CLOSE DATE

This position will remain open until filled. The first application review will be on Thursday, October 8, 2026. We reserve the right to close this recruitment at any time on or after that date.

COMPENSATION

The salary range for this position is $ 152,662 - $ 206,093 annually (plus 4% deferred compensation and 6% PERS retirement contribution). The actual salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. The position is employed "at will" under an employment contract with the County Administrator.

JOB DETAILS AND QUALIFICATIONS

Clackamas County seeks an experienced, strategic, collaborative leader to serve as our next Director of the Office of Clackamas 911, responsible for leading one of the county's most critical public safety operations.

Lead a sophisticated emergency communications operation serving more than 400,000 residents, 14 law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical agencies, and nearly 1,900 square miles of Clackamas County. With an annual budget of about $14.6 million and a team of 57 professionals across Operations, Technical, and Administration, this organization depends on technology, people, partnerships, and operational quality daily.

As Director, you will provide executive leadership for Clackamas County's largest emergency communications center, overseeing 24/7 emergency and non-emergency call-taking and dispatch services for law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical agencies throughout the county. The Director is accountable to the County Administrator, County Operations Officer, Board of County Commissioners, and User Member Board. The Director sets strategic direction and ensures reliable, effective day-to-day operations.

This leadership role requires someone who can move between strategy and operations, represent Clackamas County in public safety communications organizations and legislative efforts, and serve as a trusted advisor for operational, policy, technical, and disaster management situations.

The Ideal Candidate

We are seeking an experienced emergency communications leader who combines operational expertise with executive-level leadership. The ideal candidate will bring significant experience leading a 911 or public safety communications operation, a strong understanding of law enforcement, fire, and EMS dispatch, and experience administering complex budgets, contracts, interagency relationships, and regulatory requirements.

You will be a confident leader of people and change, able to navigate competing priorities, emerging technologies, and a complex stakeholder environment all while remaining composed and decisive when stakes are high. Strong communication, negotiation, presentation, and relationship-building skills, along with commitment to employee development, accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement, are essential.

This is a leadership opportunity for someone who wants to make a direct, long-term impact on public safety by leading a skilled team, managing a complex operation, and shaping the future of emergency communications in Clackamas County.

This role is about leading with vision, building strong partnerships, and ensuring Clackamas 911 is prepared to meet the demands of today while shaping emergency communications for tomorrow.

Required Minimum Qualifications/Transferable Skills:*

• A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible public safety dispatch and leadership experience, including recent experience within the last 10 years in a multi-disciplined emergency communications agency responsible for 911 call processing and dispatching for law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical services
  • A minimum of three (3) years of supervisory experience in a 24/7 environment. This must include assigning work, training staff, preparing and reviewing performance appraisals, correcting deficiencies, and recommending corrective actions.
• Experience leading multi-agency services involving law enforcement, fire, and/or EMS
• Experience managing complex budgets, contracts, interagency agreements, and operational resources
• Strong knowledge of 911/CAD/radio communications technology and the regulatory environment governing emergency communications
• Ability to be available for 24-hour on-call response to emergency situations
• Ability to attend frequent meetings away from the center

Preferred Qualifications/Transferable Skills:*

• Professional certification from APCO as a Registered Public-Safety Leader (RPL) or Certified Public Safety Executive (CPE), NENA's Emergency Number Professional (ENP), or Certified Emergency Manager (CEM).
• Direct leadership of a 911/Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) or comparable emergency communications center
• Experience overseeing a large, complex public safety communications operation, including responsibility for staffing, service levels, performance measures, technology, and operational policies
• Experience negotiating and administering interagency agreements, service contracts, or shared-service arrangements with public safety agencies
• Experience working with an advisory board, governing board, elected officials, or executive leadership group on policy, budget, and operational decisions
• Experience with public sector collective bargaining in Oregon and knowledge of the Public Employees Collective Bargaining Act
• Knowledge of grant funding, administration, and/or management
• Knowledge of Oregon 911 tax funds

Pre-Employment Requirements:

• Must pass post-offer, pre-employment drug test
• Must pass a criminal history check which may include national or state fingerprint records check
• Driving is required for County business on a regular basis or to accomplish work. Incumbents must possess a valid driver's license, and possess and maintain an acceptable driving record throughout the course of employment.

*For Veterans qualified for Veteran's Preference: If you believe you have skills that would transfer well to this position and/or special qualifications that relate to this position, please list those skills and/or qualifications in the open-ended question at the end of the application and explain how those skills and/or qualifications relate to this position.

TYPICAL TASKS

As Director, you will provide executive leadership for the County's central emergency 911 center, overseeing 24/7 emergency and non-emergency call-taking and dispatch services for law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical agencies. You will work closely with the County Operating Officer, County Administrator, Board of County Commissioners, and Clackamas 911's User Member Board and develop strong relationships with the public safety agencies that rely on Clackamas 911 daily.

