dispatch Division
Job Code: DD/1.2

Labor Grade: Grade 20: $75,512.42-$114,558.63

FLSA Status: Exempt
Employment Type: Full-Time, 35 Hours/Week
Reports To: Director of Communications

Step into leadership today — and grow into the future of emergency communications.
The Town of Hanover is seeking a motivated and forward-thinking professional to join the Hanover Regional Emergency Dispatch Center as Deputy Director of Communications. Designed as a succession-track leadership role, this position offers a unique opportunity to develop advanced operational and leadership skills, mentor public safety professionals, and prepare for future advancement into the Director of Communications role while making an immediate impact supporting critical emergency response operations.

Why Join Us & Benefits – Town of Hanover, NH

• Play a leadership role at the center of emergency response operations


• Grow into a succession-track position designed for future advancement


• Work with a highly professional and collaborative regional dispatch team


• Serve a community that values safety, innovation, and professional excellence


• Enjoy competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package, which may include:

• Health and dental insurance


• Participation in the New Hampshire Retirement System


• Paid time off


• Town-paid disability and life insurance


• Professional development and leadership training opportunities

The Deputy Director of Communications embodies and demonstrates the core values of the Hanover Police Department: Integrity, Respect, Fairness, Excellence, and Positivity. Reporting to the Director of Communications, this position assists in the leadership, administration, and daily operations of the Hanover Regional Emergency Dispatch Center. The Deputy Director supports efficient delivery of emergency communications services, staff development, operational planning, and system reliability.

This position is designed as a succession-track leadership role, providing progressive development and mentorship with the long-term goal of assuming the Director of Communications position.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist in directing daily operations of the Dispatch Center, including call processing and dispatch coordination


• Ensure high-quality emergency dispatch services to citizens and partner agencies


• Perform Communications Officer duties as needed and maintain operational proficiency


• Participate in scheduled or on-call dispatch shifts to support staffing needs


• Support management of projects, administrative functions, and operational initiatives


• Assist with budget preparation, expenditure monitoring, and financial tracking


• Help develop, implement, and review policies and procedures


• Coordinate staffing assignments, scheduling, and operational coverage


• Provide leadership, mentoring, and supervisory support to Communications personnel


• Assist with training, evaluations, professional development, and discipline processes


• Promote departmental philosophy, professional standards, and operational consistency


• Support oversight of telecommunications systems including radios, CAD/RMS systems, mobile data terminals, telephones, and video infrastructure


• Work with vendors and technical partners to maintain system reliability


• Assist with research and evaluation of new technologies and equipment


• Support grant management efforts, including Homeland Security funding


• Maintain required records and assist with reporting requirements


• Support NH 911 coordination and data management activities


• Participate in interoperability planning and regional coordination meetings


• Serve as liaison with partner agencies and represent the Dispatch Center at meetings as assigned


• Serve as Acting Director during the Director’s absence


• Assist with facility planning, equipment upgrades, and technology initiatives


• Perform related duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of emergency communications operations and dispatch procedures


• Knowledge of telecommunications systems including radio, telephone, CAD/RMS, and related technologies


• Understanding of leadership and supervisory principles


• Knowledge of budgeting and administrative processes


• Knowledge of project coordination and implementation


• Familiarity with CJIS, NCIC, and NH SPOTS requirements


• Strong decision-making skills in high-pressure environments


• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and public relations skills

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, public safety administration, or a related field (or equivalent experience)


• Experience in emergency dispatch or communications operations within a public safety environment


• Demonstrated leadership potential; supervisory experience preferred


• Ability to obtain and maintain SPOTS/NCIC certification


• Ability to serve as Acting Director and participate in succession planning development

Hours of Work:

Flexible, rotating schedule                   

Nights and weekends as required.

Be the leader behind every successful response.
If you’re ready to help guide the future of emergency communications while supporting the professionals who make it happen every day, this is your opportunity—apply now and help shape Hanover’s next generation of public safety leadership.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Town of Hanover is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Town does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by law. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.