Job Description

Overview

The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is seeking an experienced and strategic Chief Administrative Officer to advise the Commissioner on policy, stakeholder engagement, communications, and strategic management. Serving as a senior representative of the Department, the Chief Administrative Officer participates in executive-level meetings both internally and with external partners including the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS), other state agencies, and the Governors Office.

Central to the agencys mission, the Chief Administrative Officer provides strategic counsel to the Commissioner and Executive Leadership Team, guides the development of key policies and management initiatives, and ensures cross-operational compliance. The role oversees Government Affairs, Communications, and the Commissioners Office executive assistant team (and other staff as directed), interfaces with the Statewide Advisory Committee and other advisory bodies, and coordinates initiatives with Associate/Assistant Commissioners, Bureau Directors, and the General Counsel.

Responsibilities

• Represent the Commissioner at senior-level meetings across the agency, EOHHS, and with external partners; facilitate Commissioners Office participation, coordinate follow-up actions, and support decision-making on complex or sensitive policy and program matters.
• Review and clear memoranda and other documents for the Commissioners signature; liaise with EOHHS and the Governors Office as needed.
• Instruct senior staff on the content and context of materials; oversee preparation of information, data, and reports for analysis and expedited response.
• Communicate with internal staff and external stakeholders on policy matters, managing expedited timelines for complex or controversial issues.
• Collaborate with Associate/Assistant Commissioners and Unit Directors to troubleshoot and resolve policy and programmatic issues, with a focus on service provision.
• Draft and review high-level briefings that define issues, provide context, and recommend concrete actions for the Commissioner, EOHHS, and the Governors Office.
• Manage Legislative Affairs and Communications staff; supervise the Associate Commissioner for Complex Cases and Interagency Relations.
• Oversee Department boards and commissions; supervise the Director of Human Rights.
• Provide oversight for strategic planning initiatives and related reporting.
• Oversee Central Office administrative functions, including supervision of the Commissioners Executive Assistant and coordination of administrative assignments and schedules.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ten (10) years of full-time (or equivalent part-time) professional, administrative, supervisory, or management experience in public health, health care, or government.
• Proven capacity to establish and sustain effective relationships with stakeholder leaders within state government and with external organizations at the state and national levels.
• Track record in building and leading teams to implement policy initiatives.
• Familiarity with the principles and practices of human services, program management, and public administration.
• Experience in program planning, development, integration, coordination, cross-functional linkage, and policy setting.
• Understanding of management principles and practices, including staff oversight and professional development.
• Knowledge of the health and human services delivery system.
• Background in analyzing legislation and policy.
• Capability to coordinate multiple projects concurrently to successful completion.
• Skill in interpreting policies and procedures and responding to requests for information in writing and verbally.
• Competence in prioritizing and managing programs effectively.
• Ability to coordinate and direct activities on a project basis.

About the Department of Developmental Services

The mission of the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is to create innovative and genuine opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including Autism Spectrum Disorder, to participate fully and contribute meaningfully to their communities as valued members. DDS serves over 43,000 vulnerable individuals throughout their lifetimes, providing a spectrum of day, employment, and residential supports. The agency directly oversees and manages $3 billion in public funds ($2.7B+ operating budget) and approximately 5,500 staff, the largest state employee workforce of any agency in the Massachusetts executive branch of government.

For more information about our agency and programs, visit mass.gov/dds.

Pre-Hire Process

Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Record Law and may be published. Education, licensure, and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division's Hiring Guidelines. A criminal and tax history background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. Recommended candidates must successfully complete pre-employment screening including a Disabled Persons Protection Commission Abuse Registry Search, a criminal background check (CORI) by regulations, and National Background Checks with fingerprint-based check.

If you require assistance with the application/interview process and would like to request an ADA accommodation, please request the ADA Reasonable Accommodation Online Request Form. For technical help with MassCareers, please call the Employee Service Center for assistance.

For questions regarding this requisition, please contact the Executive Office of Health and Human Services Human Resources.

Minimum Entrance Requirements

Applicants must have at least seven (7) years of full-time or equivalent part-time professional, administrative, supervisory, or managerial experience in business administration, business management, public administration, public management, clinical administration or clinical management, with at least four (4) years in a managerial capacity.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

For specifics, explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards.

Equal Opportunity

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by applicable law.

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