Description
***To apply please visit South Sound Chief Operations Officer Announcement
SUMMARY:
With primary responsibility and substantial autonomy, the Chief Operations Officer (COO) plans, oversees, directs, and manages the emergency communications operations of South Sound 911. Emergency communications includes telecommunicator functions, such as call-taking, dispatch, and ancillary functions, all of which are related to 911 calls, messages, or contacts.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Recognizing that the criticality of failure in emergency communications is very high, plan, oversee, direct, and manage the emergency communications operations of South Sound 911. Engage in operations out of the primary South Sound 911 facility, and when necessary, out of the 35th Street Back-up facility. Be available to respond to and address material operational issues at any time of the day, throughout the year, including off hours.
Serve as the primary point of contact, or liaison, related to operations for Partner Agencies, both fire and law.
Manage a communications staff with a current FTE count of about 180 employees, including direct reports from Communications Center Directors and Managers. Appoint, promote, and remove subordinate employees. When appropriate, initiate, or participate in, terminations, disciplinary proceedings, and coaching and counseling. Lead and attend staff meetings. Perform annual or performance reviews. Interview, select, supervise, evaluate and counsel personnel; assure the proper training and evaluation of personnel.
Oversee and participate in all labor matters related to emergency communications operations, including, but not limited to: negotiation of collective bargaining agreements (CBA); and participation in grievances, unfair labor practice claims, Weingarten and Loudermill hearings, and PERC proceedings.
Prepare and implement a departmental budget; review and approve expenditures; authorize and approve requisitions for equipment, materials, supplies and services in accordance with agency policies. Participate in or manage vendor contract negotiations.
Lead or participate in PSCOC committee meetings. Attend association (PSAP, police, fire, EC communications) meetings as needed. Act as a liaison or participating member in regional committees and groups in support of operational goals for South Sound 911 and in support of local and regional law enforcement and fire efforts and operations. Prepare agenda materials for various meetings, especially Board and PSCOC meetings; attend meetings as required; present information, materials and recommendations; develop plans and policies and coordinate follow-up activities.
Collaborate with agency departments, directors, and staff. In addition, develop and maintain collaborative working relationships and coordinate communication and activities with a variety of state, federal, county and local law enforcement and fire agencies, other governmental agencies and other outside agencies; meet with partner agency representatives on areas of mutual concern; assure cooperative working relationships with partner agencies.
Assess short and long-term needs of the Agency based on direction from the Board and South Sound 911 Executive Director, or communications from partner agencies and staff; and develop plans, resources and programs to meet identified needs.
Compile and analyze information and other data; prepare various reports and summaries related to Communication Center operations and activities; respond to subpoenas; provide court testimony as required. Oversee the development and implementation of operational policies, standard operating procedures and performance metrics. Engage in continuous improvement of the agency’s Emergency Management and COOP policies and activities. Lead initiatives in operational innovation, technology integration and process improvement.
Coordinate with subordinate Communication Directors and Communication Managers to review operations, develop modifications as necessary, resolve problems and provide information.
Provides oversight, representation or assistance to committees established by the agency in support of the Agency needs.
Develop and maintain emergency response plans, hazard mitigation strategies, and continuity plans for critical operations. Participate in emergency preparedness and crisis management planning, providing a security and employee protection perspective. Coordinate preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation activities with all departments.
May be required to act in an interim basis as the South Sound 911 Executive Director during absences of the Executive Director.
Additional duties as assigned and related.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES REQUIRED:
- In-depth understanding of emergency communications, especially 911 communications.
- Extensive understanding of Fire and Police operational communication needs.
- Ability to manage complex operations, large teams and cross-agency partnerships.
- Knowledge of local government functions and organization. Knowledge of applicable laws, ordinances, codes, regulations, policies and procedures.
- Experience with labor unions, including CBA negotiations and disciplinary matters.
- Understanding of the principles and practices of public administration.
- Experience with fiscal management and budget preparation.
- Ability to compile and analyze information and data and prepare reports.
- Proficient with the Microsoft Office suite of productivity software.
- Efficient and effective communications, both orally and in writing.
- Working knowledge of the Incident Command System.
- Ability to work confidentially and with discretion, and maintain a professional demeanor while resolving emotional issues with personnel at all levels of the organization.
Requirements
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in Communications (Emergency), Public Administration, Emergency Management or similar discipline. A Master's degree is preferred. Seven to ten years of progressively responsible senior management experience in a communications center or related agency, with at least five years in a supervisory or executive capacity.
Prior administrative management experience within large corporate or public setting is highly desired and may be substituted for other work or educational requirements on a one for one basis.
