Police Communications Manager

Job Description

Description

The City of Citrus Heights is seeking a Police Communications Manager to lead our Communications Center and serve as a member of the Police Department’s Command Staff.

Our Communications Center is an integral part of the Police Department. The Department recently completed a significant upfit of its Communications Center, creating a modern, professional workspace designed not only to meet today's demands, but to prepare the Department for the technology of tomorrow. For the next Police Communications Manager, this creates a unique opportunity: step into a newly improved facility and help shape how it evolves.

This is an opportunity for an experienced communications professional who is ready to take the next step in their career and play a broader role in the Police Department. The Police Communications Manager provides overall leadership for the Communications Center and oversees two Communications Supervisors who directly oversee the department’s dispatchers.

As a member of Command Staff, the Police Communications Manager works closely with the Operations Commander and other Command Staff members, bringing communications expertise to department operations and helping ensure the Communications Center is well positioned to support the needs of the department, its officers, and the community.

This position offers the opportunity to:

• Lead a critical component of the Police Department and have a direct impact on the services that support officers and the community.
• Develop and support two Communications Supervisors, providing leadership, direction, and accountability while empowering them to effectively lead their teams.
• Shape the future of the Communications Center, with the opportunity to identify challenges, introduce new ideas, and improve how the Center supports the department.
• Work as part of Command Staff, collaborating with other department leaders on issues that cross organizational areas and contribute to broader Police Department priorities.
• Serve as the department’s communications subject matter expert, providing insight and recommendations on issues affecting the Communications Center and its role in police operations.
• Build relationships across the organization, working with sworn and professional staff, City departments, outside agencies, and public safety partners.
• Make a meaningful difference in the community, knowing that the work of the Communications Center directly supports the safety of residents, officers, and the community.

About Our Team

The Citrus Heights Police Department is a close-knit organization that values professionalism, teamwork, accountability, trust, respect, innovation, and service to our community.

Dispatchers serve as a critical link between the community and officers in the field, often working in high-pressure situations where accuracy, composure, and sound judgment are essential.

The Communications Center is supported by two Communications Supervisors who provide direct supervision to the department’s dispatchers. The Police Communications Manager provides the leadership and direction that supports the supervisors and the Center as a whole.

We are looking for a leader who is approachable, thoughtful, collaborative, and willing to challenge the status quo. Someone who can see the big picture, build trust, support their supervisors, and recognize opportunities to make things better.

This position may be a great fit if you:

• Are ready to move from communications supervision into a broader leadership role within a Police Department.
• Enjoy developing supervisors and building strong teams.
• Want to have a voice in the future direction of a Communications Center.
• Enjoy working collaboratively with other leaders to solve problems and improve operations.
• Are comfortable making decisions, taking ownership, and being accountable for results.
• Can balance the needs of the Communications Center with the broader needs of the Police Department.
• Value innovation and are always looking for a better way of doing things.
• Want to contribute to an organization where your experience and ideas are valued.

Recruitment Timeline (Tentative)
Recruitment Closes: November 1, 2026 at 11:59 P.M.
Interviews: November 18 - 19, 2026

Examples of Duties

To plan, organize, direct and coordinate professional staff and specialized activities of the dispatch and communications unit within the Police Department; to provide a high level of response to community concerns regarding department operations; to be responsible for the efficient accomplishment of daily activities of the dispatch and communications unit, to coordinate assigned activities with other departments and outside agencies; and to provide highly responsible and complex staff assistance to higher level police staff.

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Administer, direct, and review police dispatch and communication services to meet organizational objectives and goals.
  
• Participate in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities of the dispatch and communications unit and staff; recommend and implement policies and procedures. Identify opportunities for improving service delivery methods and procedures; identify resource needs; review with appropriate management staff; implement improvements.
  
• Direct, coordinate and review the work plan for the dispatch and communications unit; assign work activities and projects; monitor workflow; review and evaluate work products, methods and procedures; meet with staff to identify and resolve problems.
  
• Analyze statistical data and reports to identify and determine causes of problems and develop recommendations for improvement of organization's systems, procedures, or programs.
  
• Analyze and interpret results of studies, and prepare reports detailing findings, recommendations, or conclusions and determine areas requiring additional resources and new program implementation.
  
• Select, train, motivate and evaluate professional police personnel; assist in developing and conducting training programs in the various phases of police activities; assist with internal affairs investigations; work with employees to correct deficiencies; respond to citizen complaints; recommend discipline and termination procedures.
  
• Participate in the development and administration of the unit budget; forecast funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials and supplies; monitor and approve expenditures; recommend adjustments as necessary; perform other administrative duties as assigned.
  
• Coordinate dispatch and communications unit activities with those of other divisions, outside agencies and organizations.
  
• Provide staff assistance to assigned Police Commander or higher-level police staff; prepare and present staff reports and other correspondence as appropriate and necessary; prepare a variety of reports and make presentations before the City Council and community groups.
  
• Respond to inquiries from the media and general public; resolve difficult and sensitive complaints; conduct meetings with local media personnel; prepare news releases; provide interviews to media personnel upon request.
  
• Coordinate the design, maintenance, implementation, and administration of police communications, and related automated systems, working collaboratively with the Information Technology Division regarding technical assistance; work with outside vendors and consultants; recommend improvements, equipment upgrades, and enhancements.
  
