Director of Communications – Vanderbilt Lifeflight

Director of Communications – Vanderbilt Lifeflight

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree and 7 years experience
• Must attain Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (APCO) Certified Public-Safety Executive Program Certification within two years of employment
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws and regulations regarding a PSAP (Public Safety Answering Point)
• Knowledge of principles and practices of fire and EMS disciplines
• Knowledge of all phases of emergency management and emergency communications
• Knowledge of two-way radio, Computer Aided Dispatch, Enhanced 911 systems and disaster planning
• Knowledge of Federal and State regulations governing the use of radio transmissions, computer privacy and security, records retention and emergency communication work
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office suite of programs for the purposes of creating and formatting documents, graphs, presentations, databases, spreadsheets, data entry, and word processing
• Skill in communicating effectively both orally and in writing in a highly interactive and team-oriented work environment
• Ability to present ideas clearly both verbally and in writing
• Ability to analyze emergency situations objectively and make sound decisions
• Ability to plan and organize response to complex emergencies
• Ability to keep office records and to prepare accurate reports from file sources
• Ability to perform and organize work independently
• Ability to prepare effective correspondence on routine matters and to perform routine office management details
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with Communications staff, other LifeFlight service lines, VUMC associates and other public agencies
• Ability to maintain regular and predictable attendance at work
• Self-starter that takes initiative and has a sense of urgency
• Able to meet deadlines timely and follow directions
• Communicate complex and technical information in a simple, clear and straightforward manner
• Be organized, manage resources, plan strategically, and manage projects
• Ability to address multiple demands simultaneously; prioritize work and respond to difficult situations under stress of time or circumstances; remain professional and operate effectively in high stress situations.

Responsibilities

• Oversees Communications personnel; participates in the recruitment and selection of personnel; assigns, directs, trains and inspects the work of staff; coaches, counsels, and evaluates staff performance; assists in the development of schedules
• Develops, maintains and implements the policies, procedures, and protocols of VUMC and ensures adherence to County, State, and Federal rules and regulations; assists with the development and maintenance of emergency plans for the VUMC
• Plans, organizes, and manages the day-to-day operational functions of the Communication Centers to provide effective and timely services system wide
• Plans, develops and directs department programs, services, resources and staff
• Formulates short- and long-range plans, goals and objectives
• Develops and implements policies, procedures, and standards; and directs the implementation of programs and services through subordinate managers, supervisors, and staff
• Directs the financial operations of the department, including the development and monitoring of the budget and purchasing of goods and services
• Maintains liaison between the LifeFlight Leadership and staff of the Communication Centers
• Oversees the management, installation, operation, and maintenance of all department equipment, radio systems, telephone, and computer/data interface
• Ensure 911 and non-emergency call-taking, processing, and dispatching are done accurately and efficiently through training and continuous quality improvement
• Investigates staff safety complaints
• Support creative thinking and problem-solving and encourage participatory decision-making when appropriate
• Attends VUMC, LifeFlight, Communications, RMCC meetings or other meetings, as required
• Oversees the development and execution of continuing education/training programs for all LifeFlight Communications personnel
• Maintains all local, state, and/or national standards as set forth, including CAMTS standards for all Communication Centers
• Oversees large-scale event planning for LifeFlight Communications; works with agencies served by LifeFlight Communications to formulate effective communication for routine and special events internally and externally to the Vanderbilt Health System
• Coordinates with agencies and officials to review and enhance operations/activities; reviews/resolves problems, receives advice/direction, and provides recommendations
• Oversees the LifeFlight Communications Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) program
• Prepares and maintains reports, records and files; prepares and distributes materials as directed
• Develops and maintains records, files and reports as needed by Program and VUMC
• Plans for and manages the use of department equipment, communication systems and facilities; ensures proper maintenance and repair of communications equipment, radios, and systems; assigns and oversees research of vendor pricing; coordinates with contractors, vendors and suppliers regarding the procurement of new equipment, services and supplies; works with vendors regarding wireless services and planning for future department technology needs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Business, Public Administration, Communications, or related field
• Ten years of progressively responsible experience in a public safety communications center, including supervisory and/or management experience, is preferred
• Experience in preparation and analysis of budgets, development and implementation of policies and procedures preferred
• Knowledge of public safety strategies, practices, and technologies preferred. Public safety experience preferred
• EMT-B certification or higher strongly preferred
• Hospital experience preferred
• Academic Medical Center experience preferred