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 provide leadership for agency-wide quality management, internal controls, risk management, data analytics, federal and state regulatory compliance, and program integrity—overseeing the Office of Quality Management, Bureau of Program Integrity, National Background Check Unit, and Data Analytics teams. The Deputy Commissioner will establish strategic vision and priorities for these functions and provide direct supervision to their leadership.

Serving as a senior advisor to the Commissioner and key member of the Executive Leadership Team, the Deputy Commissioner will ensure that quality improvement, risk management, compliance, and data-informed decision-making are integrated across DDS operations and aligned with the agency’s mission and strategic plan. Key responsibilities include identifying and mitigating agency-wide risks, coordinating mitigation activities across the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS), developing and implementing standard operating procedures and internal controls, ensuring compliance with applicable state and federal requirements, providing key input on interagency data-sharing initiatives, and using data and technology to strengthen program oversight, improve business processes, and advance the quality of services and supports for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

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

• Establishment and coordination of quality assurance programs, including policies, objectives, and procedures, to ensure services and supports meet required standards. Integrate existing systems in Investigations, Quality Enhancement, Program Integrity, Data Analytics and Risk Management for improved outcomes and oversight of DDS vendors
• Provide oversight and support to the Assistant Commissioner for Quality Management, the Director of the National Criminal Background Check Unit and the Director of Internal Controls, as well as the Data Analytics team. This work will include oversight of all departmental services and administrative functions, including the private providers supporting more than 20,000 individuals in residential, day, employment, and family support services and direct operations of DDS’s state-operated facilities and community services network, ensuring continuous service quality and risk mitigation.
• Develop and implement policies alongside the entire DDS Executive Team to meet the changing needs of individuals supported by the Department, the Department's mission and legal obligations, and the changing landscape in disability services.
• Engage and collaborate with key stakeholders and work cross-functionally with various departments, legal, and security teams, as well as external partners and regulatory bodies, to foster collaboration and alignment and serve as the agency lead on audits.
• Participate in inter-agency meetings with the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) to foster cross-agency collaboration and address shared priorities with the Secretary of EOHHS.
• 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.

Please Note:

This position is located in Boston

Schedule: Monday-Friday

Days Off: Saturday/Sunday

Flexibility required to meet the needs of the program/area office.

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:

· Commission for the Protection of Persons with Disabilities (CPPD) Abuse Registry Search: https:cppdmass.gov

· 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

​​​​​​​ADA Reasonable Accommodation:

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

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.

Qualifications

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.

Official Title: Administrator XI

Primary Location

United States-Massachusetts-Boston - 40 Broad Street

Job

Compliance and Certification

Agency

Department of Developmental Services

Schedule

Full-time

Shift

Day

Job Posting

Sep 21, 2026, 7:45:05 PM

Number of Openings

1

Salary

140,575.43 - 218,194.68 Yearly

If you have Diversity, Affirmative Action or Equal Employment Opportunity questions or need a Reasonable Accommodation, please contact Diversity Officer / ADA Coordinator: Kendy Derival, kendy.derival3@mass.gov - 8572548348

Bargaining Unit: M99-Managers (EXE)

Confidential: No

Potentially Eligible for a Hybrid Work Schedule: Yes