Director, Massachusetts Firefighting Academy

Commonwealth of Massachusetts • Stow, MA

5d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Massachusetts Department of Fire Services (DFS) is seeking experienced, mission-driven leaders for the position of Director of the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy (MFA). This role offers the chance to lead a respected fire training institution that serves over 14,000 firefighters annually across three campuses and influences the future of the fire service in the Commonwealth. The Director will oversee a team of 16 full-time staff and over 400 part-time instructors, managing programs from recruit training to specialized technical training and statewide certification. This is a strategic leadership position focused on guiding educators and staff to deliver high-quality, modern training, rather than an instructor role. The Director will foster collaboration, innovation, and excellence, directly impacting firefighter preparedness and public safety. This prominent leadership role involves working with agency leadership on goals, supporting statewide initiatives, and contributing to planning and policy development. The Director will engage with fire service leaders, the Massachusetts Fire Training Council, the Executive Office of Public Safety & Security, legislators, and various training partners and organizations. A successful candidate will understand fire service culture, value instructor expertise, and excel at building trust and consensus.

Requirements

• At least six (6) 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 the above experience, at least two (2) years must have been in a supervisory or managerial capacity
• Executive-level management experience in education, training, public safety, or a related field
• Deep familiarity with organizational leadership and staff development
• Ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills
• Commitment to public service

Nice To Haves

• A successful Director understands the culture of the fire service, values the expertise of instructors and coordinators, and is skilled at building trust, consensus, and shared purpose.
• A forward-thinking leader capable of anticipating training needs and fostering a goal-oriented, inclusive, and innovative environment.

Responsibilities

• Managing complex educational operations
• Overseeing budgets and revenue sources
• Developing and administering grants
• Supporting curriculum development
• Strengthening statewide training delivery
• Shaping long-term capital planning, including campus development and partnerships with local training facilities
• Establishing annual goals and objectives in collaboration with agency leadership
• Supporting statewide training initiatives
• Contributing to agency-wide planning, policy development, and risk management
• Engaging routinely with fire service leaders, the Massachusetts Fire Training Council, the Executive Office of Public Safety & Security, legislators, state and national training partners, and a broad range of agencies and organizations

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: Director