The Communications Manager safeguards life, safety, and security across the Regent University and the Christian Broadcasting Network affiliated properties within the court-ordered jurisdiction through the strategic leadership and operational management of the Communications Center. This position delivers a comprehensive, integrated emergency communications program in partnership with campus stakeholders and local, state, and federal public safety agencies.

Work Location: Virginia Beach, VA 

Essential duties:

Operational Leadership & Oversight

• Direct and supervise all Communications Center operations, ensuring uninterrupted 24/7 emergency and non-emergency call handling and dispatch services.
• Maintain operational readiness through real-time situational awareness and command-level decision support during critical incidents.
• Serve as the primary communications authority during major incidents, system disruptions, or emergency activations.
• Develop and manage staffing plans, scheduling models, and resource deployment strategies to maintain continuous coverage.
• Establish and enforce operational standards, policies, and procedures consistent with campus policing doctrine and industry best practices.
• Conduct performance evaluations, coaching, and corrective actions to maintain professional standards and operational excellence.

Technology & Systems Management

• Oversee implementation, integration, and lifecycle management of emergency communications technologies, including but not limited to:
  • Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) / Records Management Systems (RMS)
  • Integrated radio and interoperable communications systems
  • Real-Time Crime Center platforms
  • Access control and video management systems
  • AI-assisted call triage and analytics tools
  • Emergency notification and threat-level activation systems
• Coordinate with vendors, IT partners, and public safety agencies to evaluate, deploy, and maintain emerging technologies.
• Ensure system resilience, redundancy, cybersecurity integrity, and CJIS-compliant information handling.

Regulatory Compliance & Security

• Serve as the Department’s Virginia Criminal Information Network/National Crime Information Center (VCIN/NCIC) Terminal Agency Coordinator (TAC) and liaison with the Virginia State Police.
• Maintain compliance with Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) standards, Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations, Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) requirements, state 911 governance, and applicable public safety laws.
• Enforce confidentiality and secure information practices related to dispatch operations and criminal justice data.

Training & Professional Development

• Lead the Communications Division training strategy to develop technically proficient, decision-ready personnel.
• Establish structured onboarding, field training, and continuing education programs aligned with Virginia DCJS standards and national communications benchmarks.
• Utilize quality assurance reviews and performance analytics to improve operational effectiveness.
• Maintain auditable documentation supporting certifications, compliance, and training accountability.
• Direct recruitment, hiring, development, and retention initiatives.
• Coordinate with interagency and campus connections.
• Serve as a liaison to university leadership, campus partners, and external public safety agencies.
• Coordinate communications protocols supporting campus emergency management, threat response, and joint operations.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED required
• Associate or bachelor's degree in criminal justice, emergency management, communications, or related field preferred
• Minimum five (5) years in emergency communications, public safety dispatch, or law enforcement operations
• Supervisory or management experience preferred
• Demonstrated experience in crisis decision-making and operational leadership
• Advanced understanding of CAD/RMS platforms, radio communications, integrated security systems, and Emergency Communications Center (ECC) technologies
• Knowledge of CJIS, FCC, DCJS, and public safety communications regulations
• Familiarity with emerging analytics, automation, and incident management systems preferred
• Leadership and personnel management
• Crisis management and decision-making
• Strategic planning and operational analysis
• Communication and interagency coordination

Candidates must have:

• Proficiency with administrative and reporting technologies (Microsoft Office Suite or equivalent)
• Successful background investigation, psychological evaluation, and drug screening
• Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving history
• Commitment to Regent’s core values of Excellence, Innovation, and Integrity 

Regent University does not discriminate in employment in its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, disability, age or veteran status. For full Non-Discrimination Policy click here.

Benefits

Regent offers a wide range of generous benefits including health, life and disability insurance; flexible spending accounts; tuition incentives; fully vested retirement plans; life and disability insurance options, time off, and more. All regular faculty and staff serving at Regent and working a minimum of 30 hours per week will receive an attractive benefits package.

Salary Range: 55K- 65K

DISQUALIFIERS FOR REGENT UNIVERSITY POLICE DEPARTMENT: The following is a listing of concerns that may result in a candidate’s disqualification from consideration for employment as an Employee. Candidates are encouraged to contact the Professional Standards Division and Training staff to discuss any questions or concerns regarding the areas listed below. 

Criminal History
1.Conviction, guilty plea or no contest plea of any felony.
2.Conviction, guilty plea, or no contest plea of any misdemeanor sex offense, including but not limited to sexual battery under Virginia Code §18.2-67.4 or consensual sexual intercourse with a minor 15 or older under clause (ii) of Virginia Code
§18.2-371 or any crime requiring registration in the Virginia Sex Offender Registry.
3.Conviction, guilty plea, or no contest plea of domestic assault under Virginia Code §18.2-57.2 or any offense that would be domestic assault under the laws of another state or the United States.
4.Conviction, guilty plea, or no contest plea of any misdemeanor involving moral turpitude, including but not limited to petit larceny under Virginia Code §18.2-96 or any offense involving moral turpitude that would be a misdemeanor if committed in the Commonwealth.
Any potential applicant with a misdemeanor conviction is encouraged to contact Professional Standards and Training at 757-226- 5022 and ask to speak with the lead background investigator to discuss their specific issue.

Driving History
1.Any conviction, guilty plea or no contest plea of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, refusal to take blood or breath test, eluding police, racing, or leaving the scene of an accident within the last 5 years.

Drugs
1.Sale of any drug listed in the drug standards and schedules set forth in Virginia Code §54.1-3443 et seq. without a valid license authorizing sale of specified drugs. Any other distribution will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
2.Unlawful use or possession of any illegal drug, including but not limited to heroin, cocaine, hallucinogens, methamphetamine, etc. or any derivative thereof (except marijuana) within the last 5 years.
3.Illegal use or possession of anabolic steroids within the last three (3) years.

Others
1.Dishonorable discharge from any military service.
2.Untruthfulness and/or the intentional withholding of information on any application, interview, or paperwork associated with the position. Examples of intentional withholding of information would include deliberate inaccuracies or incomplete statements.
3.Intentional failure to follow the directions outlined in the testing process or relying on others to complete any portion of the testing process.