Manager, Emergency Communications (One Voice)

Summary of Duties:

Reporting to the Director, Emergency Management and Security Services, the Manager, Emergency Communications (One-Voice) is responsible for the operation, maintenance and administration of the City of London’s One Voice radio system that links the City of London Emergency Management and Security Services with London Police, the London Fire Department, internal City of London divisions and other community partners. This position provides leadership to a team of Technologists and Technicians to ensure business continuity, service interoperability, responder safety and improves response time for calls of service during emergencies and regular operations for the City of London. 

Work Performed:

• Provide leadership in the coordination and delivery of the City of London’s One Voice radio communication system that contributes to the Well-Being and Safety Strategic Area of Focus within the City of London’s Strategic Plan and consistent with the Corporate Security and Emergency Management Division.
• Responsible for managing employees including hiring, coaching, administration, and performance of reporting employees. Respond to sensitive and confidential human resource issues as required. 
• Provide leadership in the execution and delivery of services and programs in the following areas of accountability: 
  • Develop business cases to address immediate and long-term financial needs for maintenance, upgrades and enhancements for the One Voice system. 
  • Strategically map user profiles, user groups and channels to meet the needs of all users. 
  • Review and approve project plans prior to implementation for complex projects related to emergency communications. 
  • Oversee One Voice service agreements and contracts to ensure consultants and contractors are working within the specified agreements. Establish equipment maintenance schedules for contractors in consultation with the Technologist. 
  • Work with Development Services, Realty Services and Legal Services to establish agreements with developers to mitigate ‘line of sight’ and ‘backhaul’ issues to decrease blockages and degradation of radio signals. 
  • Establish and maintain standard operating procedures and system documentation to ensure day-to-day operation and end-user requirements of the radio system are maintained and running on time. 
  • Oversee the implementation of new user groups onto the radio system and ensure all technical changes to current and new users are maintained and operational. 
  • Maintain membership in relevant groups and governing bodies related to the radio communications industry and corporate radio system to collaborate and share best practices. 
  • Conduct frequent risk assessments of secure communications infrastructure to mitigate potential outages and cyber security breaches. 
  • Work with Information Technology Divisions within the City of London, London Police and London Fire Department to ensure physical safety and security of the system. 
  • Maintain knowledge of relevant provincial and federal legislation related to radio communications industry. 
  • Assist with the coordination of and participate in the Emergency Management annual preparedness day and mock emergency events; share communications expertise during events and exercises. 
  • Chair the One Voice Steering committee with internal and external service providers to continue to enhance the work of the One Voice system. 
  • Maintain inventory control of critical spare parts and equipment to maintain uninterrupted service. 

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• Demonstrate commitment to anti-racism, anti-oppression, and human rights through interactions with community partners, employees and individuals and implementation of policies, programs and protocols that reflect this commitment. 
• Demonstrate commitment and adherence to Health and Safety legislation and programs; and actively promote a culture of safety with direct reports. 
• Provide updates, information and recommendations to the Director, Emergency Management and Security Services on priorities with responsibility to operationalize identified goals and strategies. 
• Encourage and support employee participation and commitment to individual, divisional, and organizational objectives.  Actively mentor, provide development opportunities and build a high-level team performance with direct reports.
• Review and approve staff reports for recommendation by the Director, Emergency Management and Security Services Division for various Service Areas, Committees and Council. Prepare reports for Council and various Committees as required. 
• Identify, recommend, adapt and implement innovative, effective and efficient work practices and procedures to improve service delivery for emergency communications and the business responsibilities of the team. 
• Implement strategies to track performance measures for Unit deliverables, using appropriate data collection and analytics.
• Work directly with Procurement Services to develop RFPs, RFTs and RFQs ensuring that the requirement of equipment and/or services are clearly articulated. Adhere to the Procurement of Goods and Services Policy.  
• Prepare an annual operating and capital budget related to the operation and maintenance of the communications system for submission to the Director, Emergency Management and Security Services and administer the approved annual budget. 
• Review all financial costs associated with the corporate radio system to identify opportunities for financial efficiencies and opportunities. 
• Represent the Service Area at Standing Committees and Council meetings as required.
• Prepare responses to inquiries from elected officials, media and the public as requested by the Director, Emergency Management and Security Services. 
• Attend conferences and networking events within the radio communications industry with the approval of the Director, Emergency Management and Security Services. 
• Represent the Division on the various boards and committees of protective service agencies, boards and commissions, educational institutions, and community groups to streamline services, build relationships and promote the City of London as a leader, share best practices, and recommend solutions as required.  
• Perform other duties as required. 

Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in emergency management and communications, with an understanding of the area’s programs and services, and how the work of the area aligns with the objectives of the Division.
• Demonstrated analytical and project planning skills with a proven track record for effectively implementing and monitoring programs, projects and services. 
• Demonstrated experience creating and developing training programs and materials. 
• Demonstrated knowledge in relevant legislation, codes and standards related to radio communications. 
• Demonstrated positive and proactive leadership capabilities, adept at leading a group of employees, contracted services and consultants; demonstrated commitment to developing high performance teams. 
• Demonstrated ability to inspire the people they lead through productive and honest dialogue, with personal integrity and actions. 
• Ability to be a trusted advisor and/or advocate in sensitive and/or emotionally charged situations. 
• Demonstrated perseverance and resilience in addressing and escalating as required, challenges and emergent issues. 
• Proven commitment to the safety of employees with knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and applicable regulations as it relates to the position. 
• Ability to provide a high level of attention to detail, make sense of data and solve problems. 
• Highly developed interpersonal and customer services skills, including conflict resolution and problem solving; demonstrated ability to effectively communicate with diverse populations within the community; experience working collaboratively with organizations, clients, and other individuals. Political acumen to identify and manage issues.
• Ability to understand the importance of service delivery; implement initiatives that support the section’s customers in a timely and effective way.
• Computer literacy in Microsoft Office, and related software and database applications. 

Qualifications:

• University Degree or Community College Diploma in Telecommunications, or in a relevant area of study (Digital Communications, Wireless Technologies, Electronics, Land Mobile Radio) or equivalent combination of education and related professional and lived community experience.
• Five to seven years related experience in emergency management and/or communications including management responsibilities.
• Experience in procurement and project management is an asset. 

Compensation & Other Information:

$100,395 - $131,441

This posting is for one (1) permanent full-time position.

Current hours of Work: Monday - Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Work Arrangement: Office. Subject to change in accordance with business requirements.

These hours of work and work arrangements are subject to change in accordance with business requirements.

Police Record Check

The successful candidate will be required to complete a Criminal Record Check.