Deputy Commissioner for Quality, Risk and Compliance

The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) seeks an experienced, strategic leader for the role of Deputy Commissioner of Quality, Risk and Compliance. The ideal candidate will oversee agency-wide quality management, internal controls, investigations, risk management, data analytics, regulatory compliance, and program integrity—coordinating and supervising the work of the Office of Quality Management, the Bureau of Program Integrity, the Investigations Unit, the National Background Check Unit, and the Data Analytics team.

Serving as a senior advisor to the Commissioner and member of the Executive Leadership Team, the Deputy Commissioner will set strategic vision and priorities, provide direct supervision to unit directors, and ensure quality, risk, and compliance are fully integrated across DDS operations. Key responsibilities include developing standard operating procedures and internal controls, coordinating data-informed mitigation and response activities, and fostering cross-agency information sharing to protect program integrity and advance the agency’s mission.

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

• Establish and coordinate agency-wide quality assurance programs, policies, objectives, and procedures to ensure services and supports meet required standards.
• Integrate systems across Investigations, Quality Enhancement, Program Integrity, Data Analytics, and Risk Management to improve outcomes and vendor oversight.
• Provide oversight and support to the Assistant Commissioner for Quality Management, Director of Investigations, Director of the National Criminal Background Check Unit, Director of Internal Controls, and the Data Analytics team.
• Oversee departmental services and administrative functions, including private providers serving more than 20,000 individuals and the direct operations of state-operated facilities and the community services network, to ensure continuous service quality and risk mitigation.
• Develop and implement policies with the DDS Executive Team to address changing needs, legal obligations, and shifts in the disability services landscape.
• Lead development and implementation of standard operating procedures and internal controls to support program integrity and compliance.
• Coordinate data-informed mitigation activities related to risk identification, response, and monitoring.
• Serve as the agency lead on audits and ensure timely resolution of audit findings.
• Engage and collaborate with internal departments, legal and security teams, external partners, and regulatory bodies to foster alignment and compliance.
• Participate in interagency meetings with the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) to advance cross-agency collaboration and shared priorities.
• Ensure quality, risk management, and compliance activities are informed by data analytics and performance reporting.
• Provide any and all assistance to the Commissioner as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Minimum of eight (8) years of senior-level experience in strategic operations within a compliance role, preferably in human services serving adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Demonstrated ability to build and sustain effective relationships with stakeholder leaders across state government and with external organizations at state and national levels.
• Proven expertise in strategic planning, policy development, and regulatory compliance within a large organization.
• Documented success in financial oversight, preferably including responsibility for budgets of $1 billion or more.
• Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations governing intellectual and developmental disability services.
• Experience engaging legislative bodies, stakeholder groups, and advisory councils to influence and implement policy initiatives.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with a track record of conveying complex information to diverse audiences and facilitating problem resolution.
• Demonstrated capability to manage large systems and implement system adaptations to advance departmental goals.
• Commitment to the values underlying DDS services and the ability to model those values in both speech and action.
• Robust understanding of compliance systems, including privacy, data integrity, and risk-mitigation practices.

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 ($2.7B+ operating budget) and approximately 5,500 staff, the largest state employee workforce of any agency in the Massachusetts executive branch of government.

      For more information about our agency and programs, visit: www.mass.gov/dds

Pre-Hire Process:

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

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

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.

Recommended candidates must successfully complete pre-employment screening which includes:

• Disabled Persons Protection Commission (DPPC) Abuse Registry Search:   https://www.mass.gov/info-details/dppc-abuser-registry
• Criminal background check (CORI) by regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services.   http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori 
• National Background Checks, Chapter 234 of the Acts of 2014, conduct fingerprint-based check.  https://www.mass.gov/lists/dds-fingerprint-background-checks

If you require assistance with the application/interview process and would like to request an ADA accommodation, please click on the link and complete the ADA Reasonable Accommodation Online Request Form.

For technical help with MassCareers, including logging into your profile and/or resetting your password, please call the Employee Service Center at 617-979-8500 for assistance.

For questions regarding this requisition, please contact the Executive Office of Health and Human Services Human Resources at 1-800- 510-4122 Ext. #4.

Minimum Entrance Requirements:

Applicants must have at least (A) eight (8) 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 five (5) 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.

Comprehensive Benefits

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.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

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 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.