Commissioner - Department of Mental Health

The Massachusetts Department of Mental Health (DMH) is offering an extraordinary opportunity to serve as Commissioner, guiding the statewide mental health system in a role that blends strategic leadership with meaningful impact. Each year, DMH supports individuals and families across Massachusetts through hospitals, community-based programs, and innovative partnerships. As Commissioner, you will lead this mission-driven workforce, set policy direction, and ensure that services are inclusive, equitable, and responsive to the diverse needs of the Commonwealth.

The DMH Commissioner serves as the Commonwealth's Mental Health Authority, acting as a statewide resource, expert, and leader in advancing mental wellness, prevention, early intervention, and system-wide collaboration. This role is central to building a continuum of care that not only addresses mental illness but also promotes resilience, recovery, and overall well-being.

This is an exciting opportunity to collaborate with government leaders, health systems, advocacy groups, and local communities to strengthen prevention and wellness initiatives and expand access to high-quality mental health services. It is a role where vision meets action: ensuring access to culturally competent and trauma-informed care to promote recovery, combatting stigma, expanding workforce development, and ensuring access to culturally competent care. By joining DMH, you will directly influence the future of mental health in Massachusetts while advancing a system where every individual has the opportunity to thrive.

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

·       Leads the Department in overseeing operations, strategic planning, financing, and regulatory oversight to define the vision for the Commonwealth's mental health system.

·       Develops policies and legislative recommendations that address statewide needs and guiding collaboration with the Legislature on mental health priorities.

·       Directs the administration of community mental health programs and oversees the delivery of high-quality clinical services.

·       Licenses, monitors, and evaluates psychiatric hospitals, inpatient units, and community-based programs to ensure safety, quality, and compliance.

·       Develops and manages the Department's annual budget, including oversight of federal funding applications and allocation of resources to priority areas.

·       Conducts routine financial reviews to ensure fiscal responsibility and alignment with agency goals.

·       Leads initiatives to expand and strengthen the mental health workforce through recruitment, training, and professional development opportunities.

·       Oversees and promotes evidence-based practices tailored to the needs of diverse populations.

·       Engages with community boards, public health agencies, and stakeholders to address health issues, resolve conflicts, and promote collaboration.

·       Serves as the public face of the Department, managing communications with legislators, the media, and the public in coordination with the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS), and providing guidance to the Legislature on policies, funding, and initiatives that shape the state's mental health system.

·       Responds to urgent issues and provides 24/7 availability for emergency situations, including weather-related and public health crises.

·       Maintains positive labor relations by collaborating with union representatives and addressing workforce concerns.

·       Ensures transparent, data-informed communication across the agency and with external partners to guide decision-making.

·       Participates in interagency meetings with the EOHHS Secretary and leadership teams to advance shared priorities and strengthen cross-agency partnerships.

·       Serves as the Commonwealth's Mental Health Authority, providing expert guidance and acting as a public resource on mental wellness, prevention, and early intervention.

·       Engages the public and elevates mental health awareness through outreach, education, and partnerships that reduce stigma and promote a culture of mental wellness across the Commonwealth.

Preferred Qualifications:

·       Minimum of fifteen (15) years overseeing strategic operations in health services. Preference for candidates with both public and private sector experience to bring a broad perspective to system leadership.

·       Demonstrated leadership experience in managing large, complex organizations and overseeing multi-faceted projects with statewide or cross-agency impact.

·       Proven ability to develop and implement statewide policies, regulations, or legislative initiatives related to mental health or behavioral health.

·       Deep knowledge of mental health systems, including community-based care, inpatient facilities, licensing, and regulatory frameworks.

·       Strong fiscal management skills, including oversight of multi-million dollar budgets and federal funding streams.

·       Experience fostering workforce development initiatives, including training, professional growth, and strategies to strengthen recruitment and retention.

·       Background in advancing equity, diversity, and culturally competent care within health or human services organizations.

·       Track record of building partnerships with government agencies, legislators, advocacy organizations, and community stakeholders.

·       Capacity to manage large-scale projects from design through implementation, ensuring measurable outcomes and alignment with strategic goals.

·       Ability to respond effectively to crises and urgent public health needs, including 24/7 availability when required.

·       Strong communication skills with the ability to serve as a public spokesperson and represent the agency in high-profile settings.

·       Demonstrated success in labor relations and collaboration with unions to promote positive workforce engagement.

·       Commitment to evidence-based practices, innovation, and continuous improvement in mental health care delivery.

·       Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, data management tools, and relevant project management systems.

DMH Vision and Mission:

The Department of Mental Health (DMH), as the State Mental Health Authority, 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. This critical mission is accomplished by working in partnership with other state agencies, individuals, families, providers, and communities.

Learn more: 

Pre-Hire Process:

A tax & background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Human Resources Division prior to the candidate being hired.

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.

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

For questions regarding this requisition, please contact the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, Human Resources at 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 six (6) years must have been in a managerial capacity.

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

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.

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%25 of the job requirements.  We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.