Southern Methodist University · 1 month ago
911 Public Safety Dispatcher- Basic (HR Title: Communications Officer- Basic)
Southern Methodist University (SMU) is a renowned institution with a diverse student body and a commitment to ethical leadership. They are seeking a Public Safety Dispatcher/911 Operator to manage communications, monitor alarms, and ensure the reliability of emergency response operations. This role involves working in a fast-paced environment and requires excellent communication and organizational skills.
E-LearningEducationUniversities
Responsibilities
Receives complaints and inquiries from members of the university community by telephone, email, or in person at the service window. After assessing the information provided, the dispatcher deploys police, fire, or emergency medical services as appropriate using the radio communication system
Maintains a computer-based log of all police activities. They document service calls and radio communications from officers in the CAD system and use the system to determine whether an officer has had prior interactions with a specific individual or vehicle. Additional responsibilities include submitting reports and updating reference manual
Responsible for managing multiple computer systems, including a CCTV network with more than 2,000 cameras, fire and security alarm monitoring systems, 911 services, and a police blotter
Collects and records payments for fingerprints, reports, and notary services
Oversees and maintains all equipment within the emergency communication center to guarantee reliability and continuity of emergency response operations. This includes conducting regular inspections and reporting any malfunctions or technical issues to ensure all systems and devices remain fully operational at all times
Must be available to work all shifts, including weekends and holidays, as assigned. The SMU Police Department operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
Qualification
Required
A high school diploma or equivalent
A minimum of one year of experience in a high-volume customer service environment, preferably in a dispatch center and/or security setting
Excellent verbal communication skills
Ability to speak clearly and interact effectively in all circumstances
Sound decision-making capabilities
Problem-solving skills
Maintain composure while handling stressful situations
Strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills
Ability to communicate broadly across the University and develop and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of constituencies
Strong written communication skills
Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and analyze problems, as well as devise solutions
Strong organizational, planning and time management skills
Ability to obtain TCOLE Telecommunications Operator License within 1 year of employment
Proficiency in utilizing Windows computer operating system and the Microsoft Office Suite (including Word, Excel, and Outlook)
Ability to work all shifts, including weekends and holidays, as assigned
Preferred
An associate's degree
Knowledge of records management systems
Familiarity with law enforcement terminology and procedures
Benefits
SMU offers staff a broad, competitive array of health and related benefits.
In addition to traditional benefits such as health, dental, and vision plans, SMU offers a wide range of wellness programs to help attract, support, and retain our employees whose work continues to make SMU an outstanding education and research institution.
SMU is committed to providing an array of retirement programs that benefit and protect you and your family throughout your working years at SMU and, if you meet SMU's retirement eligibility criteria, during your retirement years after you leave SMU.
Employees have access to a wide variety of professional and personal development opportunities, including tuition benefits.
Company
Southern Methodist University
SMU is a distinguished center for teaching and research located near the heart of Dallas.
H1B Sponsorship
Southern Methodist University has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (51)
2024 (39)
2023 (35)
2022 (26)
2021 (17)
2020 (20)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$101.8MKey Investors
Phillips FoundationTexas Workforce CommisionMoody Foundation
2023-06-14Grant· $1.7M
2022-07-07Grant· $0.1M
2019-11-12Grant· $100M
Recent News
2025-12-28
Dallas Innovates
2025-12-12
Dallas Morning News
2025-11-07
Company data provided by crunchbase