The Position
The Harrisonburg-Rockingham Emergency Communications Center (HRECC) is seeking a dynamic and proven executive to serve as the next Executive Director of this vital public safety agency. The Executive Director has the opportunity to work in a regional organization known for its excellent management, responsive governmental services, and strong community support. Serving a financially and politically stable region that is fast-growing and increasingly diverse, this critical position helps continue the City’s and County's reputation for highly responsive and essential emergency communication services for all its residents and businesses.

The Executive Director provides strategic direction to an integrated team of professionals, ensuring efficient and effective operations by performing difficult professional work in managing the HRECC. A core responsibility is leading the complex operations, including overseeing the system communication design, procurement, integration, implementation, and continuous operation of state-of-the-art communications center equipment. This innovative leader is tasked with maintaining the strict operational readiness of the Center's telecommunications and radio infrastructure, analyzing operational procedures, and establishing essential protocols in conjunction with various service providers.

The Director manages all high-level administrative functions and operational policies for the Center, ensuring goals are met under the direction of the HRECC Administrative Board. This executive leader authorizes and approves the hiring, assignment, and evaluation of all department employees. Furthermore, the Director is central to the fiscal health of the Center, preparing and submitting the annual operational plan to include budget oversight and program goals, controlling budgeted expenses, and performing overall supervision for special projects related to Center operations. This role demands strict adherence to ensuring the physical and cybersecurity of the Center and maintaining conformance with established state, county, and city standards, regulations, and policies.

The Director maintains essential, active liaison relationships with all participating localities, law enforcement, and emergency service providers, as well as other key state and local agencies relative to the efficient operation of the HRECC. This responsibility also extends to maintaining appropriate contacts with the public and media regarding the use of the emergency communications system, including making formal presentations and responding to complaints as necessary. This results-oriented leader works effectively as a member of the greater Leadership Team, assisting in the planning, execution, and evaluation of organization-wide strategies that achieve the vision and goals set by both City Council and the County Board of Supervisors. The Executive Director prepares periodic, essential reports for the City Manager, County Administrator, City Council, and County Board of Supervisors.

Qualifications
Minimum requirements include any combination of education and experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree with coursework in emergency management, public safety, business, public administration, or a closely related field, and considerable professional experience managing complex, high-stakes operations. Preference will be given to candidates with experience in a multi-jurisdictional public safety communications center that serves police, fire, and EMS functions. Proven executive leadership from highly regulated operational environments, such as military command or large-scale private call center management, will be considered an equivalent qualification in lieu of specific 911 dispatch experience.

Must possess, or be able to obtain upon hire, a valid Virginia Driver’s License. Given the 24/7 nature of emergency services, the Executive Director must be available for after-hours response (including nights, weekends, and holidays), as needed, outside of the position's normal workweek schedule. Furthermore, the ability to obtain and maintain Virginia Criminal Information Network (VCIN) and National Crime Information Center (NCIC) certifications is required.

Due to the high trust, regulated nature of public safety emergency communications, the following are legally mandated automatic disqualifiers for employment at the HRECC per State regulations (the list below is not all-inclusive and is subject to State regulations, as amended):

• Felony conviction
• Serious misdemeanor conviction
• Conviction within the past three years (excluding traffic-related offenses)

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they can perform every job description task. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may come from a less traditional background. The HRECC may consider an equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet minimum qualifications.

Compensation and Benefits
The expected hiring range is $115,752 - $144,705 (full range: $115,752 - $173,638), depending on qualifications, with an excellent benefits package.

The City of Harrisonburg and HRECC are Equal Employment Opportunity Employers.

How to Apply
Applications will be accepted electronically by Raftelis at jobs.crelate.com/portal/Raftelis. Applicants complete a brief online form and are prompted to provide a cover letter and resume. The position will be open until filled with a first review of applications beginning November 13, 2025.