Senior advisor for human services

The Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) is seeking a highly strategic, collaborative, and experienced professional to serve as the Senior Advisor for Human Services. This position serves as a trusted thought partner to the Undersecretary for Human Services, providing executive-level policy, operational, strategic, and project management support across the Human Services Secretariat.

Working closely with the Undersecretary, the Senior Advisor will lead and coordinate cross-agency initiatives, advance executive priorities, develop recommendations for leadership, and strengthen collaboration across EOHHS human services agencies and external partners. The position will also play a key role in advancing the work of commissions, councils, and task forces chaired by the Secretary or Undersecretary by engaging agency leadership and stakeholders, translating policy and stakeholder feedback into strategic options, and helping move recommendations into action.

The position is ideal for a professional that will bring extensive knowledge of health and human services, strong strategic and analytical capabilities, and demonstrated success leading complex initiatives involving multiple agencies and stakeholders. This role requires sound judgment, discretion, adaptability, and the ability to navigate a fast-paced and politically sensitive environment while maintaining alignment with broader Administration priorities.

Duties and Responsibilities

(These duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):

• Serve as a strategic advisor to the Undersecretary for Human Services on policy, operational, organizational, and cross-agency priorities.
• Lead strategic initiatives across EOHHS human services agencies and translate Administration priorities into actionable plans and activities.
• Conduct policy and operational analyses and develop recommendations to inform executive-level decision-making.
• Direct cross-agency initiatives involving EOHHS agencies, other Executive Departments, and external partners.
• Develop project plans, establish priorities and timelines, monitor progress, identify emerging risks, and recommend solutions to advance organizational goals.
• Research emerging policy issues and evaluate their potential impact on human services programs, operations, and service delivery.
• Assess operational challenges and identify opportunities to strengthen coordination, organizational effectiveness, and system performance.
• Advance the work of commissions, councils, and task forces chaired by the Secretary or Undersecretary through engagement with agency leadership, external partners, and other stakeholders.
• Translate complex policy issues, operational information, and stakeholder perspectives into clear strategic options and recommendations for leadership.
• Prepare executive briefings, reports, presentations, policy memoranda, correspondence, and other materials to support leadership decision-making.
• Cultivate productive relationships across EOHHS agencies and with government officials, community organizations, advocates, providers, and other external partners.
• Review policy and regulatory matters and assess legislative, federal, and state developments affecting EOHHS human services priorities.
• Assist with preparation for public engagements, executive meetings, stakeholder discussions, and other activities involving the Undersecretary.
• Exercise independent judgment regarding strategic direction, project management approaches, stakeholder engagement, program evaluation priorities, and implementation strategies.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Strong knowledge of health and human services programs, policies, and service delivery systems, including the complexities of coordinating services across multiple agencies and populations.
• Background in public policy development, strategic planning, executive-level advisory work, government, public administration, health and human services, or a related field.
• Demonstrated success developing and advancing strategic initiatives aligned with executive or Administration priorities.
• Proven effectiveness leading complex, cross-functional initiatives involving multiple agencies, departments, or external organizations.
• Expertise in policy research, operational analysis, and program evaluation, with the ability to translate findings into actionable recommendations.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, particularly in preparing materials for senior government officials or executive leadership.
• Familiarity with legislative, regulatory, and governmental processes and their impact on programs, operations, and service delivery.
• Demonstrated ability to identify opportunities for operational improvement, organizational effectiveness, and stronger coordination across agencies or programs.
• Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in an evolving environment.
• Commitment to equitable, accessible, and person-centered human services, including incorporating community perspectives and lived expertise into policy development and program improvement.

About EOHHS

The Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) is the Commonwealth's largest executive agency and works to improve the health, well-being, and quality of life of individuals and families across Massachusetts. EOHHS oversees a broad network of health and human services programs focused on improving healthcare quality, supporting safe homes and communities, promoting self-sufficiency, and expanding access to community-based services and supports.

Pre-Offer Process:

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. For more information, please visit http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori

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 Record 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 regarding this requisition, please contact Employment and Staffing at 1-800-510-4122, option 4.

For questions regarding MassCareers access and navigation please contact MassHR at 617-979-8500.

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.

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.