DIRECTOR OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS  
  DEFINITION:
Under direction, coordinates and directs a highly sophisticated communications network  incorporating state of the art telephone equipment, computerized central switching computers, and  dedicated message transmitting equipment including specialized telephone computer lines as well  as equipment used to transmit information such as Facsimile machines and personal computers;  does related work as required.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: 
Positions in this class differ significantly from those involving radio communications. Although  some of the equipment may involve cordless communication devices, most of this function  surrounds highly developed telephone communications equipment found in both the public and  private sectors. The position also is one involving administration and coordination of operational  activities.
The position is also one directly involved with analyzing jurisdictional telecommunication needs and  working with industry representatives to meet those demands. In addition, the individual may have  responsibilities in areas concerned with security, emergencies, and computer compatibility where  such hardware as modems might affect telephone computer communications.
Positions in this class have supervision over all telecommunications operations and personnel  including responsibility for such management functions as planning the nature and extent of  services to be provided; evaluating changes to improve operations to meet new requirements;  determining organization, staffing, training, and budgetary needs; planning and implementing the  management of telecommunication programs including the evaluation, coordination and integration  of the technical telecommunication operations with related administrative and management factors,  such as overall telecommunications policies and objectives.
The duties of this class require both administrative and managerial skills and abilities and a broad  technical knowledge of telecommunications systems and operations.
NOTE: The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only.  A particular  position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification.  Conversely, all  duties performed on the job may not be listed.
 EXAMPLES OF WORK:
Works with the governing body to develop plans and procedures to achieve the most responsive  telephone network.
Directs and coordinates the activities of those individuals directly involved in overseeing the day-to- day operations of the telecommunications center.
May meet regularly with consultants or industry representative to upgrade the communications  system.
Maintains the system's optimum performance through regular maintenance schedules.
Prepares and develops the budget for the telecommunications area. Estimates manpower needs  to effectively operate the system. Reviews jurisdictional needs as they develop and change,
Researches new developments in telephone communications involving equipment,  computers, "Fax" machines, modems, centralized computer control boards, and message sending  equipment involving "dedicated' computer telephone lines.
Trouble shoots certain areas where possible voice and computer use of a telephone line may  cause problems.
Assesses cost factors involving new or more modern equipment.
Develops policy to meet the needs of the jurisdiction where it involves security or emergency  response.
May assist in equipment movement should such a move affect the telephone system or computer  use.
Completes reports on computer use.
Details telephone use and prepares reports concerning possible unauthorized use. May participate  in manpower evaluation and performance standards. Assists users in defining their basic and  contingent telecommunication needs.
Establishes or advises on the interpretation and application of policies, standards, and procedures  for evaluating current and future telecommunications needs.
Evaluates the validity of assumptions and the adequacy of analytical data (normally developed by  telecommunications specialists) used in predicting requirements.
Analyzes projected needs in terms of policies and objectives for expanding, Improving, or  integrating telecommunications systems, the degree to which requirements can be met within  existing or planned systems, and the urgency and essentiality of requirements which cannot be met  within such systems.
Correlates technical conclusions (normally developed by telecommunications specialists)  concerning methods for meeting requirements, relative costs and advantages of alternate  approaches, lead times, supporting requirements, etc.
Negotiates with users concerning modification of requirements to reduce anticipated technical  problems or excessive costs.
Develops funding arrangements and schedules for providing required services.
Provides liaison between technical personnel developing the detailed plans and procedures and  users problems or delays.
Defines the basic methods and operational capabilities required to meet the current and short- range needs of number of individual activities or operating programs.
Projects long-range requirements for development of an integrated system serving a number of  different agencies or programs involving many variables and contingency factors for which data are  incomplete.
Reviews proposed telecommunications projects for adequate analysis and justification of  requirements, realistic cost estimates and implementation dates, and proper consideration of  supporting requirements.
Resolves questionable aspects of proposals with originating offices and technical and support  personnel.
Develops or reviews the programing and funding documents to support the proposal.
