University of Michigan Communications Officer

The University of Michigan Division of Public Safety and Security (DPSS) is hiring a Communications Officer to join their department in Ann Arbor. Our Dispatch Operations department is seeking to fill several Communications Officer positions. As a Communications Officer, you will report to a Communications Sergeant.

Communications Officer Position Opening

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, they use a blended service model to meet the needs of our community and exceed expectations.

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

These positions will work onsite in a professional workplace environment, including office settings and entry points to large public-facing facilities. 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.

Responsibilities

Under the direction of 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 Associate’s degree and one (1) year of relevant experience
• AND the following:
  • 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.

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.

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. Benefits include:

• 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

How to Apply

If you have any questions or concerns about the application process or the police officer position in general, contact Sirena Crawford by phone at (734) 763-1131 or sirenac@umich.edu.

The department is located at 1239 Kipke Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109.

Additional Information

All Division of Public Safety and Security (DPSS) members are considered Campus Security Authorities (CSAs) under The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act. As such, you must 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.

This position is a 100% regular appointment and is 40 hours per week. The department operates seven (7) days per week and twenty-four (24) hours per day. Work schedules are typically 12-hour shifts, including extended shifts, nights, weekends, afternoons, holidays, and occasional unanticipated overtime. You must pass a thorough background investigation and drug screening.

U-M EEO/AA Statement

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

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