Director, Fire Safety Division

Overview

The Massachusetts Department of Fire Services (DFS) invites experienced, mission‑driven leaders to apply for the position of Director, Fire Safety Division (FSD). This role leads fire prevention, code development, licensing, engineering, compliance, public education, and regulatory policy to protect lives and property across Massachusetts.

The Director leads a diverse division whose work influences fire and life safety in nearly every community. The Fire Safety Division develops and administers the Massachusetts fire code and related regulations, oversees regulated professions and businesses, fire protection engineering and plan review, code compliance and enforcement, public fire and life safety education, fire data systems, and the Boiler & Pressure Vessel Safety Program.

The Director’s leadership supports local fire departments, regulated industries, municipal officials, state agencies, and the public.

• Serve as division head and member of the agency’s senior staff; collaborate with the State Fire Marshal, Deputy State Fire Marshal, agency leadership, boards and commissions, legislators, and external stakeholders.
• Guide the division’s mission to prevent fire and explosions through prevention, regulation, investigation, education, technical assistance, and enforcement.
• Lead major operating areas:
  Code Development and Code Administration;
  Code Compliance and Enforcement;
  Fire Protection Engineering and technical services;
  Public Education and Fire Data;
  Licensing and Administrative Support; and the Boiler & Pressure Vessel Safety Program.
• Set division goals and performance expectations; manage staff and resources; oversee budgets and procurements; identify and administer grant opportunities; and drive continuous quality improvement across all division functions.
• Participate in development, interpretation, and revision of statewide fire safety regulations and policy initiatives in partnership with the Board of Fire Prevention Regulations and other boards, agencies, and stakeholders.
• Represent DFS at a high level, support statewide initiatives, and foster a culture of professionalism, accountability, innovation, and collaboration.

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Applicants must have at least six (6) years of full‑time or equivalent part‑time professional, administrative, supervisory, or managerial experience in business administration, public administration, public management, or related fields, with at least two (2) years in a project management, supervisory, or managerial capacity. Substitutions below may apply:

• I. A certificate in a related field may substitute for one year of experience.
• II. A Bachelor’s degree may substitute for two years of experience.
• III. A Graduate degree may substitute for three years of experience.
• IV. A Doctorate degree may substitute for four years of experience.

The primary work location is the DFS Stow, MA campus. DFS offers a hybrid work model where appropriate. On-site work may be required during initial training and orientation; telework may be offered for certain positions as applicable.

A cover letter and resume expressing interest must be submitted as part of the application and attached to the job posting.

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 protected by law. Women, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) are encouraged to apply if they meet the requirements.

Official

Title:

Program Manager VII

• Primary
  
  Location:
  
  United States – Massachusetts – Stow
• Job:
  Public Safety
• Agency:
  Department of Fire Services
• Schedule:
  
  Full-time
• Shift: Day
• Salary: $ – $ yearly
• Number of Openings: 1

If you have Diversity, Affirmative Action or Equal Employment Opportunity questions or need a Reasonable Accommodation, please contact the Diversity Officer / ADA Coordinator:
Mary Travers –