Determines the actions required of various units of one or more agencies that must contribute to  the project (for example, systems design, construction engineering, procurement, logistics,  manpower, procedures development, etc.).
Establishes coordinated schedules and milestones for these functions.
Investigates problems or delays and evaluates proposed solutions, compromises or modifications.
Adjusts schedules or diverts efforts or equipment from lower priority work to meet critical  milestones.
Determines the necessity and feasibility of providing temporary services from other facilities or  mobile communications units if required implementation dates cannot be met.
Directs and coordinates the efforts of telecommunications specialists and other technical and  administrative support personnel to provide the required telecommunications services.
Develops the modification of conventional facilities of established networks or projects for new  interagency systems involving construction of a number of facilities in diverse locations, developing  and providing new types of equipment, and retraining of operating and maintenance personnel.
Directs and evaluates the results of studies (normally conducted by telecommunications  specialists) pertaining to various aspects of the telecommunications operation, the investigations  and corrective action taken or proposed to resolve problems (for example, excessive failures or  delays, high operating costs, etc.); and the analysis of trends in the nature and level of demands for  services, and similar matters affecting operational effectiveness.
Balances demands for services against capabilities and costs to determine optimum quality levels  of service, feasibility of meeting additional requirements within existing capabilities, and required  changes in staffing, equipment, or operating procedures to maintain adequate levels of service at  minimum cost.
Determines requirements for and evaluates the results of test programs to measure the  effectiveness of the telecommunications systems under varying contingencies.
Evaluates and determines appropriate actions on similar matters involving operational  effectiveness and efficiency.
  REQUIREMENTS:
NOTE: Applicants must meet one of the following or a combination of both experience and education. Thirty (30) semester hour credits are equal to one (1) year of relevant experience.
Nine (9) years of managerial experience involving one or more of the following functions:
Evaluating the telecommunications needs of users and establishing the basic methods and operational capabilities required to meet those needs.
Advising users on the types of telecommunications services available and the relative advantages, limitations, and costs of alternate methods of meeting needs.
Preparing or reviewing program planning for the development, expansion or modification of telecommunications services.
Scheduling and coordinating the actions required to install, staff, and maintain telecommunications services.
Evaluating the effectiveness of telecommunications services and recommending or directing actions to improve the quality and efficiency of services.
Supervising telecommunications operations included responsibility for developing plans and methods for improving services or meeting new requirements, and for justifying and administering the resources required to provide adequate services.
OR
Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; and five (5) years of the above-mentioned managerial experience.
LICENSE: 
Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform essential duties of the position.
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES: 
The needs of the jurisdiction as it concerns telecommunications and message delivery.
The types of equipment now available to achieve the most efficient and cost effective solution to  meet the needs of the governing body.
Procedures and policies as set by the manufacturer to deliver the services promised.
Manpower skills needed to operate the equipment successfully.
The budget process and costs involved in installing new or updated equipment.
The basic characteristics, capabilities, operational and support requirements as demanded by the  telecommunication system.
The costs of telecommunications systems, equipment and services. Ability
Ability to read, write, speak, understand or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties  of the position. Communication may include such forms as American Sign Language or braille.
Ability to understand and evaluate the communications needs of users and to relate those needs to  policies and priorities, systems capabilities, operating practices and procedures, equipment and  staffing requirements, costs and funding, and supporting services required.
Ability to guide and coordinate the efforts of users, operating personnel, technical specialists, and  support personnel in planning, implementing, or improving services.
Ability to weigh requirements against capabilities and resources, and to correlate varied technical  and administrative considerations in determining the most efficient means of providing required  services.
Ability to establish and maintain cooperative work relationships and to communicate effectively  with others, both orally and in writing.
Ability to understand and evaluate the telecommunication needs of users.
Ability to train and set procedures to effectively operate state-of-the-art telephone equipment and  dedicated computer lines.
Ability to analyze and correct problems affecting telecommunications throughout the jurisdiction.
Ability to plan, direct, and coordinate the work of others.
Ability to analyze administrative and operational problems and develop practical solutions.
Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform the essential  functions of the job after reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations. If the  accommodation cannot be made because it