Legislative Director at Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Wayne State University; Massachusetts; On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution seeks a dynamic Legislative Director to manage legislative matters, oversee constituent inquiries, and engage with various stakeholders. The ideal candidate should have a thorough understanding of the legislative process and DDS programs, alongside strategic and project management skills. The role involves responsibilities such as tracking legislative bills, preparing reports, and ensuring effective communication with government offices and advocates.

Qualifications

• Thorough understanding of the legislative process, including the budget process.
• Deep knowledge of DDS eligibility operations.
• Knowledge of Health and Human Services provision systems.

Responsibilities

• Manage legislative inquiries, providing research and written responses.
• Track and analyze the state budget for DDS activities.
• Ensure timely submission of legislative reports.

Skills

Strategic planning

Project management

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field

Job description

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/ 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 the 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 EOHHS Legislative team on strategic policy, program and communication issues and strategies.

Duties and Responsibilities

• 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.

Required Qualifications

• 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

Preferred Qualifications

• 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 coordinate and communicate Health and Human Service policy positions.
• Ability to interpret policies and procedures in written and verbal responses to requests for information.
• 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.

About the Department of Developmental Services

The mission of the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is to create innovative and genuine opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities including Autism Spectrum Disorder to participate fully and contribute meaningfully to their communities as valued members. DDS serves over 43,000 vulnerable individuals throughout their lifetimes, providing a spectrum of day, employment, and residential supports. The agency directly oversees and manages $3 billion in public funds ($2.7 B + operating budget) and approximately 5,500 staff, the largest state employee workforce of any agency in the Massachusetts executive branch of government.