Communications Officer

Title: Communications OfficerVP Area: Campus Security & Public SafetyDepartment: SecurityWork Schedule:Telework Availability: On-campus PositionFLSA Status: Non-ExemptEmployee Classification: Regular full-time (staff 30+ hours)Hours per week: 40Months per year: 12Job Purpose:Join the Gonzaga University Team as a Security Communications Dispatch Officer Gonzaga University is looking for a calm, dependable, and service-oriented individual to join our Campus Security & Public Safety team as a Security Communications Dispatch Officer. In this vital role, you'll be the first point of contact during emergencies and day-to-day operations—supporting the safety of our campus community 24/7. If you're passionate about helping others, thrive in high-pressure situations, and have a knack for clear communication and attention to detail, this is your opportunity to make a meaningful difference in a dynamic campus environment. Be part of a team that values integrity, collaboration, and community, and help us ensure Gonzaga remains a safe and welcoming place for all.Essential Functions:75% - Communications & SystemsCommunications:Answer and prioritize emergency and non-emergency callsDispatch officers or route to appropriate departmentsUse proper radio protocol and multitask effectively while coordinating service callsDispatch Plant Services after regular business hoursAnswer University switchboard calls during closures, holidays, or coverage gapsAssess and triage after-hours maintenance, custodial, IT, and grounds issues at campus propertiesNotify on-call staff and campus departments of emergencies or unusual incidents after hoursPatch officers through to Spokane Police/Fire radio channels as requested SystemsAlarms & Access:Monitor fire, burglary, panic, temperature, and intrusion alarmsOperate and monitor the Persona card access system to secure or unlock buildings, including emergency lockdownsTrack and respond to Fire Pager and 911 callsSystems – Surveillance:Conduct real-time and post-incident video surveillance using campus security camera systemMonitor for suspicious activity and alert officers as neededExport video footage upon request by officers or law enforcementSystems – Dispatch Records:Log all dispatch activity in Omnigo, including calls for service and daily reportsRun reports from both Dispatch and Officer ModulesSystems – Parking & Lost/Found:Use T2 system to locate campus affiliates and manage parking recordsRecord and track lost & found items in Crowdfind system - (Essential)20% - Resource LiaisonCoordinate services for the campus community with external agencies such as Safe Ride, Uber Health, Detox, Spokane Police/Fire, Spokanimal, Avista, and Lutheran ServicesMaintain up-to-date emergency and non-emergency contact lists for staff, faculty, and studentsProvide access to student health information during emergencies, following appropriate protocolsUtilize internal systems such as EMS and StarRez to support communication and service coordination - (Essential)Additional Duties as Assigned by the DepartmentEducational Requirement:Vocational, Associates, or Technical DegreeYears of Related Experience Requirement:1 yearIn lieu of the educational qualifications, candidates may qualify with equivalent professional experience at a ratio of one year of experience for each year of required education.Certifications and/or Licensures:Skills & Abilities:Ability to pass a background check.Previous experience in dispatch, security, or emergency services is preferred.Strong verbal and written communication skills.Ability to remain calm and focused under pressure, including in emergency or high-stress situations.Basic computer literacy, including proficiency in word processing and data entry.Availability to work various shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.Preferred Qualifications:Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, Communications, Emergency Management, or a related field. Work experience in higher education.Proficiency with security and surveillance technologies, including video monitoring systems and card access control.Familiarity with Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) systems, radio dispatch systems, and records management software.Bilingual or multilingual proficiency.Knowledge of Clery Act reporting requirements and/or familiarity with campus safety policies and procedures.Physical & On-Campus Requirements:In-Office Presence - Ability to work on-site in typical office setting and participate in in-person meetings with colleagues: 4 days/weekStanding/Sitting - Ability to remain in a stationary position for a prolonged period: Daily (>75% of time)Walking - Ability to move about on foot to accomplish tasks: Often (50%-75% of time)Lifting/Carrying - Ability to move or transport objects up to a specified weight (e.g., 50 pounds): Rarely (1%-49% of time)Attention to Detail - Ability to focus on detailed tasks for extended periods: Daily (>75% of time)Problem-Solving - Ability to identify and resolve issues effectively: Daily (>75% of time)The budgeted salary range that the University reasonably expects to offer for this position: $20 per hourPay Range:Minimum Salary (Non-Exempt): $20Midpoint Salary (Non-Exempt): $22.30Maximum Salary (Non-Exempt): $24.63Is this position eligible for relocation reimbursement or a signing bonus?: False