Northeast Area Director

Massachusetts Department of Mental Health (DMH); Tewksbury (MA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Massachusetts Department of Mental Health (DMH) is seeking a dynamic Northeast Area Director to shape and oversee a comprehensive system of community-based behavioral health services across the region. The role leads clinical and administrative operations for a large network, driving strategy, quality, and equity in service delivery.

The ideal candidate brings senior-level leadership in behavioral health, strong clinical and administrative expertise, and a track record of managing complex

Qualifications

• Seven years of full-time or equivalent managerial experience in business/public administration or clinical management.
• Leadership experience in behavioral health or related systems of care.
• Experience managing large-scale operations, budgets, and contracts.
• Proven ability to lead strategic planning and system-wide improvements.
• Strong partnership-building with community, healthcare, and governmental entities.

Responsibilities

• Provide executive leadership for a comprehensive continuum of state-operated and contracted behavioral health services.
• Develop and implement plans for service delivery, innovation, performance improvement, and risk management.
• Oversee clinical and administrative operations, including site offices and community-based services.
• Manage and allocate significant financial resources, including budget development and fiscal oversight.
• Direct contract procurement, negotiation, and management in compliance with standards.
• Lead a large multidisciplinary workforce and foster accountability and collaboration.
• Ensure quality management and service utilization processes to monitor outcomes.
• Build strategic partnerships to enhance service integration and access.
• Represent the organization in public and stakeholder forums and advance agency priorities.
• Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion across workforce development and service delivery.

Skills

Executive leadership

Behavioral health

Budget management

Contract management

Strategic planning

Partnership building

Diversity and inclusion

Data analysis

Job description

The Department of Mental Health (DMH) is seeking a dynamic and strategic leader to serve as Northeast Area Director for the Northeast region—an essential executive role responsible for shaping and overseeing a comprehensive system of community-based behavioral health services. In this position, you will lead both clinical and administrative operations across a diverse network of state-operated and contracted programs, ensuring that individuals and families receive timely, high-quality, and culturally responsive care. As a key member of the senior leadership team, you will drive regional strategy, oversee a large-scale service continuum supporting over 5,000 individuals, and manage significant fiscal and human resources, all while advancing DMH’s mission of recovery, equity, and community integration.

You will play a highly visible leadership role, building strong partnerships with community organizations, healthcare providers, municipalities, and state agencies to expand access and improve outcomes across the region. This role works very collaboratively with other Area Directors to drive innovative, quality service delivery. Ideal candidates will bring a strong blend of executive leadership, clinical or administrative expertise, and a passion for public service, along with the ability to navigate complex systems, manage competing priorities, and lead large, multidisciplinary teams in a mission-driven environment.

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

• Provide executive leadership for a comprehensive continuum of state-operated and contracted behavioral health services, ensuring high-quality, person-centered care across the region.
• Develop and implement plans that drive service delivery, program innovation, performance improvement, and risk management initiatives.
• Oversee the full scope of clinical and administrative operations, including site offices, residential programs, and community-based services.
• Manage and allocate significant financial resources, including budget development, fiscal oversight, and alignment of funding with service priorities.
• Direct contract procurement, negotiation, and management, ensuring compliance with regulatory, licensing, and performance standards.
• Lead and support a large, multidisciplinary workforce, including senior leadership staff, while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and professional growth.
• Ensure quality management and service utilization processes are in place to monitor outcomes and continuously improve service delivery.
• Build and maintain strategic partnerships with community organizations, municipalities, healthcare providers, and state agencies to enhance service integration and access.
• Represent the organization in public, legislative, and stakeholder forums, addressing community needs and advancing agency priorities.
• Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion by embedding equitable practices across workforce development, service delivery, community engagement, and organizational culture.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Senior-level leadership experience in behavioral health, human services, or related systems of care.
• Strong clinical knowledge of behavioral health service delivery, program development, and community-based models.
• Deep understanding of the Massachusetts public mental health system or other public mental health systems, including regulatory, policy, and accreditation requirements.
• Demonstrated success managing large-scale operations, including complex budgets, contracts, and personnel.
• Proven ability to lead strategic planning efforts and implement system-wide improvements
• Strong partnership-building skills across community organizations, healthcare providers, and government entities.
• Experience advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives within programs and organizational culture.
• Strong data analysis and performance management skills to drive decision‑making and improve outcomes.
• Ability to effectively navigate complex public-sector, political, and multi‑stakeholder environments.
• Given the population served, bilingual or multilingual fluency

DMH Mission Statement:

The Department of Mental Health assures and provides access to services and supports to meet the mental health needs of individuals of all ages, enabling them to live, work, and participate in their communities. The Department establishes standards to ensure effective and culturally competent care to promote recovery. The Department sets policy, promotes self‑determination, protects human rights, and supports mental health training and research.

A criminal 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 and click on "Information for Job Applicants."

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.

ADA Reasonable Accommodation:

If you require a reasonable accommodation with the application/interview process, please contact us at: EOHHS Candidate ADA Requests

For questions about this requisition, please contact Employment and Staffing Customer Service at 1-800-510-4122, option 4.

For questions or issues regarding access/login credentials to MassCareers, please contact the Mass HR ESC at 617-979-8500.

Qualifications

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Applicants must have at least (A) seven (7) 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 four (4) years must have been in a managerial capacity.

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.

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An Equal Opportunity / Aff…?

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on 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.