This role suits a leader who can move between strategy and operations, recognizing the urgency of emergency communications while thinking long-term about technology, workforce development, financial sustainability, and changing public safety needs. Establish and implement policies, goals, and objectives; evaluate service delivery; respond to complex operational and technical issues; and identify opportunities to strengthen Clackamas 911's effectiveness, reliability, and accountability. Administer the Office's $14.6 million budget, monitor revenues and expenditures, identify funding and cost-control strategies, and present budget recommendations to County leadership and the User Member Board. Also oversee interagency agreements and service contracts, ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations, and work with the County Operating Officer to address sensitive issues with significant operational, financial, or legal implications.

As a leader of 57 FTE across Operations, Technical, and Administration, you will hire, develop, and support supervisors and staff while fostering a culture of accountability, career development, training, and continuous improvement. You will oversee critical communications technology and infrastructure, including emergency communications systems, radio communications, computer-aided dispatch, and enhanced 911 technology, ensuring systems are maintained, upgraded, and positioned to meet future needs.

The Director also acts as a key representative for Clackamas County, participating in regional, state, and national public safety organizations and task forces and engaging in legislative and policy discussions affecting emergency communications. Communicate with elected officials, public safety partners, employees, and community members; provide public education and awareness; and represent Clackamas 911 during emergency management activities and other high-pressure situations where sound judgment, clear communication, and decisive leadership are essential.

KEY COMPETENCIES

We are seeking an experienced public safety or emergency communications leader who combines operational expertise with executive-level leadership. The successful candidate will bring significant experience leading a 911, emergency communications, or related public safety operation, along with a strong understanding of law enforcement, fire, EMS dispatch, and the regulatory environment governing emergency communications.

Bring experience in public administration, personnel management, budgeting, strategic planning, contracts, and interagency partnerships, with the ability to develop policies, manage complex operations, and handle conflicting priorities and sensitive issues.

The ideal candidate understands 911 technology, radio communications, computer-aided dispatch, and related infrastructure and can lead technology planning, operational improvements, and emergency response. Be skilled at developing and leading staff, fostering accountability and continuous improvement, and using collaborative decision-making to strengthen organizational effectiveness.

Strong communication, negotiation, presentation, and relationship-building skills are essential, along with the ability to work effectively with employees, public safety agencies, elected officials, community members, and regional and state partners.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Must be available for 24-hour on-call response to emergency situations.

Must be able to attend frequent meetings away from the center.

This position is designated as essential and may be required to report to or remain at work during inclement weather, major emergencies, or disasters when other employees may be excused. Individuals in this role help ensure the continuity of vital county services and may be asked to remain on duty or report to work as directed by their supervisor. In emergency situations, employees may also be temporarily assigned related duties to support critical operations.

BENEFITS INFORMATION

Clackamas County proudly offers an attractive compensation and benefits package, including competitive wages, cost-of-living adjustments, merit increases (for eligible employees), and a robust sick and vacation plan for regular status employees.

We encourage and support employee health and wellness by offering health and wellness classes and events, and alternative care benefits, so you can customize your wellness needs to fit your lifestyle. Employee benefits become effective the first of the month following an employee's date of hire.

Attractive benefits package and incentives for employees in regular status positions are detailed below.

Generous paid time off package, including:

• 16 hours of vacation accrual per month
  • Eligible newly hired employees will have the one-time option to frontload their first year of vacation accruals! This means you have access to vacation leave at the time of hire.
• 8 hours of sick accrual per month
• 10 paid holidays and 1 personal day per year

Other Benefits:

• Membership in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)/Oregon Public Service Retirement Plan (OPSRP):
  • Employer-paid 6% PERS retirement contribution (The county currently pays the employee's share of the retirement contribution.)
• A Choice of Medical Plans that include chiropractic coverage, alternative care, vision, and prescription drug coverage
• A Choice of Dental Plans
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Longevity pay
• Other retirement Savings Options that allow for additional retirement funds savings, including an option to contribute a portion of employee earnings on a pre or post-tax basis to a 457b Deferred Compensation Plan
• A variety of additional optional benefits (see link below for additional information)

This is a full-time, Non-Represented Group 2 county position

Learn More About Benefits

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT

Clackamas 911 is where public safety response begins. We provide emergency and non-emergency call-taking services and radio dispatch for 14 law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical agencies throughout Clackamas County.
Clackamas 911 serves:

• More than 400,000 residents
• 14 public safety agencies
• Approximately 1,900 square miles covering a diverse geographic area stretching from Wilsonville to the summit of Mt. Hood
• A team of 57 dedicated professionals

Clackamas 911 is one of two Public Safety Answering Points in Clackamas County and is responsible for answering 911 calls throughout the county outside the jurisdictions served by Lake Oswego 911.

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