Director - Emergency Communications Center

Work, Serve, Thrive.  With the City of Durham   
Advance in your career while making a real difference in the community you serve. 

Pracademic Partners, an executive search firm, is assisting the City of Durham with this recruitment. Learn more and apply through the Pracademic Partners portal: https://www.pracademicpartners.com/current-recruitments. 

The City of Durham is seeking an accomplished public safety communications leader to serve as Director of the Durham Emergency Communications Center (DECC).

DECC is a nationally accredited, 24/7 operation serving as the City’s primary Public Safety Answering Point for police, fire, and emergency medical response. The next Director will build upon a strong foundation while investing in people, strengthening organizational resilience, advancing technology, and preparing the Center for the future.

The Leader We’re Looking For

Durham is looking for a leader who combines operational expertise with emotional intelligence—a thoughtful communicator, trusted partner, and steady presence who can build strong teams and relationships while leading a complex public safety organization.

Candidates should have a bachelor’s degree, preferably in a public safety-related field; six to seven years of progressively responsible experience in emergency communications administration; and three to four years of administrative and supervisory experience. Experience at the Assistant Director level or higher in a similarly sized organization and within a consolidated Police, Fire, and EMS communications center is highly preferred.

Compensation & Benefits

Hiring Range: $160,000–$180,000, plus a comprehensive City benefits package including LGERS retirement, City 401(k) contributions, healthcare coverage, paid leave, and additional retirement and wellness benefits.

The successful candidate must establish residency within the City of Durham within 12 months of appointment.

Explore the Opportunity

Whether you’re an experienced Emergency Communications Director or an accomplished communications leader ready for your next executive opportunity, Durham offers the chance to lead an excellent team and serve a thriving community.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

To learn more or apply, visit the Pracademic Partners recruitment website.

As Director, you will:

• Provide executive leadership for a dedicated emergency communications team.
• Strengthen partnerships with Police, Fire, EMS, Durham County, and regional public safety agencies.
• Support employee recruitment, development, engagement, and succession planning.
• Guide continued investment in CAD, radio communications, GIS, and emerging technologies.
• Sustain accreditation, operational excellence, and continuous improvement.

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in a public safety-related field;
• Ten years of progressively responsible experience in emergency communications administration; 
• Three years of administrative and supervisory experience.

• Experience at the Assistant Director level or higher in a similarly sized organization and within a consolidated Police, Fire, and EMS communications center is highly preferred.