Regional Director, Northeast Region

Job Description

The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is dedicated to creating, in partnership with others, innovative and genuine opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities to participate fully and meaningfully in, and contribute to, their communities as valued members.

The Northeast Region provides services and supports to over 11,699 individuals with intellectual disabilities or related developmental disorders in the 65 cities and towns of the region. The Regional Director has primary responsibility for managing the five Area Offices in the Region and an ABI team, in addition to overseeing the state operated residential program which comprises 76 residences with capacity for 331 individuals. The Regional Director also oversees the Hogan Regional Center, an ICFIDD facility and Emergency Stabilization Unit that has capacity to 100 individuals.

The Regional Director will provide managerial and budgeting expertise to the Northeast Region, while exercising a very high level of independent judgment and analytic, administrative, interpersonal, conflict resolution and strategic planning skills. DDS has a long history and commitment of innovation in the areas of person-centered planning, self-determination, family support, and diversity and the Director will also provide leadership in these areas.

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

• Manage a budget of $806M, approximately 2/3 of which is contracted to private sector services providers, and the balance is staff and operational costs related to Area Offices, the Regional Office, state-operated group residential programs and the Hogan Regional Center. Serves as the Awarding Authority for POS contracts and development and oversight of the Region's operating budget. Facilitate the processes and procedures utilized to ensure that public dollars are allocated fairly and equitably based on objective assessment of need.
• Provide effective oversight, administration and operational direction to ensure programs and services are delivered in a coordinated and effective manner. Plan, organize and control personnel and budgetary resources in an efficient and effective manner, in order to carry out priority goals and objectives mandated by DDS policy and for monitoring and evaluating the quality of services provided to individuals/clients.
• Provide input in the development of all departmental policies and procedures relevant to field operations, and to ensure implementation and compliance with all applicable laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, standards and guidelines governing DDS operations. Establish quality and efficiency standards in all areas of responsibility and ensure that these standards are measured and reviewed on an ongoing basis. Oversee a state operated residential network providing 24/7 care to 331 individuals in 76 homes. A total of 1169 employees are employed in these homes. Oversee the Hogan Regional Center which includes the Emergency Stabilization Unit. Hogan provides services up to 100 individuals and has 507 employees. Duties include supervision of senior managers, union negotiations, family communication, budgeting.
• Supervises 12 managerial, other senior staff, and indirect supervisory responsibility for over 1920 personnel.
• Partner and communicate with stakeholder groups and consumers of services regarding DDS mission, vision and operating principles. Champion an awareness of the responsibilities of public stewardship, and as a representative of DDS, EOHHS, and the Governor.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Management, administrative skills and experience, and the ability to work independently with minimal guidance, are a hallmark of this position.
• Bachelor's Degree or higher in Human Services or a relevant field such as Public Administration, Public Health or Healthcare Management or equivalent experience;
• Familiarity with modern management principles and practices including planning, organizing, directing, motivating, controlling and decision-making as they relate to human service programs;
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of intellectual and developmental disabilities and current trends in the field;

• Expertise in planning, directing and managing projects with measurable short/long term impact;
• Prior knowledge and experience of CMS HCBS Waiver programs and requirements;
• Awareness of all associated fiscal statuary and regulatory rules and regulations as they apply to the day-to-day delivery of services;
• Strong competencies in analytic review and analysis as well as strategic and critical thinking;
• Ability to solve unpredictable problems and deal with crisis management issues which may extend beyond regular responsibilities;
• Critical thinking skills, using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
• Record of managing a team of professional staff, senior level managers and working with multidisciplinary teams;
• Thoroughness, independence and excellent written and oral communication skills;
• Proficient usage of Microsoft Office products including Word, Access, Excel and Outlook

About the Department of Developmental Services

The Department of Developmental Services (DDS), the largest agency within the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to participate fully and meaningfully in their communities as valued members. With a statewide service system, a multi-billion-dollar operating budget, and a workforce spanning four regions and 23 area offices, DDS is responsible for ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of thousands of service recipients across the Commonwealth.

Pre-Hire Process:

A tax & background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Human Resources Division prior to the candidate being hired.

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

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

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

• Disabled Persons Protection Commission (DPPC) Abuse Registry Search: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/dppc-abuser-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) 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.

Salary placement is determined by a combination of factors, including the candidate's years of directly related experience and education, and alignment with our internal compensation structure as set forth by the Human Resources Division's Hiring Guidelines. For all bargaining unit positions (non-management), compensation is subject to the salary provisions outlined in the applicable collective bargaining agreement and will apply to placement within the appropriate salary range .

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.

Client-provided location(s): Peabody, MA

Job ID: Commonwealth_of_Massachusetts-260000LE

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

Posted: 2026-01-30T18:34:42