The Department of Conservation and Recreation's mission is to protect, promote and enhance our commonwealth of natural, cultural and recreational resources for the well-being of all. The DCR is steward to one of the largest and most diverse state parks systems in the nation which includes more than 450,000 acres of parks, forests, water supply protection lands, beaches, lakes, ponds, playgrounds, swimming pools, skating rinks, trails, golf courses and parkways. DCR strives to be an exemplary leader in conservation and recreation. DCR's staff is passionate, dedicated, and continuously employs best practices that are informed by expertise, and creates a sense of place through carrying out the mission.

Job Opening:

The Department of Conservation and Recreation seeks applicants for a Program Manager X - Deputy Commissioner for Policy and Public Affairsto perform the following duties:

Please submit a cover letter and resume as part of the application process.

Agency Division:

About the Division of Policy and External Affairs: The DCR's Division of Public and External Affairs helps bring the agency and our mission to life through the Legislative Affairs, Visitor Services and Engagement, Special Events, and Community Relations teams. This dynamic team helps shape policy by working closely with Legislators as well as conduct public meetings, engage with constituents, and work with partners on world class events such as Boston's July 4th Celebration and the Head of the Charles Regatta.

General Statement of Duties and Responsibilities:

The Deputy Commissioner for Policy and Public Affairs is a senior level position that reports directly to the Commissioner and will be responsible for the development and oversight of DCR policies and oversee the management of external relationships. Serving as a chief advisor to the commissioner, they will assume a high degree of independent judgment and represent the commissioner's office and the strategic business objectives of the Agency regarding issues that affect administrative, financial, long-term planning, operations, services, and use of resources. The Deputy Commissioner for Policy and Public Affairs is responsible for developing and coordinating agency-wide policy, procedures and protocols including reviewing plans and programs for the Commissioner and assisting for information, data and other Department specific information. The Deputy Commissioner for Policy and Public Affairs serves as the key advisor to the Commissioner in all areas of proposed policy, legislation, and overall budgeting including proposed regulatory requirements and earmarks to provide guidance on the best use of DCR's properties including modifying policies and practices to keep current with emerging issues and legal requirements. The Deputy Commissioner for Policy and Public Affairs will have oversight for all external points of contact including partners and elected and appointed officials.

The Deputy Commissioner for Policy and Public Affairs will be required to focus on internal structural and operations matters that 1) directly impact service delivery across the Commonwealth; 2) challenges involving cross-agency communication; 3) external strategy and communications with local, state and federal entities, elected officials, advocacy groups and other organizations that require a cohesive and clear focus.

The Deputy Commissioner for Policy and Public Affairs oversees several administrative teams that lead government relations, visitor services and programming, special events, environmental justice, managing current partnerships, and strategically creating new partnerships.

Detailed Statement of Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Developing and implementing the necessary operational management systems of the Department. Assisting in the development and implementation of administrative and legislative reporting requirements and the Department's 5-year capital and deferred maintenance plan.
2. Coordinate the resource allocations of the agency for effective internal functioning of the organization and develop strategies that promote the best usage of the Commonwealth's park and recreational facilities.
3. Advising the Commissioner on all operations and policy issues related to the division, budgets for proposed and current capital projects managed by the Department and coordination of senior management and staffing matters.
4. Coordinating the Department's communications with EOEEA and the Governor's Office as well as other Commonwealth public entities, municipalities, advocacy groups and the federal government.
5. Ability to develop partnerships and serve as a liaison with other agencies, organizations, agency officials, staff and the general public, makes presentations at meetings and conferences, initiates contacts, and consults with others, works with a variety of personnel with differing professional viewpoints and perceptions.
6. Collaborates with senior leadership regarding recommendations for long range planning and policy development affecting all areas of the Agency.
7. Support and implement decision-making policies and procedures throughout the agency.
8. Build internal and external relationships through strategic communications.
9. Other duties, as assigned by the Commissioner.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Preferred ten (10) years of professional administrative, supervisory or managerial experience. Ability to manage and motivate professional staff of senior managers and subject matter experts in various fields specific to administrative services within a large organization.
• Familiarity with state and federal budgetary processes, policies, practices, rules, and regulations, and demonstrated understanding of public financial management.
• Excellent written and oral communications skills and experience communicating with the public.
• Knowledge of state capital budget process and experience, developing and managing capital plans and associated budgets.
• Understanding of the applicability of various natural, cultural and historic resources protection techniques, ADA compliance, as well as environmental laws, policies and regulations.
• Ability to deal effectively with controversial and sensitive issues. State federal or local government or private sector experience with environmental issues.
• Ability to meet tight deadlines and perform well under high pressure situations.
• Leadership, organization and negotiation skills and strong project management experience.

Qualifications

MINIMUM ENTRANCE 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.

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.