Communications Manager

Berkeley, CA, CA, US Until 8/21/2026 5+ years exp First posted May 26, 2026 Last posted May 26, 2026
Job description
<p>The City of Berkeley invites you to apply for the position of Communications Manager in the Police Department! In this role, you will have the opportunity to manage all operations and activities of the Communications Center Bureau. Responsibilities include developing and implementing policies, procedures and operating standards, and the continuous evaluation of the efficiency and maintenance of all communication equipment and systems. The Communications Center processes approximately 5,000 calls for service monthly, including emergency and non-emergency calls for Police, Fire, and Emergency Medical Services.</p><p>The ideal candidate is a steady leader who can build trust with staff and communicate clearly in a fast-paced environment. They have experience managing or supervising a communications center and understand the challenges of staffing shortages, training, and employee wellness. They are proactive in finding solutions to staffing needs, supporting recruitment and retention efforts, and maintaining service levels during difficult conditions. The ideal candidate is also comfortable leading through change, including the implementation of new technologies and systems, and can help staff adapt through clear communication, training, and support. They are organized, approachable, and able to make sound decisions under pressure while keeping the team focused and supported.</p>See the full job description here:<span style="color: rgba(104, 104, 104, 1); font-style: normal; text-indent: 0">&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/berkeley/classspecs/775172" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Communications Manager Classification</a><p><span style="color: inherit; font-style: normal; text-indent: 0">A typical way of gaining the knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position is:</span><br>Equivalent to graduation from high school and completion of 60 college semester or 90 quarter units in business administration, public administration, criminal justice or a related field; may substitute experience on a year-for-year basis for education; and five (5) years increasingly responsible experience in a public safety communications center, one of which must have been at the supervisory level or administrative capacity and two years of experience directly related to emergency dispatching.</p><p>Other requirements include:<br>Must be able to pass a psychiatric evaluation and P.O.S.T Dispatcher background investigation. Must be willing to work evening, night, weekend and holiday shifts. An Emergency Medical Dispatcher, P.O.S.T. Dispatcher, Civilian Supervisor, Instructor Certificate, or completion of training required for one or more of these certificates is desirable. ICS 100, 200, 300, 400, 700 and 800 Incident Command system certification is desirable.</p><p>Must be able to travel to various locations within and outside the City of Berkeley to meet the program needs and to fulfill the job responsibilities. When driving on City business, the incumbent is required to maintain a valid California driver's license as well as a satisfactory driving record.</p><span style="color: inherit; font-style: normal; text-indent: 0">Applications must be received by Monday, June 8, 2026, at 5:00 pm PT and must include a completed application. Please note that resumes are not a substitute for a completed application.</span><br style="color: inherit; font-style: normal; text-indent: 0"><br style="color: inherit; font-style: normal; text-indent: 0"><span style="color: inherit; font-style: normal; text-indent: 0">Applications are available in alternative formats (audio format, braille, large print, electronic text, etc. upon request to&nbsp;</span><a style="font-style: normal; text-indent: 0; color: inherit !important; text-decoration: underline !important">[email protected]</a><span style="color: inherit; font-style: normal; text-indent: 0">. Please allow 10 days for production of the material in an alternative format.</span>The exam process will include, but may not be limited to:<ul><li>Application review for minimum qualifications and required documents (qualifying experience will be calculated based on the application period close date)</li><li>Review of Supplemental Questionnaire</li><li>Assessment Center – Tentatively scheduled for the week of July 20th or July 27th<ul><li>Oral Interview Exam</li><li>Written Exercise</li></ul></li></ul>Tests may consist of any combination of written, oral, or other exercises or assessment procedures that test content and may include, but are not necessarily limited to, typing, math, reading, writing, and analytical skills; problem-solving ability; computer and software proficiency, or any other job-related knowledge, skill, ability, or qualification. The examination process and dates are subject to change. The City may, without notice, change or eliminate any assessment component as needs dictate. Applicants passing all examination phases will have their names placed on an employment eligible list that hiring departments will use to conduct final selection interviews slated for a date to be determined.<br><br>Reasonable Accommodations: The City is committed to making reasonable accommodations in the examination process and in the work environment. Individuals requesting reasonable accommodations in the examination process must submit a request in writing to <a>[email protected]</a> at the time of application.
About this role

Summary

Manage communications center operations, policies, staff, and systems for emergency services.

Job title

Communications Manager

Experience level

5+ years

Minimum experience

5+ years exp

Industry

public safety

Location requirements

Berkeley, CA; remote work not allowed

Salary

Not specified

Management role

Yes

Skills & keywords

Required skills

high school diplomacollege semeste or quarter unitspublic safety communications experiencesupervisory experienceemergency dispatching

Preferred skills

emergency medical dispatcherP.O.S.T. dispatchercivilian supervisorinstructor certificationincident command system

Specializations

communications managementpublic safetyemergency dispatchstaff supervisionsystems implementation
Locations

Structured locations inferred from the posting.

Berkeley, CA, USA

On-site City