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Public Safety Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Public Safety Specialist supports the Director of Public Safety in the daily operations of the Public Safety Department. This position serves as a departmental resource by coordinating daily ...

The Director Public Safety and Security position disseminates necessary information, resolves conflicts, builds cohesion, maintains a clearly defined and achievable end state, and confirms that ...

Safety Director

Austin, TX · On-site

$120 - $190/hr

Safety DirectorSkip to main content#Safety Director page is loaded## Safety DirectorApplyremote ... public.* Individuals must possess a good working understanding of OSHA, NFPA 70E and LOTO ...

Public Safety Dispatcher

Clovis, CA · On-site

$77K - $94K/yr

... and during calls; as directed by a supervisor duplicate recordings of radio and phone ... Completion of the POST Public Safety Dispatcher's Basic Course training during the first year of ...

... and during calls; as directed by a supervisor duplicate recordings of radio and phone ... Completion of the POST Public Safety Dispatcher's Basic Course training during the first year of ...

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Public Safety Director information

See salary details

$57.5K

$119.6K

$189.5K

How much do public safety director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for public safety director in the United States is $119,595.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $93,500.00 and $140,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a public safety director, and why are they important?

To excel as a Public Safety Director, you need a deep understanding of emergency management, law enforcement protocols, and public administration, typically supported by a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a related field. Familiarity with incident command systems, crisis communication platforms, and relevant certifications such as FEMA ICS or NIMS is crucial. Exceptional leadership, decision-making, and interpersonal skills help unite diverse teams and engage with the community effectively. These competencies are vital for ensuring coordinated emergency responses, public trust, and the overall safety of the community.

How does a public safety director typically collaborate with other departments and agencies to ensure community safety?

A Public Safety Director regularly works with local law enforcement, fire departments, emergency medical services, and sometimes public health officials to coordinate community safety initiatives. This collaboration often includes joint training exercises, inter-agency meetings, and unified response planning for emergencies or large public events. Building strong relationships and clear communication channels between these entities is critical to ensure swift, effective responses and resource sharing during crises. Additionally, Public Safety Directors may engage with city officials, schools, and community organizations to align safety strategies and promote public awareness.

What is the difference between Public Safety Director vs Fire Chief?

AspectPublic Safety DirectorFire Chief
CredentialsEmergency management certifications, law enforcement or fire service experienceFire science, emergency response certifications, leadership in fire services
Work EnvironmentOversees police, fire, emergency services, and safety programsManages fire department operations and firefighting personnel
Employer & IndustryMunicipal governments, public safety agenciesFire departments, municipal fire services

The Public Safety Director has a broader role overseeing multiple safety departments, including fire services, while the Fire Chief focuses specifically on managing fire department operations. Both roles require emergency response experience and leadership skills, but the Public Safety Director's scope is wider, often involving strategic planning and inter-agency coordination.

What is a public safety director?

Public Safety Directors are senior officials responsible for overseeing the operations and coordination of various public safety departments, such as police, fire, and emergency medical services, within a city or municipality. They develop and implement policies, manage budgets, and ensure that safety protocols and emergency response plans are effective. Their goal is to protect the public, minimize risk, and coordinate responses to emergencies and disasters. Public Safety Directors often serve as the main point of contact between public safety agencies and local government leadership.
More about Public Safety Director jobs
What cities are hiring for Public Safety Director jobs? Cities with the most Public Safety Director job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Public Safety jobs? The most popular types of Public Safety jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Public Safety Director jobs? The top employers for Public Safety Director jobs are:
What states have the most Public Safety Director jobs? States with the most job openings for Public Safety Director jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Public Safety Director jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Public Safety Director jobs are:
Infographic showing various Public Safety Director job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $119,595 per year, or $57.5 per hour.

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago


Job description

POSITION SUMMARY:

The University Public Safety Communications Dispatcher serves as the central communications link for campus public safety and police operations. The dispatcher is responsible for receiving emergency and non-emergency calls for service, dispatching university public safety personnel, monitoring security systems, and maintaining situational awareness across campus. The incumbent is part of the Fusion Center network, coordinating the exchange of threat intelligence, suspicious activity reporting, and public safety information.

This position plays a critical role in coordinating emergency response, documenting incidents, and supporting crime reporting and safety operations to protect the university community.

Emergency Communications

  • Receive and process emergency and non-emergency calls for service from the campus community.

  • Determine priority of calls and dispatch appropriate public safety, police, fire, or medical response.

  • Provide emergency call assistance and instructions when necessary.

  • Maintain constant communication with officers and responders during incidents.

Dispatch Operations

  • Dispatch university public safety personnel using radio and computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems.

  • Monitor officer status, assignments, and locations.

  • Coordinate responses with external law enforcement, fire rescue, and emergency management agencies when required.

Security Systems Monitoring:

  • Monitor CCTV camera systems, intrusion alarms, fire alarms, access control systems, and emergency call boxes.

  • Identify suspicious or criminal activity and notify responding personnel.

  • Maintain awareness of campus safety conditions and incidents in progress.

Incident Documentation and Reporting:

  • Maintain accurate call logs and incident records in CAD or records management systems.

  • Document calls for service, officer activities, and response actions.

  • Prepare Public Safety and Police Reports as warranted.

  • Ensure records support compliance reporting including crime statistics under the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act.

Emergency Notification and Campus Alerts:

  • Assist with activation of campus emergency notification systems when directed.

  • Notify Public Safety Leadership and other stakeholders as directed, regarding incidents on campus.

  • Support communication efforts during emergencies, severe weather, or critical incidents.

  • Serve as scribe, dispatcher, or ICS role during the activation of the Incident Command Post.

Operational Intelligence and Situational Awareness:

  • Monitor communications and security technologies to maintain campus situational awareness.

  • Identify potential incident trends or unusual activity and notify supervisors.

  • Provide real-time information to responding officers and command staff.

Customer Service:

  • Provide professional assistance and information to students, faculty, staff, and visitors in person and by telephone.

  • Assist with parking citations, parking decals, and other administrative duties as directed by superior.

  • Maintain calm and effective communication during high-stress situations.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

  • High school diploma or equivalent required.

  • Prior experience in public safety dispatch, law enforcement communications, or emergency call center preferred.

  • Ability to work rotating shifts including nights, weekends, and holidays, as well as serve as essential personnel during critical incidents, weather events, special events and operations.

  • Strong multitasking and decision-making skills in fast-paced environments.

  • Preferred Experience with Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) systems.

  • Experience in campus public safety or law enforcement communications.

  • Certification in emergency telecommunications or public safety dispatch.

  • Knowledge of federal campus safety reporting requirements.