Senior Director of External Affairs

The Senior Director of External Affairs will serve as a strategic advisor and key liaison within the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS). This critical role, situated at the intersection of government relations and communications, will focus on developing legislative strategies, guiding policy discussions, and ensuring consistent communication across one of the largest and most influential secretariats in Massachusetts. The significance of this role for public health cannot be overstated, as it influences health and human services priorities that affect millions of residents in Massachusetts.

The ideal candidate for this position is an experienced professional who excels in a fast-paced, politically sensitive environment and values public service. This role involves more than managing legislative and communication teams, advising senior leadership, and representing EOHHS in meaningful discussions; it also offers an opportunity to actively influence health policy. The work is diverse and meaningful, from developing policy briefings that inform decision-making at the highest levels of state government to leading public engagement on issues affecting millions of Massachusetts residents. For someone eager to combine strategy, leadership, and relationship-building, this role provides a platform to impact health and human services policy while fostering transparency and trust with the public.

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

• Act as the main link between EOHHS, the Governor’s Office, the Legislature, and local governments on legislative and policy issues.
• Monitor, analyze, and report on legislation, regulations, and budget provisions affecting EOHHS programs and services.
• Coordinate the development and progress of the EOHHS legislative agenda in collaboration with agency leaders and policy teams.
• Prepare, review, and deliver legislative testimony, policy briefings, talking points, and advocacy materials for senior leadership.
• Coordinate meetings and briefings among agency officials, elected representatives, and legislative staff to improve relationships and communication.
• Represent EOHHS at legislative hearings, policy events, and external working groups.
• Oversee and support the Legislative Director in developing and implementing legislative strategy.
• Develop and lead communication strategies that promote EOHHS initiatives and ensure timely responses to emerging issues.
• Oversee preparation of press releases, speeches, op-eds, media advisories, and social media content for consistent public messaging.
• Manage media relations by coordinating responses to press inquiries and preparing leadership for interviews and public appearances.
• Coordinate direct crisis communication planning and response efforts with EOHHS and agency communications staff.
• Supervise and assist the Director of Communications to maintain message consistency across all departments and affiliated agencies.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in public policy, public health, communications, government, political science, or a related field.
• Extensive experience collaborating with or within executive-level government offices or senior public officials.
• Successful track record of leading legislative or communications strategies within a large, complex organization.
• Familiarity with state and federal health and human services programs such as Medicaid, behavioral health, and child welfare.
• Strong background in media relations, including handling high-profile press inquiries and public communications.
• Proven skill in navigating politically sensitive environments and advising senior leadership on complex issues.
• Experience in creating and overseeing crisis communications strategies.
• Proficiency in media monitoring tools, digital content platforms, and stakeholder engagement.
• Proven track record of building effective relationships with legislators, advocacy groups, and community stakeholders.
• Proficient in public speaking, capable of representing an organization during hearings, forums, and large-scale events.
• Experienced in supervising and mentoring senior staff in legislative and communications roles.
• Commitment to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in the workplace.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Planner, and Teams.

About the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS):

The Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) is the largest Secretariat in the Massachusetts state government, comprising 11 agencies and the MassHealth program. With a workforce of more than 23,000 employees, EOHHS is dedicated to promoting the health, resilience, and independence of the nearly one in every three residents we serve. Our programs and services touch every community across the Commonwealth and are designed to strengthen the social safety net, reduce disparities, and ensure equitable access to care and support.

EOHHS works with some of the most underrepresented populations in Massachusetts, including individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities; older adults; people who are blind, Deaf, or hard of hearing; individuals with substance use disorders, mental illness, or co-occurring conditions; refugees and immigrants; system-involved youth; and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. We provide access to medical and behavioral health care, long-term services and supports, substance use treatment, food and nutritional assistance, housing and employment support, and other essential benefits. Our commitment is grounded in advancing health equity, supporting our frontline workforce, and improving the overall well-being of individuals, families, and communities throughout the Commonwealth. To learn more about EOHHS, please visit https://www.mass.gov/orgs/executive-office-of-health-and-human-services

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 an 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 1-800- 510-4122 Ext. #4

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!