Area Director - Franklin Hampshire Area Office

The Central/West Region of the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is seeking a dynamic, confident leader to serve as the next Franklin Hampshire Area Director. This is an exceptional opportunity to lead a dedicated team, strengthen and expand services, build organizational capacity, and make a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals and families across the region. The successful candidate will thrive in a complex, fast-paced environment and bring a growth mindset, sound judgment, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

The Franklin Hampshire Area Director is responsible for leading the management of a $69 million service allocation that supports over 1,600 adults, children, and families across 45 cities and towns. Working closely with staff, providers, and community partners, the Area Director drives the development, procurement, oversight, and continuous improvement of residential, day, clinical, family, and support services. This role requires strategic thinking, resource stewardship, and the ability to identify opportunities to expand access, maximize funding, and develop innovative service solutions that meet evolving needs.

As the local hiring manager, the Area Director plays a critical role in building and sustaining a highly competent, diverse, and representative workforce. The position provides direct supervision to key members of the leadership team and indirect oversight of more than 20 additional staff. Success in this role requires a commitment to staff development, succession planning, accountability, and fostering a culture of engagement and excellence. The ideal candidate will have the capacity to understand and apply complex regulations, labor agreements, policies, and operational requirements while supporting employee growth and organizational effectiveness.

The Area Director must build strong relationships with individuals, families, provider agencies, community leaders, and public officials while ensuring compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and DDS standards. Strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills are essential. The Director also provides leadership to the Franklin Hampshire Citizen Advisory Board, partnering with community stakeholders to advance the DDS mission and strengthen local services.

As a member of the Central/West Regional Management Team, the Area Director contributes to regional strategy, policy development, service innovation, workforce initiatives, quality improvement efforts, and resource growth. The role also includes participation in the management on-call system, providing leadership and guidance during medical, psychiatric, forensic, and other emergency situations.

Please Note:

This position is located in the Franklin Hampshire Area Office in Northampton, MA

Schedule: 9:00am - 5:00pm

Days Off: Sunday/Saturday 

Flexibility required to meet the needs of the 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:

• 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

​​​​​​​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.

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Applicants must have at least (A) six (6) 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 two (2) years must have been in a 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.

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.