If you're ready to make a meaningful impact, we warmly invite you to join our team and contribute to our shared success at DDS. Take action now to seize this opportunity!

Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all-inclusive):

• Develop communications strategies to promote a positive understanding of DDS services, programs, and initiatives.
• Act as a resource to staff to assist in crafting messages effective for agency consumers.
• Develop, write, and edit speeches, presentations, testimony, letters, etc., for Commissioner and Senior Staff.
• Interact with the media alongside EOHHS Communications to ensure disability-related topics accurately reflect the Department's views and contact media outlets on topics of particular interest to the Department's mission.
• Work with various managers and program staff to gather information and confirm facts, ensuring important disability information is conveyed to the citizens of the Commonwealth clearly and timely.
• Develop, coordinate, and oversee consumer-led public education and community outreach programs and initiatives that engage agency consumers and other constituents, in collaboration with the Chief of Staff and Senior Staff.
• Supervise the Communication coordinator.
• Develop, review, and/or prepare various agency publications such as newsletters, informational brochures, annual reports, correspondence, Web content, and other public information and education materials.
• Develop, plan, and coordinate DDS events, conferences, and statewide meetings.
• Fulfill any additional duties as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications

• Five (5) years of experience working with consumers and advocates around communications and public education.
• Possess a mastery of clear, creative, and concise writing, adept at articulating complex issues and programs in a manner accessible to both the media and the general public.
• Demonstrated capability to handle crisis and critical incident communications with composure and efficacy.
• Deep understanding of and commitment to the field of disability services and its role in enhancing independence and community inclusion.
• Proven senior-level experience in media operations, encompassing knowledge of print and broadcast outlets' operations, information preferences, and communication methods.
• Extensive expertise in managing large public sector operations, particularly in regulatory principles and activities, including compliance with Massachusetts laws, rules, and regulations.
• Skilled in effectively prioritizing and managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• Proficiency in developing and implementing general communications strategies within health and human service delivery systems.
• Adept at building coalitions and fostering consensus among diverse constituencies and interests.
• Exhibit proven capability in staff supervision, ensuring effective team management and performance.

To Apply: Please upload a cover letter and resume for the Communications Director requisition.

About the Department of Developmental Services:

The mission of the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is to create innovative and genuine opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities including Autism Spectrum Disorder to participate fully and contribute meaningfully to their communities as valued members. DDS serves over 43,000 vulnerable individuals throughout their lifetimes, providing a spectrum of day, employment, and residential supports. The agency directly oversees and manages $3 billion in public funds ($2.7B+ operating budget) and approximately 5,500 staff, the largest state employee workforce of any agency in the Massachusetts executive branch of government.

For more information about our agency and programs visit: www.mass.gov/dds

Pre-Offer Process:

A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visit http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori and click on "Information for Job Applicants."

Recommended candidates must successfully complete pre-employment screening which includes:

• Disabled Persons Protection Commission (DPPC) Abuse Registry Search: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/dppcabuser-registry
• Criminal background check (CORI) by regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services. http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori
• National Background Checks, Chapter 234 of the Acts of 2014, conduct fingerprint-based check. https://www.mass.gov/lists/dds-fingerprint-background-checks

Education, licensure, and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division's Hiring Guidelines.

Education and license/certification information provided the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records law and may be published on the Commonwealth's website.

If you require assistance with the application/interview process and would like to request an ADA accommodation, please click on the link, and complete the ADA Reasonable Accommodation Online Request Form.

For technical help with MassCareers, including logging into your profile and/or resetting your password, please call the Employee Service Center at 617-979-8500 for assistance.

For questions regarding this requisition, please contact the Executive Office of Health and Human Services Human Resources at 1-800- 510-4122 Ext. #4.

Qualifications

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Applicants must have at least (A) five (5) 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 one (1) year must have been in a project management, supervisory or managerial capacity or (C) any equivalent combination of the required experience and substitutions below.

Substitutions:

I. A certificate in a relevant or related field may be substituted for one (1) year of the required (A) experience.

II. A Bachelor's degree in a related field may be substituted for two (2) years of the required (A) experience.

III. A Graduate degree in a related field may be substituted for three (3) years of the required (A) experience.

IV. A Doctorate degree in a related field may be substituted for four (4) years of the required (A) experience.

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.