Deputy Director of Support Services

Hazel Crest, Illinois, Southland Communications Center Hazel Crest, Illinois · Onsite Deputy Director of Support Services Posted Date: November 9, 2026 Application Closing: November 30, 2026 . Early submissions are strongly encouraged. Selected candidates will be contacted for oral panel interviews. Salary Range: $109,898.73–$142,686.45 (DOQ)

Southland Communications Center is a newly consolidated regional 9-1-1 Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) formed through the merger of E-COM Dispatch Center and SouthCom Combined Dispatch Center. This unification strengthens the delivery of emergency communications by enhancing interoperability, technology integration, and operational efficiency across the Southland Cook County region of Illinois. The Center provides 9-1-1 and public safety dispatch services for the communities of Country Club Hills, East Hazel Crest, Flossmoor, Glenwood, Hazel Crest, Homewood, South Holland, Thornton, Markham, Matteson, Park Forest and Richton Park, supporting their respective emergency medical services, fire and police agencies. The Center will operate from a new, purpose-built mission-critical facility designed to support advanced technology, improved resiliency, and future regional growth. Southland Communications Center serves multiple law enforcement and fire protection agencies with highly trained Telecommunicators, modern emergency communications systems, and a strong commitment to professionalism, reliability, and continuous improvement. Our consolidation reflects a shared vision among our member agencies to deliver the highest standard of public safety communications that protects life, property, and responders while ensuring sustainability for the future.

Key Responsibilities

Oversee computer-aided dispatch (CAD), radio, 9-1-1 phone systems, networks, logging, and cybersecurity. Lead technology projects, manage vendor contracts and equipment replacement planning, and prepare the annual non-personnel budget for technology and support services. Lead the response to critical system outages and maintain the Center’s Continuity of Operations Plan. Serve as the Center’s primary FOIA Officer, oversee the employee wellness program, and serve as Deputy Director of Operations when assigned.

Schedule and Emergency Response The typical workweek is 45–48 hours. The position requires 24/7 availability for critical incidents, including nights, weekends, and holidays, except during approved leave. During a critical system failure or emergency, the Deputy Director must be able to provide immediate remote support and respond in person, generally within two hours.

Benefits

Blue Cross Blue Shield health insurance with HMO and PPO options Dental, vision, and group life insurance Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) pension Paid vacation, personal time, and holidays Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Educational reimbursement

How to Apply Email your cover letter and resume to careers@southland911il.gov by November 30, 2026 . Interested applicants are encouraged to apply early. Subject Line: Deputy Director of Support Services – [Your Name]

This is not an all-inclusive list of duties. Additional responsibilities may be assigned. The full job description, including detailed duties and certification requirements, is available upon request. Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in information technology, computer networking, cybersecurity, computer science, information systems, or a closely related technical field. At least five years of 9-1-1 public safety communications experience, including experience in a multi-agency communications center. At least three years in a public safety communications leadership or management role. Hands-on experience administering and troubleshooting network infrastructure, including switches, routers, firewalls, VLANs, and VPNs. Experience managing IT systems that support 24/7 operations, including servers, endpoint management, backups, and disaster recovery. Experience implementing cybersecurity controls, including access management, patching, vulnerability remediation, and security incident response. An equivalent combination of education, experience, specialized training, and certifications that provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.