Assistant Director - Holyoke

Commonwealth of Massachusetts; Holyoke (MA); Hybrid; USD 93,000 - 143,000; Full time

Job summary

Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Department of Transitional Assistance, is seeking an Assistant Director in Holyoke to lead a diverse staff and oversee programs like TAFDC, EAEDC, SNAP, and Employment Services. The role emphasizes data-driven decision making, stakeholder relations, and staff development.

The position requires strong managerial experience, excellent communications, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced public service environment.

Qualifications

• Five (5) years of full-time or equivalent experience in administrative or managerial roles.
• Experience with Federal or State programs and complex regulations.
• Excellent verbal and written communication and reporting skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Director with implementing efficient business models and timely processing of program benefits.
• Plan, control, and execute priority work for eligibility staff.
• Develop and maintain community relationships to support the agency's mission.
• Ensure staff development and consistent performance evaluations.
• Direct and supervise administrative functions of the Transitional Assistance Office.
• Coordinate staffing, personnel changes, and data processing within the office.

Skills

Staff leadership

Project management

Data analysis

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Public administration

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Email

Job description

Job Description - Assistant Director - Holyoke (260004HH)

Job Description

Assistant Director - Holyoke - ( 260004HH )

Description

The Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) is searching for a Local Office Assistance Director. To succeed in this role, you must be an exceptional leader who thrivesin a fast-paced environment. You are well respected and are known for your expertise in guiding the professional development of your staff. You’re a problem solver who is respected for providing outstanding support and are savvy in the development and management of relationships with various stakeholders and partners. As the Local Office Assistance Director, you will assist in the management of all programs administered by the Department, including Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC), Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled and Children (EAEDC), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Employment Services within the communities served by the office.

DTA attracts people who are passionate about public service, love to work in a fast-paced environment, and are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

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

• Assist the Director with implementing efficient business models utilizing available data to ensure accurate eligibility determination and timely processing of program benefits in compliance with state and federal policy and procedures, incorporating good customer service objectives.
• Plan, control, and execute priority work assignments for eligibility staff to ensure compliance with the department's goals, objectives, and priorities.
• Assist in developing and maintaining community relationships to achieve the agency's mission.
• Ensure staff for all programs have an opportunity for professional development and job satisfaction, with consistent evaluations based on their performance.
• Direct and supervise the administrative functions of the Transitional Assistance Office, including coordination and planning for adequate staffing.
• Evaluate the area office's needs and develop personnel, equipment, space, and supplies plans.
• Process and coordinate all personnel changes with the Human Resources Unit, as well as maintain employee performance and attendance reports.
• Responsible for data processing within the Transitional Assistance Office.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ability to provide motivation, encouragement, leadership, and supervision to an interdisciplinary team of approximately 50 staff responsible for effectively and efficiently delivering quality customer service, resources, and services.
• Experience working with Federal or State programs with complex regulations and policies and the demonstrated ability to develop necessary strategies for effective implementation.
• Exceptional negotiation, conflict resolution, and coaching skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously as a result of effective planning, delegation, and communication.
• Experience in workforce development, education or housing.
• Understanding of issues of poverty and diverse low-income populations.
• Excellent verbal and written communication and reporting skills.
• Outstanding computer skills, including email and Excel.
• Given the population served, bilingual or multilingual Fluency.

Agency Mission

The Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) is the state agency responsible for administering public assistance programs to low-income residents of the Commonwealth. DTA is committed to providing a high level of service to all those in need. The mission of the Department is to assist and empower low-income individuals and families to meet their basic needs, improve their quality of life, and achieve long term economic self-sufficiency. DTA serves one out of every six people in Massachusetts – including working families, children, elders, and people with disabilities. Our services include food and nutritional assistance, economic assistance, and employment supports.

A criminal and tax history background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visit http://www.mass.gov/hcs/cori

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

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

For questions, please contact the Office of Human Resources at 1-800-510-4122 and select option #4.

Qualifications

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Applicants must have at least (A) five (5) 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 one (1) year must have been in a project management, supervisory or managerial capacity or (C) any equivalent combination of the required experience and substitutions below.

Substitutions:

I. A certificate in a relevant or related field may be substituted for one (1) year of the required (A) experience.

II. A Bachelor's degree in a related field may be substituted for two (2) years of the required (A) experience.

III. A Graduate degree in a related field may be substituted for three (3) years of the required (A) experience.

IV. A Doctorate degree in a related field may be substituted for four (4) years of the required (A) experience.

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.

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.

An Equal Opportunity / Affineative 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.

Official Title : Program Manager VI

Primary Location

United States-Massachusetts-Holyoke-72-100 Front Street

Job

Community and Social Services

Agency

Department of Transitional Assistance

Schedule

Full-time

Shift

Day

Job Posting

Aug 21, 2026, 8:15:23 PM

Number of Openings

1

Salary

92,644.84 - 142,610.92 Yearly

If you have Diversity, Affective Action or Equal Employment Opportunity questions or need a Reasonable Accommodation, please contact Diversity Officer / ADA Coordinator : Natasha Lugo / [e-mail] - 8572830119

Bargaining Unit : M99-Managers (EXE)

Confidential : No

Potentially Eligible for a Hybrid Work Schedule : Yes