Legislative Director

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MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Applicants must have at least (A) five (5) years of full-time or, equivalent part-time, professional, professional internship, administrative, supervisory, or managerial experience in business administration, business management, public administration, public management, clinical administration or clinical management or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and substitutions below.

Substitutions:

I. A certificate in a relevant or related field may be substituted for one (1) year of the required experience.

II. A Bachelor's degree in a related field may be substituted for two (2) years of the required experience.

III. A Graduate degree in a related field may be substituted for three (3) years of the required experience.

IV. A Doctorate degree in a related field may be substituted for four (4) years of the required experience.

Salary 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.

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.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

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.

The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) seeks a dynamic, highly organized, mission-driven individual to fill the role of a Legislative Director. The selected candidate will be accountable for managing legislative matters, including constituent services, communications with legislative offices, legislative reports and bill/budget tracking.  This position receives and responds to telephone and written requests from legislators, inter-agencies, other secretariats and members/ constituents. The Legislative Director has internal contacts with EOHHS state agencies relating to the secretariat policy and the provision of services. This position provides information and advice to the legislative offices, stakeholders and interested parties at meetings, conferences and public forums.

The Director will work with the Ombudsperson to oversee and support all constituent inquiries. The Director engages with government offices including the legislature, Congressional Delegation, the Governor’s office, EOHHS sister agencies, and other Secretariats. Additionally, the Director engages with external stakeholders, such as advocates, providers, and state/national disability organizations as necessary to collect input, resolve matters, and develop recommendations for legislative, public policy, and budgetary priority initiatives.   

This position reports into the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), and works closely with the CAO, the Ombudsperson, and EOHHS Legislative team on strategic policy, program and communication issues and strategies.
 

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

• Utilizes independent judgment to manage responses to legislative inquiries, including research issues, provide written responses, set up and attend follow-up meetings as needed, and facilitate resolution to issues raised through the legislature.
•  Make strategic decisions during the review and tracking of legislative bills and activities that may impact DDS activities and objectives. Conduct policy analysis and work with legal, budget and program teams to develop legal and fiscal impact analysis when required, including tracking and coordinating analysis of the annual state budget. 
• Work with Ombudsperson on constituent services activities to ensure that issues related to inquiries from the legislature, the governor’s office, sister agencies, and the public are resolved
• Ensure timely submission of all required legislative reports each year; work with  program and finance teams to solicit content; work with communications/external affairs staff and leadership to ensure appropriate review; and collaborate with the Secretary’s office to obtain approval and submit all reports to the appropriate legislative contacts.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned or requested, including the opportunity to take on special projects in specific program areas as needed.
   

Required Qualifications\: 

• Thorough understanding of the legislative process, including the budget process
• Understanding of the DDS Child and Adult service programs, including policy and operational practices.
• Deep knowledge of DDS eligibility operations. 
• Knowledge of strategic and operational planning processes.
• Knowledge of project management principles and practices.
• Knowledge of organizational development techniques, principles and methods.
• Knowledge and understanding of budgetary principles and practices.
• Knowledge of Health and Human Service provision system.
• Knowledge and experience in program policy and development, analysis and program evaluation.
• Knowledge of legislative process, leadership, key offices, and political environment 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ability to achieve the Department’s mission and goals through effectively planning and management of projects, resources and staff.
• Ability to work well with a wide variety of stakeholders, including individuals receiving DDS services, members of the legislature and senior staff in the Executive branch.  
• Ability to manage numerous projects simultaneously to successful completion.
• Ability to adjust to varying and changing situations to meet required objectives.
• Ability to create and manage change including leading office managers and staff in redefining business processes.
• Ability to interpret policies and procedures in written and verbal responses to requests for information.
• Ability to coordinate and direct activity on a project basis.
• Ability to design and implement communication processes.
• Ability to manage time and set priorities and reach decisions under pressure.
• Ability to coordinate and communicate Health and Human Service policy positions.
• Ability to work with Cabinet Secretaries, high-level state officials and other interested parties.
• Decision-making ability, which includes properly assessing the impact of outside forces.
• Ability to analyze health and human service legislation and policy.
• Ability to coordinate and communicate Health and Human Service policy positions.
• Ability to interpret policies and procedures in written and verbal responses to requests for information.
• Ability to understand, apply and explain pertinent laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Ability to communicate effectively in both writing and oral presentation.
• Ability to mediate conflicts, coordinate competing interests, work under time constraints.

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\: www.mass.gov/dds 

Pre-Hire Process:

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 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.

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

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

For 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.