Assistant Commissioner of State Operated Services

Commonwealth of Massachusetts•Boston, MA

13d•Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Developmental Services is seeking a dynamic leader to serve as Assistant Commissioner of State Operated Services. This person will play a critical leadership role in advancing the Department of Developmental Services’ mission to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live safely, and meaningfully, in their communities. Reporting to the Deputy Commissioner, this position holds responsibility for the full continuum of state-operated residential services across the Commonwealth, including 238 group home sites serving 977 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, supported by approximately 3,457 staff members. In addition, this position provides executive oversight of the two state-operated Intermediate Care Facilities: Hogan Regional Center and Wrentham Developmental Center, which collectively serve 221 individuals and employ approximately 1,177 FTEs (Full-Time Equivalent staff). Working in close partnership with the Deputy Commissioner of Operations, Regional Directors, State Operated Directors, Facility Directors, Central Office leadership, and external stakeholders including legislative bodies, advocacy organizations, families, labor unions, and state and federal oversight agencies, the Assistant Commissioner of State Operated Services provides statewide executive leadership, strategic oversight, and administrative management of all Department of Developmental Services (DDS) State Operated programs and facilities. This position represents DDS at the highest levels of state government and serves as a principal advisor to the Deputy Commissioner of Operations on all matters related to state-operated services. This position establishes statewide policy, operational standards, and quality assurance frameworks governing all state-operated residential programs. This position serves as the primary executive point of accountability for regulatory compliance, clinical excellence, fiscal stewardship, and continuous improvement across all state-operated settings. The Assistant Commissioner of State Operated Services represents DDS at the highest levels of state government and serves as a principal advisor to the Deputy Commissioner of Operations on all matters related to state-operated services.

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 capacity.

Nice To Haves

Comprehensive knowledge of DDS regulations, Massachusetts General Laws, federal ICF/IID (Intermediate Care Facility for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities) standards, CMS certification requirements, DPH licensing standards, and all applicable state and federal mandates governing services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Expert knowledge of the full continuum of residential care and support models for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including both community-based group homes and institutional ICF/IID settings.
Advanced knowledge of clinical assessment protocols, behavioral support strategies, medical management, and psychiatric service delivery for individuals with complex and challenging needs.
Extensive knowledge of budgetary principles, fiscal management, state procurement processes, and statewide financial planning at executive scale.
Expert knowledge of collective bargaining agreements, labor-management relations, and the administration of large multi-union workforces in a public sector environment.
Comprehensive knowledge of Human Resources policies, principles, and practices, including responsibilities for a large-scale workforce.
Advanced knowledge of strategic planning, organizational development, performance management, and change management in complex public service organizations.
Strong knowledge of infrastructure systems (electrical, HVAC, fire safety, accessibility standards) as they relate to residential and ICF facility operations.
Demonstrated ability to establish and sustain statewide quality assurance, compliance monitoring, and performance management systems at executive scale.
Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate, and develop a geographically dispersed senior management team in a high-pressure, 24/7 operational environment.
Ability to communicate effectively and credibly with the Legislature, advocacy organizations, families, media, federal oversight agencies, and the general public.
Ability to exercise independent executive judgment, manage competing priorities, and make high-stakes decisions under significant time pressure.
Skilled in executive negotiation, consensus building, conflict resolution, and stakeholder management across diverse internal and external audiences.
Demonstrated ability to design and implement large-scale organizational improvement and transformation initiatives.

Responsibilities

Provide executive-level strategic leadership for all DDS state-operated programs statewide. Establish and drive statewide vision, goals, and priorities for state-operated residential services. Lead State Operation Directors, Facility Directors and senior management responsible for the 238 group home sites, 977 individuals, and all ICF programs. Represent the Department at state, federal, and legislative forums. Champion a culture of person-centered, high-quality, data-driven service delivery.
Provide direct executive oversight of Hogan Regional Center and Wrentham Developmental Center, the Commonwealth’s two state-operated Intermediate Care Facilities. Ensure both facilities maintain full federal and state regulatory compliance, including CMS ICF/IID certification standards. Provide leadership for clinical programming, workforce management, capital planning, and quality assurance at each facility. Oversee budgetary and operational planning for approximately 1,177 FTEs and 221 individuals across both campuses. Serve as the executive point of escalation for complex clinical, legal, and operational matters at both facilities.
Provide executive oversight and policy leadership for 238 state-operated group homes serving 977 individuals across all DDS regions. Establish statewide standards for clinical supports, staffing models, residential programming, and quality assurance. Direct the development and implementation of consistent operational policies and procedures. Monitor performance metrics and drive continuous quality improvement across all sites. Ensure equitable and individualized support for all individuals served, including those with complex clinical, behavioral, and medical needs.
Establish and monitor statewide compliance frameworks for Survey and Certification, DDS regulations, Massachusetts General Laws, federal ICF/IID standards, and all applicable licensing requirements. Oversee the design and implementation of quality assurance, performance management, and surveillance processes across the entire state-operated system. Lead organizational responses to survey deficiencies, corrective action plans, and systemic quality improvement initiatives.
Direct the development, implementation, and monitoring of budgets encompassing all state-operated residential services statewide. Oversee fiscal operations, procurement processes, FTE management, and expenditure controls for a workforce of approximately 4,634 employees. Partner with DDS Central Office fiscal leadership to ensure sound financial management and strategic resource allocation across all state-operated programs and facilities.
Provide executive direction for hiring, promotion, disciplinary actions, and terminations. Oversee collective bargaining strategy and labor-management relations. Collaborate with DDS Human Resources, Labor Relations, Civil Rights, and the Center of Expertise on statewide workforce initiatives, accommodations, and discrimination/harassment matters.
Provide executive oversight of emergency and crisis stabilization services within the state-operated system. Establish statewide protocols for responding to emergency residential, clinical, and behavioral crises. Ensure 24/7 senior management coverage and escalation pathways. Lead the development of capacity to support individuals with complex behaviors requiring emergency placement.
Represent DDS and the Commissioner before the Legislature, federal oversight agencies, advocacy organizations, and families on matters related to state-operated services. Lead engagement with families, Human Rights Committees, advisory boards, and community stakeholders. Provide executive guidance on policy development and legislative strategy. Represent DDS in interagency partnerships and statewide planning initiatives.