Senior Associate Commissioner of Secondary Schools and Beyond

The Senior Associate Commissioner of Secondary Schools and Beyond will organize twice weekly coordination meetings of the directors and assistant directors of those teams, monthly data review meetings with the leaders of CCTE, EC and ACLS, and quarterly all staff meetings. The Senior Associate Commissioner of Secondary Schools and Beyond will also be responsible for the Department's relationship with the Early College Joint Committee (ECJC) and the quarterly meetings as well as managing the relationship with the Executive Office of Education (EOE) and the Department of Higher Education (DHE).

Finally, the Senior Associate Commissioner of Secondary Schools and Beyond will be responsible for directing specific inter- and intraoffice initiatives that require a high level of oversight and coordination.

Key Job Responsibilities:

• Supervise the office of College, Career, and Technical Education (CCTE), the Office of Early College (OEC), and Adult and Community Learning Services (ACLS) -- 36 FTEs

• Provide oversight and direction on all secondary and postsecondary policy and programming across the agency including coordination across offices within DESE who support secondary schools (e.g., Statewide System of Support (SSoS), Office for Strategic Transformation (OST), Center for Instructional Support (CIS), etc.) and within the Department of Higher Education on the policy development and implementation of secondary school pathways, including leading the implementation of the Statewide Graduation Council graduation standards.

• Plan and facilitate twice weekly coordination meetings, quarterly all staff meetings, and monthly data review meetings. Meeting regularly with the Executive Office of Education, Department of Higher Education, and inter-office within DESE to implement the vision for secondary pathways.

• Represent DESE and the Commissioner on all matters secondary school related by communicating effectively with internal and external stakeholders, as well as attending policy and legislative conferences.

• Support the coordination and development of policy related to key governmental agencies and bodies, including the Board of Higher Education, Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, the Early College Joint Committee (ECJC), and the Statewide Graduation Council, among others.

• Other duties, as assigned by the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner (e.g. responding to constituents, presenting at Board meetings, etc.)

• Ensure that supervised staff, staff elsewhere in the Department, and outside stakeholder groups are communicating effectively and working together in a productive, collegial relationship.

• Represent DESE at meetings with external groups as needed.

• Based on assignment, travel throughout the Commonwealth may be required.

The position will report to the Everett office 5 days/week.

Questions regarding this posting or the application process should be referred to Maureen O'Brien @ maureen.t.o'brien@mass.gov

Preferred Qualifications:

• Thorough understanding of public policy and educational practice at the district and state level;

• Experience and demonstrated knowledge of secondary school programming;

• Ability to articulate a clear vision of high-quality education for secondary schools;

• Experience in implementing state and federal laws and program standards;

• Excellent communication skills and ability to effectively establish dialogue with all stakeholder groups; and,

• Experience and background in a leadership position in school or district or educational organization.

• 5-10 years of experience with senior level leadership in an educational setting;

• Extensive experience in education policy development and program implementation;

• 5-10 years of experience in supervising professional education-related staff.

Qualifications

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Applicants must have at least (A) eight (8) 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 five (5) 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.

Client-provided location(s): Revere, MA

Job ID: Commonwealth_of_Massachusetts-250007RX

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

Posted: 2025-12-09T18:36:10