Southland Communications Center
SOUTHLAND COMMUNICATIONS CENTER
Hazel Crest, Illinois
Deputy Director of Operations
Posted Date: October 28, 2025
Application Closing: Until Filled – Early submissions strongly encouraged. Selected candidates will be contacted for oral panel interviews.
Salary Range
$107,533 – $139,793 annually (DOQ)
About Us
Southland Communications Center is a newly consolidated regional 9-1-1 Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) formed through the merger of E-COM Dispatch Center and SouthCom Combined Dispatch Center. This unification strengthens the delivery of emergency communications by enhancing interoperability, technology integration, and operational efficiency across the Southland Cook County region of Illinois. The Center provides 9-1-1 and public safety dispatch services for the communities of Country Club Hills, East Hazel Crest, Flossmoor, Glenwood, Hazel Crest, Homewood, South Holland, Thornton, Markham, Matteson, Park Forest and Richton Park, supporting their respective emergency medical services, fire and police agencies.
The Center will operate from a new, purpose built mission-critical facility designed to support advanced technology, improved resiliency, and future regional growth. Southland Communications Center serves multiple law enforcement and fire protection agencies with highly trained Telecommunicators, modern emergency communications systems, and a strong commitment to professionalism, reliability, and continuous improvement.
Our consolidation reflects a shared vision among our member agencies to deliver the highest standard of public safety communications that protects life, property, and responders while ensuring sustainability for the future.
Position Overview
The Deputy Director of Operations is a senior administrative leadership position responsible for the operational performance and direction of 24/7 public safety dispatch services. This role requires strong leadership, operational standards, labor management experience, and a proactive approach to supporting mission-critical technologies.
The position directly supervises Operations Managers and the Training & Quality Assurance Coordinator and serves as the Executive Director’s designee when assigned.
The position requires off-hours response and availability.
Key Responsibilities
· Lead, develop, and evaluate operational staff performance
· Maintain compliance with all operational policies, SOPs, and mandates
· Oversee staffing levels and scheduling to ensure 24/7 readiness
· Ensure operational alignment with police, fire, and EMS command staff
· Support QA/QI, training, EMD program compliance, and staff certification requirements
· Represent the Center at Committee meetings and stakeholder engagements
· Collaborate on public safety technology implementation and performance improvement initiatives
(This is not an all-inclusive list of duties. Additional responsibilities may be assigned.)
Minimum Qualifications
· 5+ years of public safety communications experience
· 3+ years in a supervisory or leadership role in a PSAP environment
· Strong operational knowledge of APCO/NENA standards and Illinois ETSA rules
· Valid T-CPR and LEADS Full Access certifications
· Excellent communication, documentation, and leadership skills
· Ability to work nights, weekends, or emergency call-ins as required
Preferred Qualifications
· Multi-agency operations experience
· QA/QI, CTO, or EMD program management experience
· Advanced certifications (APCO, NENA, FEMA)
(Certification timelines and requirements per job description apply)
Benefits
· IMRF Pension System participation
· Medical, dental, and vision plans
· Paid time off and holidays
· Ongoing professional development and training opportunities
How to Apply
Submit a resume and cover letter to:
Subject Line: Deputy Director of Operations – [Your Name]
Resumes are accepted until the position is filled. Qualified candidates will be invited to oral panel interviews on a rolling basis.
To apply for this job email your details to careers@southland911.com