Deputy Commissioner for Operations

The Deputy Commissioner for Operations reports directly to the Commissioner and oversees all daily operations related to carrying out the Department's mission. This individual is put in charge during any absences of the Commissioner and will provide 24/7 on-call availability to address urgent issues, including emergency responses for public health issues, weather-related events and other critical incidents. The Deputy ensures that regulations, policies and procedures are being followed at all levels of the Department and ensures that communication is occurring among various divisions in order to enhance outcomes. The Deputy plays a key role in planning for program development and maintaining positive relationships with key Departmental stakeholders. The Deputy supervises the assistant Commissioner for Operations and the 4 Regional Directors as well as specific project staff as designated by the Commissioner.

Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):

• Provide any and all assistance to the Commissioner as needed, including overall agency management, policy development, and interactions with providers. 
• Provide supervision, direction and support to the Assistant Commissioner for Operations and the 4 Regional Directors, including oversight of all departmental services and administrative supports, including contracts with private providers supporting more than 20,000 individuals in residential, day, employment, and family support services and direct operations of DDS’s state-operated facilities and community services network, ensuring continuous service quality.
• Develop and implement policies alongside the entire DDS Executive Team to meet the needs of the changing needs of individuals supported by the Department, the Department's mission and legal obligations, and the changing landscape in disability services. 
• Engage and collaborate with key stakeholders to address current and emerging issues.
• Participate in interagency meetings with the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) to foster cross-agency collaboration and address shared priorities with the Secretary of EOHHS.
• Facilitate relationships with union representatives, holding regular and ad hoc meetings to address workforce concerns and maintain positive labor relations.

Preferred Qualifications:

Minimum of seven (7) years of high-level strategic operations in a human services capacity and working with adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Preference with exposure to both public and private sectors and for those having provided direct services to individuals with disabilities.

• Proven expertise in strategic planning, policy development, and regulatory compliance within a large organization.
• Demonstrated success in managing complex budgets and financial oversight, ideally with experience in managing budgets of $1 billion or more.
• Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations related to intellectual and developmental disabilities services.\
• Experience engaging with legislative bodies, stakeholders, and advisory councils to influence and implement policy initiatives.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with a record of effectively conveying complex information to diverse audiences.   
• High-level strategic operations experience in a human services capacity and working with adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Preference with exposure to both public and private sectors and for those having provided direct services to individuals with disabilities.

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 49,000 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 ($2.78+ 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: www.mass.gov/dds To Apply: Please upload a cover letter and resume for the General Counsel.