This recruitment is open until the position is filled.
First review of applications will occur on Thursday, February 5, 2026.
The Police Communications Bureau Manager is a crucial leadership role within the Tempe Police Department, overseeing the Communications Center. Reporting directly to the Emergency Communications Bureau manager, this manager is instrumental in ensuring that the Communications Center’s operations align with the department’s goal. The Center handles more than 330,000 calls for service annually and operates with a $5.3 million budget. Key responsibilities include driving the division’s vision, development employees and supervisors, assessing the current training/program, and achieving ALEAP Accreditation for the Communications Center.
The Ideal Candidate:
The preferred candidate will be a seasoned law enforcement professional with a robust background in police management and proven leadership skills. Experience in managing police operations is essential, along with a commitment to professional development, teamwork, and high-quality customer service. Formal leadership training, such as NENA ENP, CMCP or APCO RPL, West Point Leadership, SPSC, or equivalent is highly desirable. While experience in a police communications center is beneficial, it is not a prerequisite for this role.
Pay Grade: 117
Annual Salary Range: $97,700 - $144,100
The successful candidate’s placement in the salary range will depend upon previous experience in a similar role. The placement shall not exceed the midpoint of the salary range, which is $120,900 annually.
The City of Tempe offers a comprehensive benefits package including:
- 13 Paid Holidays and 1 Personal Day
- Vacation Accrual starts at 9.33 hours/month. Higher monthly vacation accrual rates may be available with prior ASRS service.
- Sick Leave Accrual; 8 hours/month
- Wellness Program Discount on health premiums
- Medical Reimbursement Program; $61.16/month
- Tuition Reimbursement; $6,500/year
- Participation in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) Defined benefit plan with mandatory employer and employee contributions currently at 12% which includes a Long-Term Disability benefit
- Supplemental Retirement Plans through Nationwide; 457, 401K, and Employer contribution
- Position is eligible for up to 40 hours of floating holiday leave
To view the employee benefit summary, please visit:
Employee Benefit Summary
Department / Division:
Police Department / Support
Job Type:
Full-Time Regular
This position is classified as safety sensitive. Employees in safety sensitive positions are prohibited from all marijuana usage whether medical or recreational.
Schedule:
Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Flexible 4/10 schedule
Job Number:
RC# 902402
DESCRIPTION / ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
This position plans, coordinates, and directs the activities of the 911 Communications Dispatch Center. Manages assigned staff, including overseeing hiring, training, scheduling, performance assessment, and discipline. Represents the agency by helping to establish policies and shared practices for regional wireless communication and interoperable radio systems. Coordinates Communications Bureau activities with the Police Department, other City departments, and external agencies.
Duties include, but are not limited to the following:
- Plans, coordinates, and directs the activities of assigned staff. Hires, trains, and manages staff schedules and assignments. Conducts performance assessments and implements disciplinary actions as required. Exercise supervision over professional, supervisory and technical staff.
- Develops and implements programs, policies and procedures for assigned bureau or function as a team member in broad program areas. including establishing goals and objectives for the bureau.
- Serves as the Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) Manager and representative for the City with other public safety agencies.
- Prepares budgets and participates in department budget preparation. Monitors and controls expenditures.
- Research and responds to questions or problems raised by Police Administration, City Council, City Manger staff, or other City departments, outside agencies and the public. Audits compliance and effectiveness of programs, plans and develops procedures.
- Serves as the Communications liaison, attending meetings and events as appropriate, determining problem areas and improves service.
- Sets expectations and performance planning of Communications staff.
- May perform responsibilities of a similar nature and level as assigned.
REQUIREMENTS
Experience:
Six (6) years of experience in public safety communications, including three (3) years of supervisory experience.
Candidates must have the minimum amount of work experience. Years of experience are based upon a full-time work schedule (2,080 hours per year). The sum of an applicant’s full-time and/or part-time qualifying work experience must meet or exceed the stated minimum qualification. Education will not substitute for the required work experience; however, related unpaid and/or volunteer work experience may be used as qualifying work experience.
Education:
Bachelor's degree in business, criminal justice, public administration, or related field.
Professional Licensure and/or Certifications:
- Terminal Operator Certification awarded by Arizona Department of Public Safety, obtain within one (1) week of hire.
Additional:
Applicants considered for this job classification must pass the following:
- Post offer/pre-employment drug and alcohol screen.
- Police background investigation
- Police polygraph
- Psychological examination
For a complete list of City of Tempe job descriptions go to:
Job Descriptions | City of Tempe, AZ
This position is FLSA Exempt which means employees are not eligible for overtime compensation and/or compensatory time.
Employees in this position are represented by the Tempe Supervisors' Association (TSA)
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY: The City of Tempe is an Equal Opportunity / Reasonable Accommodation employer. The City does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, familial status, age, disability, and United States military veteran status. Pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will make a reasonable accommodation(s) during the recruitment & selection process. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation by contacting Human Resources at 480-350-8276. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation.
