Chief of Staff - DPU

Commonwealth of Massachusetts • Boston, MA

15d

About The Position

The Department of Public Utilities (DPU) is seeking applicants for the position of Chief of Staff. The Chief of Staff serves as the principal strategic and operational advisor to the Chair of the Commission. This is a high-impact leadership role responsible for driving agency priorities, providing agency-wide leadership, strengthening internal coordination, and leading external engagement across government, industry, and the public. The Chief of Staff plays a critical role in ensuring the effective execution of the DPU’s mission by aligning teams, managing key initiatives, and advising senior leadership on policy, operations, and strategy. The Chief of Staff advises and supports the Chair and other members of Commission in the development, planning and execution of strategic goals and priorities. In addition, the Chief of Staff provides input, coordination, tracking, and work products to bolster the success of initiatives, and steers alignment of key goals across the organization. Through leadership of a team that includes the Director of Communications and the Director of Intergovernmental Affairs, the Chief of Staff is responsible for managing all external communications and public relations activities, including, but not limited to communications with the press, utility companies, the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency, and EEA. The Chief of Staff will advise the Chair and other Commissioners and the staff on matters of legislative importance. In addition, the Chief of Staff’s team serves as the DPU’s primary contact with the Massachusetts Legislature and local municipal officials on all energy-related issues and press inquiries, in coordination with the Commission and EEA. The Chief of Staff works closely with the Chair, Commissioners, General Counsel, division directors, and staff to ensure effective communication, coordination, and execution of the Department’s work.

Requirements

• 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 three (3) years must have been in a managerial capacity.
• Bachelor’s degree / Advanced degree (e.g., JD, MPA, or related field)
• 10+ years of management and leadership experience
• At least 3 years of experience in state government
• Strong understanding of the Massachusetts legislative and budget processes
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills
• Proven ability to manage complex, high-pressure situations
• Experience in energy, utilities regulation, or public policy
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving
• Leadership and team management
• Political awareness and stakeholder engagement
• Crisis management and decision-making
• Ability to communicate complex topics clearly and effectively
• Stakeholder engagement and political acumen
• Communication and public affairs expertise

Responsibilities

• Advise the Chair and Commissioners on strategic priorities, policy, and operations
• Drive execution of key initiatives across regulatory, policy, and safety functions
• Identify and elevate critical issues and identify solutions
• Oversee and coordinate the Chair’s agenda
• Manage complex special projects with creativity, tact, and precision
• Prepare briefings and support leadership in high-level meetings and engagements
• Track and ensure progress on agency-wide goals
• Oversee all correspondence in partnership with the Director of Government Relations & Public Affairs to the Massachusetts Legislature and municipal leaders
• Lead engagement with stakeholders, including utilities, state agencies, and the public
• Represent the DPU in external meetings and forums
• Oversee communications strategy in partnership with the Director of Communications
• Oversee press relations, messaging, and public-facing materials
• Ensure the conversion of complex regulatory and energy issues into clear, accessible information.
• Coordinate high-volume, externally driven demands (e.g., press, stakeholders, EEA) with internal priorities, while quickly translating complex utility and regulatory issues into clear, accessible information for diverse audiences.
• Align divisions and improve cross-agency collaboration and efficiency
• Support workforce planning and human resource coordination
• Provide guidance to division directors and staff on priorities and emerging issues
• Coordinate across divisions to ensure alignment and timely execution of priorities
• Provide guidance to division directors and staff to improve coordination and efficiency
• Manage implementation of key operations and technology initiatives
• Support planning related to staffing, budget, and operations
• Assist in evaluating the impact of policies and decisions on the Department and stakeholders

Benefits

• Comprehensive Benefits
• outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package
• work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager