Legislative Director

Legislative Director - (2500080O)

The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) seeks a dynamic, highly organized, mission‑driven individual to fill the role of a Legislative Director. The selected candidate will be accountable for managing legislative matters, including constituent services, communications with legislative offices, legislative reports and bill/budget tracking. This position receives and responds to telephone and written requests from legislators, inter‑agencies, other secretariats and members or constituents.

The Legislative Director has internal contacts with EOHHS state agencies relating to the secretariat policy and the provision of services. This position provides information and advice to legislative offices, stakeholders and interested parties at meetings, conferences and public forums.

The Director will work with the Ombudsperson to oversee and support all constituent inquiries. The Director engages with government offices including the legislature, Congressional Delegation, the Governor’s office, EOHHS sister agencies, and other Secretariats. Additionally, the Director engages with external stakeholders such as advocates, providers, and state/national disability organizations as necessary to collect input, resolve matters, and develop recommendations for legislative, public policy, and budgetary priority initiatives.

This position reports into the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), and works closely with the CAO, the Ombudsperson, and the EOHHS Legislative team on strategic policy, program and communication issues and strategies.

• Utilizes 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 and experience in 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…