Communications Officer

Georgia Southern University is the state's largest and most comprehensive center of higher education south of Atlanta. With nearly 150 degree programs at the bachelor's, master's and doctoral levels, Georgia Southern has been designated a Carnegie Doctoral/R2 "high research" university and serves more than 29,500 students from all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and more than 100 countries.

With four vibrant campuses - the Statesboro Campus, the Armstrong Campus in Savannah, the Liberty Campus in Hinesville, and the East Georgia Campus in Swainsboro - Georgia Southern offers a dynamic environment that encourages learning, discovery and personal growth. The University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and has earned specialized accreditation from numerous professional and academic associations that set standards in their respective fields.

Georgia Southern is an influencer and intellectual catalyst in southeast Georgia, a rapidly expanding region that is home to international companies such as Hyundai, Gulfstream and JCB, as well as the Port of Savannah and Georgia Ports Authority. With a focus on hands-on learning, Georgia Southern is supporting the demand for highly skilled workers by providing academic excellence and creative innovation in a supportive, student-centered environment that empowers the next generation of leaders to succeed.

Beyond an ideal location, there is a place for you to work in an exciting environment abounding with opportunities for personal and professional growth. Named one of the Best U.S. Colleges by The Wall Street Journal, Georgia Southern is nationally recognized for the caliber of its academic programs and student experience. Georgia Southern University has also been recognized by Forbes as one of "America's Best-In-State Employers" for 2025.

Statesboro Campus, Statesboro, GA

Office of Public Safety

Responsible for receiving, processing, and transmitting public safety information to include dispatching law enforcement officers, firefighters, medical personnel, or emergency management personnel.  Evaluates emergency and non-emergency calls for service and supports field personnel through accurate gathering of information, information dissemination, timely dispatching, coordination of resources, and continuous radio support. This position is designated as a Campus Security Authority (CSA) under the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act. A CSA is an individual who, by virtue of their responsibilities, is designated to receive and obligated to report criminal incidents to the institution's Clery Coordinator for publication in the Annual Security Report.

• Monitor fire and intrusion alarms to include emergency call boxes and surveillance systems
• Assist students, faculty, staff, and visitors with general information requests and directory assistance
• Receive, evaluate, prioritize, and document emergency calls and administrative/non emergency calls within the agency's computer aided dispatch (CAD) system
• Dispatch law enforcement and other first responders using radio systems, computer aided dispatch (CAD), and established protocols while ensuring safety and awareness of active scenes by monitoring responder status and location
• Provide critical pre and post arrival information to first responders by providing suspect descriptions, vehicle information, hazards, warrants, and prior incident history. Maintain contact with callers until field units arrive
• Maintain the operating functions of the communications center, including entering records management system information pertaining to accidents, incidents, complaints, requests for assistance, security checks, and other activities
• Operate NCIC/GCIC to check driver's licenses, vehicle registrations, warrants, stolen property, and criminal history queries (as authorized); includes conducting entries for stolen property, wanted persons, and additional functions as needed
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive data and comply with all applicable state, federal, and agency security policies
• Operate multiple communication and technology systems simultaneously, including phones, radios, CAD, mapping, and recording systems
• Support emergency operations center (EOC) activation or special events communications as assigned

Educational Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent

Other Required Qualifications

• Possession of a valid driver's license issued by the State of Georgia for the type of vehicle or equipment operated (Class C or higher)  
• Georgia P.O.S.T. Communications Officer Certification or ability to obtain within six (6) months of employment

Additional Preferred Qualifications

• Georgia P.O.S.T. Communications Officer Certification (in good standing).

Preferred Educational Qualifications

• Bachelors Degree

Preferred Experience

• One (1) or more years of prior public safety related employment experience

$20.16 - $22.21 per hour

This is a non-exempt position paid on a biweekly basis.

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Three (3) Professional References

ABILITIES

• Consistently exhibit engaging customer service
• Ability to support various constituencies served by the University
• Proven proficiency with computers including Microsoft Office, Google, and/or applications as required for specific position
• Ability to use logic and reasoning to reach conclusions and approaches to problems  
• Ability to use judgment and decision-making skills to evaluate situations, establish priorities, and resolve matters  
• Ability to think and react quickly while multi-tasking, and working through stressful emergency situations  
• Ability to engage in active listening and communicate effectively through clear speech  
• Ability to follow instructions, establish priorities, and effectively disseminate information through various communication modes  
• Ability to analyze situations quickly, objectively and to determine the proper course of action  
• Ability to cope with situations firmly, courteously, and tactfully and with respect for the rights of others

KNOWLEDGE

• Adhere to University policies and procedures to meet Institutional goals and support University's mission for student success
• Knowledge of telecommunications systems, which include transmission, broadcasting, switching systems, and computerized databases  
• Knowledge of basic dispatch codes, as well as standard abbreviations and industry terminology commonly used by public safety agencies  
• Knowledge of jurisdictional boundaries, as well as thoroughfares, landmarks, and buildings within the jurisdiction

SKILLS

• Effective communication (verbal and written), organizational and human relations skill

August 3, 2026

Application review may begin on August 3, 2026.

For more information or questions about a job posting, please contact the Department of Human Resources by phone at (912) 478-6947 or by email at hrservice@georgiasouthern.edu.

For technical support, please call the USG Service Desk at (877) 251.2644, or email support@usg.edu.

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including a criminal background check demonstrating eligibility for employment with Georgia Southern University, as determined by Georgia Southern University in its sole discretion, confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. Applicants will be subject to a pre-employment drug test.

Offers are made expressly subject to the applicable federal and state laws, to the statutes, rules and regulations of this institution and to the Bylaws and Policies of the Board of Regents (BOR) of the University System of Georgia (USG), which are available for your inspection upon request.

Legally authorized to work in the United States for the duration of employment without assistance from the University.

Must be able to perform duties and responsibilities with or without reasonable accommodation.

Georgia Southern University is a Tobacco and Smoke-Free Community.

Legal authorization to work in US prior to employment.

Proof of a valid Georgia driver's license with a suitable driving record.

Applicants must meet pre-employment requirements for appointment or certification as a communications officer as promulgated under O.C.G.A. 35-8-23 and Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council (P.O.S.T.) Rules 464-3-.02 and 464-3-.14 Applicants must be eligible to attend the Georgia Basic Communications Officer Course or be in good standing as a certified communications officer through Georgia P.O.S.T. at the time of application. Applicants must submit to the following: Initial interview. Background investigation for the determination of good moral character. Georgia Southern University Human Resources background check for position of public trust. Fingerprinting and review of criminal and driving history. Submission to a truth verification examination. Physical examination including drug screen. Final interview with the Chief of Police and/or designee. This position involves shift work based on the needs of Georgia Southern University and the Division of Public Safety. Employees must have the ability to work flexible shift hours and schedules that include weekends, holidays, and evenings. Employees may be required to remain on duty beyond a normal shift and must be available to report for duty without prior notice due to on-call status, special events, emergencies, or personnel shortages.

Georgia Southern University provides equal opportunities to all Georgia Southern University provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, religion, age, veteran status, political affiliation, or disability. Individuals in need of reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act to participate in the search process should notify Human Resources: (912) 478-6947.

• Must be able to perform duties and responsibilities with or without reasonable accommodation  
• Work generally performed in an office environment  
• Workweek may occasionally extend beyond 40 hours  
• Travel may be required  
• Working with high stress situations  
• Stand, bend, walk and lift as needed throughout the day  
• May be required to work a rotating shift or work when scheduled, including evenings, weekends, and holidays  
• Requires after hours on call service 

• Position of Trust