Communications Officer

Swarthmore College is a highly selective liberal arts college located in the suburbs of Philadelphia, whose mission combines academic rigor with social responsibility. Swarthmore has a strong institutional commitment to inclusive excellence and nondiscrimination in its educational program and employment practices and encourages candidates who will further advance the goal of fostering a diverse and inclusive community. As one of the nation’s finest institutions of higher learning, Swarthmore College is global in outlook and draws students from around the nation and world. The 425‐acre campus is a designated arboretum, complete with gardens, rolling lawns, a creek, wooded hills, and hiking trails in the Crum Woods.

The opportunity:

The Public Safety Communication Officer (CO) is a key role in Department responsibility for the safety and well-being of Swarthmore College students, campus property, community members, and visitors. The Communication Officer will be responsible for courteous and active engagement with the community, through effective verbal and written communication. As a Communication Officer, you are the first contact for internal and external interactions and incidents involving the College and you will be expected to service routine and emergency calls related to the College. You will receive initial information and take appropriate action to resolve or address the situation. You will manage the functions of the Communication Center as well as respond to radio transmissions and in person requests for assistance. You will also need to be able to have clear communication, verbally and written, for making reports on incidents and investigations.

In this role, the primary duties of the Communications Officer are to assure a continuity of practices and effective communication service to/for the Swarthmore College Department of Public Safety Communications Center (SCDPSCC), the College community, and local law enforcement agencies. This position requires a high degree of community engagement, cultural competency, and ability to navigate complex protocol for effective decision making based upon Department and College guidelines. The ability to provide clear communication, often under pressure, in a multifaceted communication center is required and it is comfort in navigating a variety of technology is necessary. Personnel in this position are considered “essential” in that they support a 24 hour, 7 day per week Communication Center operation. This position would be working the third shift, 7:00 pm to 7:00 am.

Essential Responsibilities

The PSCO provides information and assistance by telephone, radio or in person to faculty, staff, students, and visitors. The dispatch of internal communications, monitoring of CCTV, Access Control and both fire and intrusion alarms, as well as key control of organizations’ keys are all integral functions of the position. Duties including, but not limited to, the following:

Receives both non-emergency and emergency requests (including 911 calls) for police/fire protection, medical, or emergency services; obtains relevant information, evaluates and prioritizes calls for service and dispatches appropriate personnel and equipment, and documents thoroughly.

Using a computer aided dispatch (CAD) system, monitors and updates public safety and, when applicable, police unit location and status in order to coordinate emergency field operations; documents and provides backup support and information, as necessary, by operating a two-way radio; requests additional assistance from other agencies as necessary; and obtains computerized campus information as well as applicable law enforcement information from local, state, and federal data banks through telecommunications terminal.

Performs data entry, maintains files and reference manuals; and performs other clerical duties. Attention to detail and continuity of documentation as a critical aspect of this role.

Monitor and operate emergency alarms, CCTV, access control and security systems (received via various means), making immediate contact with the appropriate agency/personnel to address noted concerns.

Provide liaison service to the Swarthmore College campus partners as well as relevant communication with area communities and other public service agencies to support effective response.

Assists with interdepartmental communications such as facilities or access control requests or maintenance needs. Monitors and arranges for maintenance of all Dispatch Center equipment, including all radios and related technology.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Who you are:

Excellent communication skills required. Candidates must have the ability to speak, listen, and write in a professional manner.

Ability to demonstrate calm, consistent communication when presented with emotions in stressful and/or emergency situations. Attention to trauma informed practices and unique needs of a diverse, supportive residential education setting.

Ability to engage in effective perspective taking, across differences and roles in an educational living and learning environment. Demonstrated understanding of the value of Swarthmore College Mission and open to continued development of cultural competence in the ever changing landscape of higher education.

Demonstrated experience in navigating and prioritizing multiple tasks simultaneously. This includes the ability to effectively communicate to manage expectations related to the nature and timeliness of response based upon the urgency of circumstances and competing priorities.

What you bring:

Required Qualifications

High school diploma required, College Education preferred.

6 months experience working as a Public Safety Communication Officer or an equivalent combination of education and experience; skills, knowledge and abilities essential to the successful performance of the duties assigned to the position

Commitment to collaborative service and community engagement in alignment with Department and College guidance related to safety and security of campus.

The use of a computer and software is required for call response and incident documentation. Comfort with use of technology and learning new electronic systems. Familiar with Microsoft Windows applications

The ability to work shift work, holidays, and potential to work mandated overtime, when required. This position supports 24/7 operations.

Exercise sound judgment in handling sensitive, private, and/or confidential information. All candidates must sign a confidentiality statement relating to the disclosure/safekeeping of sensitive College information, student records, faculty records, staff records and all information deemed confidential by the Department of Public Safety and Swarthmore College.

Candidates must complete a Swarthmore Public Safety approved certification course (currently the APCO Public Safety Telecommunicator I) or provide proof of current certifications.

Preferred Qualifications

College degree

APCO Public Safety Telecommunicator 1 certification or equivalent 9-1-1 telecommunicator / dispatcher certification.

What You Will Get:

You’ll work at one of the world's most renowned liberal arts Colleges, with incredible benefits, a stunning 420-acre campus, and a collaborative work environment. Join a team of passionate, creative people who work hard and have fun supporting the College students, faculty, and staff.

We want to hear from you if you are excited about this role! For full consideration, submit applications with an uploaded resume by August 4, 2025. Applications received after this date may be reviewed on a rolling basis until the job has been filled.

The market range for this position is $21.00-$26.00 per hour, which represents the College’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range at the time of posting. The salary offered is determined based on factors including, but not limited to, experience and education of the final selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information.

Act 153 Clearance Required by Position

This position may regularly interact with minors. Under Pennsylvania Child Protective Services Law, (23 Pa. Cons. Stat. §§6301, et seq.) employees who have direct contact with minors are required to obtain the following background clearances prior to the start of employment:

Pennsylvania Access to Criminal History (PATCH) through the Pennsylvania State Police

Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance (PACA) through the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services

FBI Criminal History Background Check (FBI Fingerprint).

MVR Clearance Required by Position

Due to operating a College owned motor vehicle while performing essential job responsibilities for this position, a motor vehicle report (MVR) clearance is required prior to the start of employment.

Preview our Benefits Flyer. We offer benefit plans starting at zero cost! Upon benefit eligibility, the College contributes 10% of an employee’s salary to their retirement account. Employees are 100% vested in their accounts on the date participation begins.

Swarthmore College actively seeks and welcomes applications from candidates with exceptional qualifications, particularly those with demonstrable commitments to a more inclusive society and world. Swarthmore College is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.