Description
Job Appointment: This position is exempt from Civil Service and is an "At Will" position. It serves at the discretion of the hiring authority subject to the City of Portland Human Resources Administrative Rules and Portland City Charter and Code.
Work Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8am – 5pm. Work hours will vary to meet business needs.
Work Location: This is a manager position. Beginning in April 2025, all City of Portland manager and supervisor positions will be expected to report to their worksites full time. In-person work will be conducted at 3732 SE 99th Avenue, Portland, OR 97266. Alternate schedules may be available, but the typical work schedule is Monday through Friday, with occasional after-hours work required to support critical projects or address system issues. Remote workdays remain an option, to accommodate travel, or occasionally focus on major work projects. Remote work must be performed within Oregon or Washington.
Benefits: Please check our benefit tab for an overview of benefit for this position
Language Pay Premium Eligible: This position is or may be eligible for Language Pay Differential for qualifying employees.
Application Material: Please click APPLY to submit your application via the City of Portland’s online portal. You will need to attach a cover letter and resume.
About the Position:
The City of Portland is seeking an experienced and innovative Director to lead the Bureau of Emergency Communications (BOEC). BOEC serves as the central link between the community and emergency service providers by answering 9-1-1 and non-emergency public safety calls, triaging for proper response, and dispatching appropriate police, fire, medical, and alternate response. The bureau consists of more than 160 union and non-union employees across multiple divisions.
Reporting to the Deputy City Administrator for the Public Safety Service Area, the Director oversees all bureau operations and personnel, manages external relations with City officials, partner jurisdictions, and other agencies, and ensures effective 9-1-1 and non-emergency call-taking and dispatch services for police, fire, and medical responders. The Director is responsible for using all available resources—staff, equipment, policies, and procedures—to fulfill BOEC’s mission.
This position carries broad administrative and programmatic authority, including developing policies and work rules, ensuring adequate training and resources, and supporting the functionality of diverse workgroups. The Director ensures that managers, supervisors, and staff implement strategies that meet BOEC’s operational challenges and maintain high-quality service for all partner jurisdictions, including Portland, Gresham, Troutdale, Fairview, Wood Village, Maywood Park, Sauvie Island, Corbett, and Multnomah County.
Additional information about BOEC’s organization and operations can be found at the bureau’s website.
City of Portland’s Bureau of Emergency Communications
The job offer for this position will be contingent on passing a background check and psychological examination.
Essential Functions of the BOEC Director include:
Employee Centered Leadership – Recognizes the value and importance of a diverse and inclusive workforce, ensuring that these principles are embedded into all aspects of the bureau’s operations. Fosters a healthy workplace culture through transparency in decision-making, engaging in meaningful dialogue with staff, and implementing strategies that reduce burnout and support mental health.
Executive Leadership - Directs all aspects of the bureau’s operations, including policy development, program implementation, and staff management. Provides strategic oversight to managers and supervisors, ensuring the bureau fulfills its mission effectively while promoting high performance, accountability, and professional development among staff.
Community Engagement - Represents BOEC to the public, partner jurisdictions, and professional organizations. Builds and maintains relationships with community stakeholders, elected officials, and the media. Ensures the bureau’s services meet the needs of Portland and regional partners, and advocates for public safety priorities.
Collaboration - Works closely with internal teams, partner agencies, and intergovernmental bodies to coordinate emergency response services. Negotiates agreements, resolves conflicts, and develops service and quality standards in a multi-jurisdictional environment. Promotes teamwork and cross-agency partnerships to achieve shared goals.
Budget and Financial Expertise - Oversees the bureau’s budget and financial management, ensuring resources are allocated effectively to meet operational needs. Directs financial planning, monitors expenditures, and coordinates with city leadership to maintain fiscal responsibility while supporting bureau priorities.
Strategic Thinking - Develops and implements long-term plans and policies to ensure the bureau’s operations, technology, and workforce meet evolving public safety needs. Evaluates programs, anticipates challenges, and drives continuous quality improvement to enhance emergency communication services.
Technology Modernization - Oversees the selection, deployment, and maintenance of advanced emergency communication technologies, including CAD systems, 9-1-1 telephony, radio networks, and voice recording systems. Ensures that BOEC adopts state-of-the-art tools and participates in NextGen 9-1-1 initiatives to optimize operational efficiency.
Virtual Zoom Informational Opportunity
Come meet the Deputy City Administrator for the Public Safety Service Area, BOEC’s Deputy Director, and senior recruiter! We'll be talking about the position duties and responsibilities, day to day life in the role, review the announcement, discuss how to apply, and answer questions you may have about the position.
Friday, December 12 at 12:00pm (noon) Pacific Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82855497387
Meeting ID: 828 5549 7387
*Please note: AI Notetaking apps will not be allowed into virtual sessions hosted by the Bureau of Human Resources Recruitment Team. If you need accommodations as defined by the American Disabilities Act, then please contact the Recruiter for assistance.
Requirements
Ten (10) years of progressively responsible supervisory and management experience in a large, multi-jurisdictional Emergency Communications center, preferably including experience as a police/fire/EMS call taker or dispatcher.
Experience guiding organizational progress by analyzing existing practices, identifying areas of improvement, establishing a vision, setting measurable objectives and successfully implementing solutions to meet short- and long-term goals.
Experience developing, managing, and administering large-scale budgets, including forecasting, resource allocation, and mid-year adjustments in alignment with programmatic priorities and operational needs.
Experience creating and maintaining equitable and inclusive workplace practices, including recruiting, developing, and retaining a diverse, culturally competent team while fostering a respectful, transparent and service-oriented environment.
Experience building and maintaining trusted relationships with internal and external stakeholders (including frontline, administrative, and support staff, elected officials, community members, and media) through transparency, accountability, and integrity.
Demonstrated knowledge in emergency communications (9-1-1) operations, emergency communications technology, emergency management, logistics, training, accreditation, and regulatory standards.
Applicants must also:
Be able to pass a comprehensive police background investigation and psychological evaluation
Although not required, you may have:
Master’s degree in public administration from an accredited college or university, or related field;
National Emergency Number Association Emergency Number Professional (ENP) certification
Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (APCO) Certified Public-Safety Executive (CPE) or Registered Public-Safety Leader (RPL) certification.
