Chief Administrative Officer

OverviewAn Official website of the Commonwealth of MassachusettsJob Description - Chief Administrative Officer (250006B1)Chief Administrative Officer - ( 250006B1 )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 Governor’s Office. Central to the agency’s 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 Commissioner’s 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.ResponsibilitiesRepresent the Commissioner at senior-level meetings across the agency, EOHHS, and with external partners; facilitate Commissioner’s Office participation, coordinate follow-up actions, and support decision-making on complex or sensitive policy and program mattersReview and clear memoranda and other documents for the Commissioner’s signature; liaise with EOHHS and the Governor’s Office as neededInstruct senior staff on the content and context of materials; oversee preparation of information, data, and reports for analysis and expedited responseCommunicate with internal staff and external stakeholders on policy matters, managing expedited timelines for complex or controversial issuesCollaborate with Associate/Assistant Commissioners and Unit Directors to troubleshoot and resolve policy and programmatic issues, with a focus on service provisionDraft and review high-level briefings that define issues, provide context, and recommend concrete actions for the Commissioner, EOHHS, and the Governor’s OfficeManage Legislative Affairs and Communications staff; supervise the Associate Commissioner for Complex Cases and Interagency RelationsOversee Department boards and commissions; supervise the Director of Human RightsProvide oversight for strategic planning initiatives and related reportingOversee Central Office administrative functions, including supervision of the Commissioner’s Executive Assistant and coordination of administrative assignments and schedulesQualificationsPreferred QualificationsTen (10) years of full-time (or equivalent part-time) professional, administrative, supervisory, or management experience in public health, health care, or governmentProven capacity to establish and sustain effective relationships with stakeholder leaders within state government and with external organizations at the state and national levelsTrack record in building and leading teams to implement policy initiativesFamiliarity with the principles and practices of human services, program management, and public administrationExperience in program planning, development, integration, coordination, cross-functional linkage, and policy settingUnderstanding of management principles and practices, including staff oversight and professional developmentKnowledge of the health and human services delivery systemBackground in analyzing legislation and policyCapability to coordinate multiple projects concurrently to successful completionSkill in interpreting policies and procedures and responding to requests for information in writing and verballyCompetence in prioritizing and managing programs effectivelyAbility to coordinate and direct activities on a project basisAbout the Department of Developmental ServicesAbout the Department of Developmental ServicesThe 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.-Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Record Law and may be published on the Commonwealth's website.-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 which includes:Criminal background check (CORI) by regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services. technical help with MassCareers, including logging into your profile and/or resetting your password, please call the Employee Service Center at 617-979-8500 for assistance.For questions regarding this requisition, please contact the Executive Office of Health and Human Services Human Resources at 1-800-510-4122 Ext. #4.MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:Applicants must have at least (A) 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 of which (B) at least four (4) years must have been in a managerial capacitySalary placement is determined by a combination of factors, including the candidate’s years of directly related experience and education, and alignment with our internal compensation structure as set forth by the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines. For all bargaining unit positions (non-management), compensation is subject to the salary provisions outlined in the applicable collective bargaining agreement and will apply to placement within the appropriate salary range.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.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 appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC)may self-select out of opportunities if they don/'t meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.DetailsPrimary Location: Administrative Services, Department of Developmental ServicesJob Posting: Sep 9, 2025, 4:38:14 PMNumber of Openings: 1Salary: 130,046.62 - 201,801.22 YearlySchedule: Full-timeShift: DayPotentially Eligible for a Hybrid Work Schedule: YesQuestions about Diversity/EOE or reasonable accommodation: Christina Hyppolite, , 8572835830Bargaining Unit: M99-Managers (EXE)Confidential: NoSource: MassCareers #J-18808-Ljbffr

Created: 2025-09-17