Legislative Director

Legislative Director – Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services

Join to apply for the Legislative Director role at Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services.

Base pay range: $85,967.00/yr – $/yr.

• Utilize independent judgment to manage responses to legislative inquiries, including research issues, provide written responses, set up and attend follow‑up meetings as needed, and facilitate resolution to issues raised through the legislature.
• Make strategic decisions during the review and tracking of legislative bills and activities that may impact DDS activities and objectives. Conduct policy analysis and work with legal, budget and program teams to develop legal and fiscal impact analysis when required, including tracking and coordinating analysis of the annual state budget.
• Work with Ombudsperson on constituent services activities to ensure that issues related to inquiries from the legislature, the governor’s office, sister agencies, and the public are resolved.
• Ensure timely submission of all required legislative reports each year; work with program and finance teams to solicit content; work with communications/external affairs staff and leadership to ensure appropriate review; and collaborate with the Secretary’s office to obtain approval and submit all reports to the appropriate legislative contacts.
• Perform other job‑related duties as assigned or requested, including the opportunity to take on special projects in specific program areas as needed.

• Thorough understanding of the legislative process, including the budget process.
• Understanding of the DDS Child and Adult service programs, including policy and operational practices.
• Deep knowledge of DDS eligibility operations.
• Knowledge of strategic and operational planning processes.
• Knowledge of project management principles and practices.
• Knowledge of organizational development techniques, principles and methods.
• Knowledge and understanding of budgetary principles and practices.
• Knowledge of Health and Human Service provision system.
• Knowledge of program policy and development, analysis and program evaluation.
• Knowledge of legislative process, leadership, key offices, and political environment.

• Ability to achieve the Department’s mission and goals through effectively planning and management of projects, resources and staff.
• Ability to work well with a wide variety of stakeholders, including individuals receiving DDS services, members of the legislature and senior staff in the Executive branch.
• Ability to manage numerous projects simultaneously to successful completion.
• Ability to adjust to varying and changing situations to meet required objectives.
• Ability to create and manage change including leading office managers and staff in redefining business processes.
• Ability to interpret policies and procedures in written and verbal responses to requests for information.
• Ability to coordinate and direct activity on a project basis.
• Ability to design and implement communication processes.
• Ability to manage time and set priorities and reach decisions under pressure.
• Ability to coordinate and communicate Health and Human Service policy positions.
• Ability to work with Cabinet Secretaries, high‑level state officials and other interested parties.
• Decision‑making ability, which includes properly assessing the impact of outside forces.
• Ability to analyze health and human service legislation and policy.
• Ability to understand, apply and explain pertinent laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Ability to communicate effectively in both writing and oral presentation.
• Ability to mediate conflicts, coordinate competing interests, work under time constraints.

Applicants must have at least (A) five (5) years of full‑time or, equivalent part‑time, professional, professional internship, administrative, supervisory, or managerial experience in business administration, business management, public administration, public management, clinical administration or clinical management, or (B) any equivalent combination of the required…