Program Director, Office of Behavioral Health Promotion & Prevention

Commonwealth of Massachusetts•Boston, MA

About The Position

The Massachusetts Department of Mental Health (DMH) is seeking a strategic, collaborative, and experienced leader to serve as Program Director for the Office of Behavioral Health Promotion and Prevention (OBHPP). The Program Director provides operational leadership for statewide initiatives that advance behavioral health promotion, prevention, early intervention, and wellness across the Commonwealth. Reporting to the Assistant Commissioner for Behavioral Health Promotion and Prevention, the Program Director leads the day-to-day implementation and evaluation of OBHPP programs and initiatives, addresses complex operational challenges, and ensures alignment with departmental objectives and statewide strategic priorities. The position oversees grant-funded programs, contracts, vendors, strategic partnerships, public awareness initiatives, data and performance activities, and efforts to strengthen statewide capacity through training, technical assistance, and resource development. The role requires significant operational leadership and program management expertise in behavioral health, public health, or a related environment; strong knowledge of health equity and evidence-informed prevention strategies; sound judgment; and strong analytical and organizational capabilities. The Program Director leads complex initiatives involving state agencies, community organizations, healthcare professionals, and other partners to achieve measurable program and population health outcomes. Applicants must meet the stated minimum entrance requirements: six 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, including at least two years in a supervisory or managerial capacity, or an equivalent combination of experience and substitutions. Relevant certificates and degrees may substitute for some of the required experience. The position is subject to required COVID-19 and influenza vaccination attestation or mitigation measures under the cited regulation.

Requirements

At least six 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, including at least two years in a supervisory or managerial capacity, or an equivalent combination of experience and substitutions.
Experience and knowledge in behavioral health, public health, human services, or a related field, as applicable to the preferred qualifications.
Strong understanding of behavioral health promotion, prevention, early intervention, and evidence-based or evidence-informed practices.
Knowledge of health equity principles and their application to behavioral health programs, policies, and service delivery.
Familiarity with grant administration, fiscal oversight, compliance monitoring, performance reporting, and outcome evaluation.
Ability to lead complex statewide, interagency, or cross-sector initiatives involving multiple stakeholders.
Expertise in project management, organizational planning, and managing competing priorities in a complex environment.
Strong analytical and data interpretation skills, including evaluating program effectiveness and translating findings into improvements.
Ability to translate strategic priorities into effective programs, standards, and operational practices.
Effectiveness managing contracts, vendors, partnerships, or grant-funded initiatives.
Skills in stakeholder engagement, relationship management, facilitation, influence, and consensus building.
Ability to develop staff, foster professional growth, and cultivate diverse talent.
Commitment to creating a diverse, inclusive, equitable, and supportive workplace.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Nice To Haves

At least five years of program management experience in behavioral health, public health, human services, or a related field.
Bilingual or multilingual fluency.

Responsibilities

Provide operational leadership and oversight for statewide behavioral health promotion, prevention, early intervention, and wellness initiatives.
Direct the development, administration, monitoring, and evaluation of grant-funded programs, ensuring alignment with statewide priorities, funding requirements, and measurable outcomes.
Establish program priorities, operational standards, policies, and best practices that promote effective, equitable, culturally responsive, and evidence-informed services.
Advance the annual behavioral health promotion plan and ensure alignment with departmental and statewide strategic priorities.
Enhance cross-agency and cross-sector initiatives involving EOHHS, state agencies, commissions, community organizations, healthcare partners, and other stakeholders.
Manage identification, adoption, and dissemination of evidence-based and emerging practices in behavioral health promotion, prevention, and substance use support.
Oversee statewide behavioral health education, prevention, and public awareness initiatives to strengthen engagement, reduce stigma, encourage help-seeking, and improve outcomes.
Integrate health equity principles into program design, policies, funding decisions, performance measures, and service delivery strategies.
Manage contracts and vendor relationships, assess performance, and ensure accountability for program quality, fiscal stewardship, and deliverables.
Oversee program budgets, fiscal activities, grant compliance, progress reporting, and outcome evaluation.
Develop and monitor performance metrics and accountability measures to evaluate effectiveness and guide improvements.
Analyze quantitative and qualitative data, stakeholder feedback, and program outcomes to identify trends and inform decisions.
Direct data collection, analysis, and reporting related to population-based behavioral health indicators and statewide initiatives.
Oversee training, technical assistance, and resource development to strengthen community and statewide capacity.
Build and maintain productive relationships with internal and external partners and foster collaboration across agencies, disciplines, and sectors.
Resolve complex programmatic and administrative issues and establish corrective actions when needed.
Lead and supervise assigned staff, support professional development, and foster an inclusive and supportive work environment.
Lead critical initiatives and respond to emerging priorities on behalf of the Assistant Commissioner.