Communications Officer

Job Summary

The Division of Public Safety and Security (DPSS) leads all public safety functions within the university, including police, security, and emergency management, and offers an integrated approach to safety and security, operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. DPSS combines Ann Arbor, Dearborn, and Flint operations to provide students, visitors, faculty, and staff with a safe and secure environment. Through our partnerships across the university and local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, we use a blended service model to meet the needs of our community and exceed expectations. We prize proactive engagement with our community and provide compassionate and professional service to enhance the quality of life for all.


Our Dispatch Operations department is seeking to fill several Communications Officer positions. As a Communications Officer, you will report to a Communications Sergeant.


You may be contacted through e-mail by Spark Hire (video interview vendor) to submit a video presentation answering pre-screening questions, if selected.


Salary Information

• The pay range for new external hires is $55,723.20 to $67,787.20 per year, based on education and experience.
• The full pay range for current DPSS Security Officers is $55,723.20 to $70,491.20 per year, based on education and experience.

Responsibilities*

Under the direction of your Communications Sergeant and the management team, you will perform the following tasks:

• Answer, evaluate, and prioritize emergency incoming 911 and non-emergency calls, often occurring simultaneously
• Elicit critical information from callers in various states of distress
• Dispatch police and public safety personnel from multiple departments to all University-owned and leased facilities and properties
• Maintain continuous communication with field personnel via radio systems
• Monitor, interpret, dispatch and coordinate responders to campus safety systems, including:
  • Fire alarms and life-safety systems
  • Access control and intrusion alarms
  • Duress/panic alarms
  • Video surveillance systems
• Coordinate multi-unit and multi-agency responses during emergencies
• Enter, update, and retrieve data from Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) incident logging software, records systems, and law enforcement databases
• Maintain accurate documentation of all calls, incidents, radio traffic, and additional actions taken
• Provide customer service to students, faculty, staff, and visitors in a high-stress, fast-paced emergency Dispatch Center
• Support large-scale campus events and emergency operations
• Follow established policies, procedures, and protocols

Required Qualifications*

• High school or GED equivalent and two (2) years of relevant experience

OR

• Associates degree and one (1) year of relevant experience

AND

• Be able to think quickly and act fast during emergencies while staying calm and compassionate, while gathering the right information from callers to decide the best response and put that plan into action immediately.
• You have mental, visual, and auditory acuity stamina.
• Advanced typing skills for data entry.
• You must pass a comprehensive public safety background investigation, drug screening, psychological evaluation, and physical examination.
• You will be in a uniformed position and required to maintain appearance and grooming standards by following the DPSS uniformed personnel dress code policy.

Why Work at Michigan?

Being part of something greater, of serving a larger mission of discovery and care - that's the heart of what drives people to work at Michigan. In some way, great or small, every person here helps to advance this outstanding institution. It's adding a purpose to your profession. Work at Michigan and become a victor for the greater good.



Benefits Offered at Michigan


In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, The University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family and plan for a secure future including:

• Generous time off including parental leave
• A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting
• Many choices for comprehensive health insurance including "Other Qualified Adult" coverage
• Dental, Vision and Life insurance
• Long-term Disability coverage
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses
• Tuition Support Program

Modes of Work

These positions work onsite at our Campus Safety and Security Building (CSSB)


Additional Information

All members of the Division of Public Safety and Security (DPSS) are considered Campus Security Authorities (CSAs) under The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act. As such, you are required to report Clery reportable offenses that come to your attention. DPSS employees are required to complete Clery Compliance Training within the first 14 days of employment and annually thereafter.


Union Affiliation

This position is covered under the collective bargaining agreement between the U-M and the Police Officers Association of Michigan union which contains and settles all matters concerning wages, benefits, hours and other terms and conditions of employment.

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Job Detail

Job Opening ID

275705

Working Title

Communications Officer

Job Title

COMMUNICATIONS OFCR

Work Location

Ann Arbor Campus

Ann Arbor, MI

Modes of Work

Onsite


Full/Part Time

Full-Time

Regular/Temporary

Regular

FLSA Status

Nonexempt

Organizational Group

Division Pub Saf Sec

Department

DPSS DISPATCH OPERATIONS

Posting Begin/End Date

8/28/2026 - 9/10/2026

Salary

$55,723.20 - $70,491.20

Career Interest

Security/Police (POAM/COAM Union)