Commissioner – MA Department of Developmental Services (DDS)

The Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services (DDS) seeks a strategic and dedicated leader to serve as Commissioner to oversee the services and initiatives impacting over 43,000 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This role involves setting and executing the vision for DDS, directing policy development, regulatory oversight, and the allocation of resources across the agency.

As Commissioner, you will play an essential role in ensuring that all programs reflect the agency’s mission and commitment to inclusive, supportive, and accessible services that respect the diverse needs and backgrounds of all individuals served.  You will be charged with developing innovative and genuine opportunities for DDS’s clients to participate fully in their communities and engage meaningfully as valued members.   You will play a leadership role in breaking down barriers that may prevent individuals from achieving their full potential.

This is a unique opportunity for a leader with extensive experience working with the intellectual and developmental disability community to influence the future of services in Massachusetts. You will engage directly with stakeholders, including individuals, families, advisory councils, private providers, and legislators, to drive forward legislative initiatives, innovative programs, and community-based solutions. With a focus on sustainable budgeting and programmatic excellence, you will navigate complex budgetary responsibilities and oversee an annual budget of $3.2 billion.

This position requires an individual who is not only experienced in human services but also prepared for the rewarding challenge of shaping DDS’s impact on individuals, families, and communities across the Commonwealth. If you are ready to bring a visionary perspective and lead transformative change, DDS invites you to consider this impactful leadership role.

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

- Lead DDS in policy development, planning, financing, and regulatory management to enhance service quality for over 43,000 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including ASD.

- Oversee 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.

- Direct operations of DDS’s state-operated facilities and community services network, ensuring continuous service quality.

- Provide 24/7 on-call availability to address urgent issues, including emergency responses for weather-related and other critical incidents.

- Implement and monitor compliance with legislative mandates, such as the Autism Omnibus, National Background Check, and Real Lives statutes, as well as ongoing programs like the CMS Community Rule and Acquired Brain Injury services.

- Engage and collaborate with key stakeholders, including family support councils, quality councils, and developmental disabilities providers, as well as state and local advisory groups to address current and emerging issues.

- Meet regularly with state legislators, specifically the House and Senate Chairs and members of the Joint Committee on Children, Youth, Families, and Persons with Disabilities, to discuss agency activities and respond to legislative inquiries.

- Develop and oversee DDS’s budget and spending plan, conducting routine financial reviews to ensure alignment with agency priorities and fiscal accountability.

- Oversee federal revenue collection processes, meeting revenue targets to ensure financial stability for DDS’s diverse services and programs.

- 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.

- Lead the agency’s communication strategy, partnering with EOHHS on press and legislative matters, addressing constituent concerns, and representing DDS in external communications.

- Facilitate relationships with union representatives, holding regular and ad hoc meetings to address workforce concerns and maintain positive labor relations.

- Provide clear, data-informed communication across all levels of the agency and with external partners, including EOHHS, the legislature, and stakeholder organizations, to support informed decision-making and programmatic transparency.

Preferred Qualifications:

- Master’s degree in human services, public policy, public administration, or a related field.

- Minimum of fifteen (15) 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.

- 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.

- Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams, with a track record of fostering collaboration in multi-agency or interdepartmental environments.

- Strong crisis management skills with experience in 24/7 on-call environments and in handling emergency situations.

- Demonstrated success in stakeholder engagement and relationship-building, particularly with community organizations, advocacy groups, and families.

- Familiarity with engaging with labor unions and navigating workforce-related issues in large organizations.

- Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility, with experience in implementing inclusive programs and policies that support underrepresented communities.

Discover the Exceptional Benefits:

Our employees’ career, health and well-being are important.  We offer a comprehensive benefits package that supports personal and professional growth:

- 75% State-Paid Medical Insurance Premium: Affordable health care is a top priority. Enjoy comprehensive medical coverage. You pay 25% and the state pays 75% of the premium.

- Dental and Vision Plans: Take care of your oral and visual health with affordable plans designed for your peace of mind.

- Flexible Spending Accounts: Manage your expenses effectively with flexible spending accounts that cater to your individual needs.

- Low-Cost Life Insurance: Gain peace of mind knowing you are covered with our low-cost life insurance plan.

- Plan for Your Future: A state employees' pension and a deferred compensation plan, paving the way for a comfortable retirement.

- Generous Time-Off: Recharge and make the most of life with 12 paid holidays per year, as well as competitive sick, vacation, and personal time.

- Other Leave Types: Including Bereavement, Civic Duty, Blood and Organ Donation, we're here to support you in every aspect of your life.

- Extended Illness Leave Bank (EILB): Access to a statewide bank for those who experience an extended injury or illness recover a portion of their salary due to extended unpaid leaves of absence.

- Invest in Education: Pursue higher learning at Massachusetts state colleges and universities with our tuition benefit, which extends to both you and your spouse.

- Wellness and Rewards: Stay motivated and healthy with our incentive-based wellness programs, where your achievements are met with recognition and rewards.

- Fuel Your Career Growth: Unlock opportunities for professional development and continuing education, ensuring your career reaches new heights.

- Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Your mental and emotional well-being are crucial. Benefit from our Employee Assistance Program designed to provide the support you need.

Pre-employment Requirements:

A tax & background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Human Resources Division prior to the candidate being hired.

Education, licensure, and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division's Hiring Guidelines.

Recommended candidates must successfully complete pre-employment screening which includes:

- Disabled Persons Protection Commission (DPPC) Abuse Registry Search: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/dppc-abuser-registry

- Criminal background check (CORI) by regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services.  http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori

- National Background Checks, Chapter 234 of the Acts of 2014, conduct fingerprint-based check. https://www.mass.gov/lists/dds-fingerprint-background-checks

Equal Opportunity Employer Declaration:

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services 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 consider their application for this role. 

If you require assistance with the application process and would like to request an ADA accommodation, please click on the link and complete the Reasonable Accommodation Online Request Form.