• Analyze and define information processing needs; prepare program feasibility analysis; coordinate diagnosis of hardware/software problems, equipment repair and programming revision activities; and, perform basic diagnostic review of performance problems related to specific police technology systems.
  
• Attend and participate in professional group meetings and committees; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the dispatch, communications, and emergency management field.
  
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees and the public using principles of good customer service.
  
• Perform the full range of duties assigned to professional staff as required.
  
• Perform related duties as assigned.
  

Typical Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Operations, services and activities of a comprehensive municipal law enforcement program.
• Police services theory, principles, and practices and their application to a wide variety of services and programs.
• Principles and practices of leadership, motivation, team building and conflict resolution.
• Modern office procedures and computer equipment.
• Principles and practices of organizational analysis and management.
• Budgeting procedures and techniques.
• Principles and practices of supervision, training and personnel management.
• Pertinent federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations.
• California Penal Code, department policies, rules, regulations and General Orders

Ability to:

• Supervise, train, evaluate, and coordinate the work of assigned staff.
• Select, train, and evaluate assigned staff.
• Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, and implement recommendations in support of goals.
• Prepare clear and concise administrative and financial reports.
• Prepare and administer budgets.
• Interpret, apply, and make decisions in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local policies, laws, and regulations.
• Use computers, related computer applications and software operations related to the dispatch and communications unit.
• Identify and prepare information for release to the media.
• Engage tactfully and courteously with the public and law enforcement personnel; demonstrate a high ability to interact with the public courteously, with patience and a positive attitude.
• Maintain contact and preserve good relations with the public; respond to requests and inquiries from the general public in a timely basis.
• Recommend improvements to departmental operations and in the rules, regulations, and policies governing the department.
• Oversee and manage the dispatch and communications unit of the Police Department.
• Identify and generate “a better way of doing things” by viewing issues or problems as opportunities for improvement rather than obstacles.
• Be a visionary and innovator, demonstrating an ability to see the “big picture.”
• Keep the Police Commander and/or higher police staff informed.
• Provide high quality, economical services to the Citrus Heights community, placing emphasis on responsive customer service.
• Demonstrate a civic entrepreneurial spirit by generating new, innovative ideas and developing better methods to accomplish tasks and complete projects.
• Foster an environment that embraces innovation, integrity, trust and respect.
• Be an integral team player, which involves flexibility, cooperation and communication.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Work with various cultural and ethnic groups in a tactful and effective manner.
• Use principles of effective office safety including use of equipment in a proper and safe manner, use of preventative personal ergonomic techniques, and maintenance of safe housekeeping in personal and common workspaces.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Operate a personal computer with proficiency and familiarity.

Experience:
Seven years of increasingly responsible experience in a law enforcement communications center, including at least two years of supervisory experience. Experience working in a law enforcement records unit/division may be substituted for up to two years of the experience requirement.

Education/Training:
Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade.

License or Certificate:
May need to possess a valid California driver’s license and proof of automobile liability insurance as required by the position.

Supplemental Information

On a continuous basis, sit at desk for long periods of time; intermittently twist, bend and reach to investigate field issues; push and pull equipment; perform simple grasping and fine manipulation; use telephone, and write or use a keyboard to communicate through written means; and lift or carry weight of 30 pounds or less.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
The City of Citrus Heights is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing an inclusive workplace and employment opportunities without regard to legally protected characteristics.

The City of Citrus Heights is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the recruitment or selection process, please contact Human Resources at (916) 727-4731 or hr@citrusheights.net.

The City offers a generous benefits package to full-time employees including health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave.

The City’s generous benefits package includes:

• RETIREMENT- CalPERS Retirement (employee pays full member contribution).
  • Classic member 2.7% @ 55 (Employees hired with the City of Citrus Heights before 08/14/2011)
  • Classic member 2% @ 55
  • PEPRA member 2% @ 62
• LEAVE - the City’s time off options.
  • 136 hours of Annual Leave (to be used for vacation or sick time)
  • 40 hours of Long Term Medical Leave
  • 16 hours of Floating Holiday beginning Jan 1st each year
  • 80 hours of Management Leave each Fiscal Year
• HEALTH INSURANCE - The City participates in the CalPERS Health program. Maximum monthly City contribution toward health insurance:
  • $3,050 Employee + 2 or more
  • $2,350 Employee + 1
  • $1,150 Employee only
• IN-LIEU OF MEDICAL INSURANCE - $800/month stipend if alternative group health care coverage is demonstrated.
• FLEXIBLE SPENDING - Flexible Spending Medical and Dependent Care account options that cover out-of-pocket medical expenses.
• DENTAL/VISION - Fully (100%) paid by the City.
• LIFE INSURANCE - Basic Life: $100,000 Life & Accidental Death & Dismemberment for Management-level employees, and Long-Term Disability insurance. Optional Life is available to purchase.
• DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN - Optional enrollment in a pre-tax retirement 457(b) plan. The City offers up to 3% city-matching contribution for Management-level employees.
• SOCIAL SECURITY - The City does not participate in Social Security but does participate in Medicare and State Disability Insurance (SDI).

Closing Date/Time: 11/1/2026 11:59 PM Pacific