Executive Director; HRECC

Executive Director – Harrisonburg-Rockingham Emergency Communications Center (HRECC)

The Harrisonburg-Rockingham Emergency Communications Center (HRECC) is seeking a dynamic and proven executive to serve as the next Executive Director of this vital public safety agency. The Executive Director has the opportunity to work in a regional organization known for its excellent management, responsive governmental services, and strong community support.

The Executive Director provides strategic direction to an integrated team of professionals, ensuring efficient and effective operations by performing difficult professional work in managing the HRECC. A core responsibility is leading the complex operations, including overseeing the system communication design, procurement, integration, implementation, and continuous operation of state-of-the-art communications center equipment.

The Director manages all high-level administrative functions and operational policies for the Center, ensuring goals are met under the direction of the HRECC Administrative Board. This executive leader authorizes and approves the hiring, assignment, and evaluation of all department employees. Furthermore, the Director is central to the fiscal health of the Center, preparing and submitting the annual operational plan to include budget oversight and program goals, controlling budgeted expenses, and performing overall supervision for special projects related to Center operations.

The Director maintains essential, active liaison relationships with all participating localities, law enforcement, and emergency service providers, as well as other key state and local agencies relative to the efficient operation of the HRECC. This responsibility also extends to maintaining appropriate contacts with the public and media regarding the use of the emergency communications system, including making formal presentations and responding to complaints as necessary.

• Build a Resilient and Supportive Culture. Implement management practices that foster positivity, collaboration, and a safe work environment.
• Lead Sustainable Workforce Stabilization. Strategically execute recruitment, retention, and professional development to successfully move to sustainable, approved in-house staffing levels.
• Address Middle Management Vacancies. Implement a professional development program to elevate leadership skills and successfully fill all open shift supervisor positions.
• Optimize Emergency Communications Training. Oversee the full deployment of the revamped training model to efficiently train and release new Emergency Communications Officers.
• Guide and Complete Core Technology Modernization. Provide executive direction for the Tyler AWS Gov Cloud Migration and subsequent Tyler CAD System enhancements, ensuring the organization maximizes new features, security, and scalability.
• Ensure Data System Modernization and Security. Protect the Center from threats while strategically managing the massive transition to a modernized, cloud-based CAD Data Management System (DMS).
• Initiate Collaborative Strategic Planning. Lead the development of a comprehensive Strategic Plan with active participation from the Advisory Board to align all operational, human capital, and technological objectives.

The successful candidate will be an approachable, highly skilled executive whose leadership is defined by deep integrity, competence, and a collaborative vision. This dynamic executive possesses a high level of emotional intelligence and utilizes humility and authenticity to navigate the complex organizational landscape.

Minimum requirements include a bachelor’s degree with coursework in emergency management, public safety, business, public administration, or a closely related field, and considerable professional experience managing complex, high‑stakes operations. Preference will be given to candidates with experience in a multi‑jurisdictional public safety communications center that serves police, fire, and EMS functions.

Must possess, or be able to obtain upon hire, a valid Virginia Driver’s License. The Executive Director must be…