THE OPPORTUNITY
The Sacramento Regional Fire/EMS Communications Center (“SRFECC” or “Center”) is seeking a visionary and operationally driven Deputy Director of Operations to help lead one of the region’s most critical public safety lifelines. In this pivotal role, the successful candidate will oversee high-performance dispatch operations that connect communities to life‑saving fire and EMS resources across the Sacramento region. Working alongside a dedicated team of communications professionals, the next Deputy Director will drive operational excellence, enhance systems and procedures, and ensure rapid, reliable emergency response when seconds matter most. This is a rare opportunity for an experienced leader to shape the future of regional emergency communications by strengthening partnerships, empowering staff, and making a direct impact on the safety and resilience of the communities served by the SRFECC.
ABOUT SRFECC
The Sacramento Regional Fire/EMS Communication Center is a highly trained team of public safety professionals who dispatch fire protection and emergency medical service (EMS) personnel to residents calling 9‑1‑1 in the Sacramento region. The Center is designated as a Secondary Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP), receiving calls from local law‑enforcement agencies that serve as the Primary PSAP under state law. Rather than each individual local fire agency having its own local dispatch center, the leadership from several fire agencies agreed to form a regional dispatch center to provide seamless service across local governments spanning approximately 1,000 square miles. The SRFECC has one of the highest call volumes of all dispatch centers in the U.S., answering nearly 500,000 calls per year. The Center serves a population of 1.61 million people and covers approximately 984 square miles. The highly trained staff work as a team, utilizing phone, computer, and radio technologies as they receive 500 to 1,000+ emergency 9‑1‑1 calls daily. Operating at a centralized location, the dispatch team is an integral part of how each fire department in the Sacramento region responds to fire and EMS‑related emergencies around the clock. The Center has a total of 60 FTE who are supported by a FY 25/26 operating budget of $14.2 million. The SRFECC earned its first Accredited Center of Excellence (ACE) status from the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch (IAED) in July 2024, the highest honor in 9‑1‑1 dispatch.
THE POSITION
Under the direction of the Chief Executive Director, the Deputy Director of Operations provides executive‑level leadership and strategic oversight of all operational functions within the Sacramento Regional Fire/EMS Communications Center. Three Dispatch Managers report directly to the Deputy Director, with an additional four supervisors and 42 dispatchers rounding out the Dispatch Operations team.
- Translate the agency’s vision and Board direction into operational plans.
- Serve as a strategic advisor on operational risk and service delivery.
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives using data and industry best practices.
- Assist in the development and administration of the operational budget.
- Collaborate with fire, EMS, law‑enforcement, and partner agencies.
- Lead long‑range planning related to staffing, technology, and operational resilience.
- Oversee training standards, certification compliance, and professional development of staff.
- Demonstrated experience as a PSAP manager.
- Understanding of the complexity of operations within a busy communications center.
- Experience in a Fire/EMS or other public‑safety organization.
- A people‑centric leadership style focused on developing, mentoring, and coaching staff.
- A leadership style characterized by transparency and effective communication.
- Experience with technology and smart tools associated with PSAP operations.
SALARY & BENEFITS
The salary range for the Deputy Director of Operations is $166,278 to $202,243, depending upon experience.
The SRFECC offers an excellent benefit package including retirement provided by CalPERS (2% @ 62 formula, highest average over consecutive 36 months). Accrued/Unused sick leave may be converted to service credit upon retirement.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Emergency Management, or related field. A Master’s degree is preferred.
- Experience: Significant progressively responsible leadership experience in a 9‑1‑1 communications center or similar environment. Demonstrated experience leading managers and complex operations, along with strong knowledge of emergency communications operations and regulatory requirements.
- Certification: APCO Certified Public‑Safety Executive Program (CPE) certificate is preferred.