Deputy director of operations

Southland Communications Center

Hazel Crest, Illinois

Deputy Director of Operations

Application Posted: October 28, 2025

Application Closing: Until Filled – Early submissions strongly encouraged. Selected candidates will be contacted for oral panel interviews.

Salary Range

$107,533 – $139,793 annually (DOQ)

About Us

Southland Communications Center is a newly consolidated regional 9-1-1 Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) formed through the merger of E-COM Dispatch Center and SouthCom Combined Dispatch Center. This unification strengthens the delivery of emergency communications by enhancing interoperability, technology integration, and operational efficiency across the Southland Cook County region of Illinois. The Center provides 9-1-1 and public safety dispatch services for the communities of Country Club Hills, East Hazel Crest, Flossmoor, Glenwood, Hazel Crest, Homewood, South Holland, Thornton, Markham, Matteson, Park Forest and Richton Park, supporting their respective emergency medical services, fire and police agencies.

The Center will operate from a new, purpose built mission-critical facility designed to support advanced technology, improved resiliency, and future regional growth. Southland Communications Center serves multiple law enforcement and fire protection agencies with highly trained Telecommunicators, modern emergency communications systems, and a strong commitment to professionalism, reliability, and continuous improvement.

Our consolidation reflects a shared vision among our member agencies to deliver the highest standard of public safety communications that protects life, property, and responders while ensuring sustainability for the future.

Position Overview

The Deputy Director of Operations is a senior administrative leadership position responsible for the operational performance and direction of 24/7 public safety dispatch services. This role requires strong leadership, operational standards, labor management experience, and a proactive approach to supporting mission-critical technologies.

The position directly supervises Operations Managers and the Training & Quality Assurance Coordinator and serves as the Executive Director’s designee when assigned.

The position requires off-hours response and availability. This is not the all-inclusive job description. Additional duties may be assigned based on operational needs.

Key Responsibilities

· Lead, develop, and evaluate operational staff performance

· Maintain compliance with all operational policies, SOPs, and mandates

· Oversee staffing levels and scheduling to ensure 24/7 readiness

· Ensure operational alignment with police, fire, and EMS command staff

· Support QA/QI, training, EMD program compliance, and staff certification requirements

· Represent the Center at Committee meetings and stakeholder engagements

· Collaborate on public safety technology implementation and performance improvement initiatives

Minimum Qualifications

· 5+ years of public safety communications experience

· 3+ years in a supervisory or leadership role in a PSAP environment

· Strong operational knowledge of APCO/NENA standards and Illinois ETSA rules

· Excellent communication, documentation, and leadership skills

· Ability to work nights, weekends, or emergency call-ins as required

Preferred Qualifications

· Multi-agency operations experience

· QA/QI, CTO, or EMD program management experience

· Advanced certifications (APCO, NENA, FEMA)

Benefits

· IMRF Pension System participation

· Medical, dental, and vision plans

· Paid time off, holidays, and uniform provisions (if applicable)

· Ongoing professional development and training opportunities

How to Apply

Submit a resume and cover letter to:

[email protected]

Subject Line: Deputy Director of Operations – [Your Name]

Resumes are accepted until the position is filled. Qualified candidates will be invited to oral panel interviews on a rolling basis.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $107,533.00 - $139,793.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person