General Counsel

The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is seeking an experienced and strategic legal professional to serve as its General Counsel. This leadership role is central to the agency's mission, providing legal advice to the Commissioner and Executive Leadership Team, guiding the development of key policies and management initiatives, and ensuring legal compliance across all operations. The General Counsel also directs the Department's Legal Office, supervises attorneys statewide, oversees the National Criminal Background Check Unit, and drafts legal documents that support DDS's statutory responsibilities and strategic goals.

This is an excellent opportunity for a skilled legal leader to shape policy, drive organizational integrity, and contribute to meaningful work that impacts individuals and communities across Massachusetts. Apply now to be part of a mission driven team.

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

• Confer with the Commissioner and collaborate with DDS managers, clinical staff, legislators, and advocates to develop and implement legal policies aligned with Department goals.
• Advise agency representatives and coordinate with stakeholders to establish appropriate legal frameworks supporting DDS operations.
• Draft, review, and revise Department regulations, contracts, and legal opinions to ensure enforcement capability and legal compliance.
• Represent the Department in major legal proceedings and coordinate litigation strategy with the Attorney General ' s Office to support policy implementation.
• Promote high performance and accountability within the Legal Office by supervising attorneys and guiding professional development.
• Strengthen the Legal Office ' s capacity to deliver responsive legal services to individuals supported by DDS across the Commonwealth.
• Serve as a liaison to the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) and other executive offices to align legal positions and coordinate initiatives.
• Engage with plaintiffs' counsel, parents ' groups, citizen organizations, and advocates to resolve legal issues and promote collaborative understanding.
• Present and explain Department legal positions in public forums to foster transparency and address complex or sensitive topics.
• Lead hiring, promotion, discipline, and oversight of Legal Office staff; supervise the Director of the National Criminal Background Check Unit to ensure compliance and effective operations.

Preferred Qualifications:

• A minimum of 15 years of legal practice, including at least four years in public administration law, is strongly recommended.
• Experience working for or closely with a large, complex organization, preferably a public agency for a minimum of two years, is preferred. This requirement may be waived for candidates who demonstrate exceptional legal expertise, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to lead and integrate legal and policy matters in a multidisciplinary environment.
• Extensive knowledge of public administration law and the ability to interpret and apply legal principles to complex policy issues while balancing legal requirements, public expectations, and operational realities.
• Proven leadership and demonstrated managerial competency in overseeing large legal teams, including supervision of approximately 25 attorneys and 35 paralegals/support staff managing high-volume caseloads.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce clear, persuasive legal documents, policies, and guidance for diverse audiences.
• Experience providing timely, strategic, and practical legal advice to senior leadership across a broad range of topics, including informed consent, contracts, licensing, civil and criminal law, Medicaid regulations, and constitutional/civil rights issues, especially those arising in class action litigation.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively advocate for complex and potentially controversial legal positions in public and high stakes forums.
• Skilled in fostering consensus, resolving conflict, and cultivating collaborative relationships across agencies and stakeholder groups.
• Ability to navigate sensitive legal and policy challenges with discretion, integrity, and a commitment to equitable outcomes.

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

To Apply:

Please upload a cover letter and resume for the General Counsel.

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.

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

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

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) seven (7) years of full-time or, equivalent part-time, professional, administrative, supervisory, or managerial experience in a particular specialty (i.e. scientific, professional, or technical) and must possess current license and/or registration requirements established for the performance of the position, of which (B) at least four (4) years must have been in a managerial capacity.

Pursuant to G.L. ch. 19B, Section 5, the general counsel must be a member in good standing of the Massachusetts bar for not less than six years and during which time he or she was actively engaged in the practice of law.

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.