Planning & Policy Manager

Overview

The Department of Public Health’s Office of Problem Gambling Services (OPGS), part of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH), is seeking a dynamic Planning and Policy Manager to become an integral part of our mission to promote health equity and tackle issues related to problem gambling. You will play an essential role in developing and implementing programs aimed at addressing problem gambling and its associated challenges. Your responsibilities will include leading strategic planning initiatives and legislative policy, collaborating with senior leaders to identify expansion opportunities, and managing the procurement process for statewide programming to support community-based efforts.

In this role, you will not only contribute to the development of innovative solutions to mitigate the harms of problem gambling but also lead communication and media campaigns to raise public awareness and promote health initiatives. By fostering relationships with key stakeholders and overseeing internal and external communications, you will ensure that our efforts are aligned with our mission and effectively reach communities across the Commonwealth. If you are passionate about public health, policy development, and making a positive impact on communities, we invite you to join us in our commitment to improving health outcomes and promoting equity for all.

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

• Lead strategic planning initiatives and collaborate with senior leadership to identify expansion opportunities for problem gambling services through programs and legislative affairs.
• Manage the procurement process for statewide programming, including developing procurement language and vendor selection.
• Provide day-to-day leadership and supervision to direct reports, conducting annual performance evaluations.
• Develop and implement communication tools and feedback mechanisms to support and motivate the team.
• Foster relationships with new partners and make procurements accessible to smaller organizations.
• Support the development and expansion of community-based pilot programs to mitigate harms associated with gambling.
• Respond to legislative inquiries and media requests, articulating OPGS priorities and needs.
• Manage the contract with the media agency responsible for public awareness campaigns and marketing initiatives.
• Participate in regional and state meetings, and contribute to special management-related projects and committees as needed.

Preferred Qualifications:

Comprehensive understanding of Public Health and human service delivery program models.
Proficiency in program/project management principles and practices, including prioritization, planning, and decision-making.
Familiarity with budgeting, procurement, and government processes to facilitate effective communication with legislators.
Experience in developing and implementing media marketing strategies and public awareness campaigns.
Demonstrated ability to design, implement, and manage community-based human services programs, including communication campaigns.
Understanding of, and commitment to, health and racial equity, diversity, and addressing social determinants of health.
Knowledge of the impact of problem gambling at the community level across various populations that would inform policy and program development for mitigation, from an equity perspective.
Exceptional interpersonal, presentation, and communication skills conducive to effective collaboration with diverse teams.
Strong problem-solving abilities, characterized by innovation, critical thinking, flexibility, and creativity.
Articulate, diplomatic, and professional demeanor with a constructive feedback approach.
Proficient in drafting organizational management materials such as standard operating procedures and procedure manuals.
Proven management, supervisory, writing, fiscal, and communication skills.

About the Department of Public Health:

The mission of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) is to prevent illness, injury, and premature death, to assure access to high-quality public health and health care services, and to promote wellness and health equity for all people in the Commonwealth. We envision a Commonwealth in which all people enjoy optimal health. According to comparative analyses, Massachusetts ranks among the healthiest of states, but we still face numerous challenges, including chronic and infectious diseases, substance abuse, violence, preventable hospitalizations, and health disparities.

More information can be found at: www.mass.gov/DPH

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 before the candidate is hired.

Education, licensure, and certifications will be verified by 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 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

 

Qualifications

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Applicants must have at least (A) five (5) years of full-time or, equivalent part-time, professional, professional internship, administrative, supervisory, or managerial experience in business administration, business management, public administration, public management, clinical administration or clinical management or (B) 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 experience.

II. A Bachelor’s degree in a related field may be substituted for two (2) years of the required experience.

III. A Graduate degree in a related field may be substituted for three (3) years of the required experience.

IV. A Doctorate degree in a related field may be substituted for four (4) years of the required experience.

 

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.

 

Official Title: Program Manager V

Primary Location: United States-Massachusetts-Boston-250 Washington Street

Job: Administrative Services

Agency: Department of Public Health

Schedule: Full-time

Shift: Day

Posting Date: May 15, 2024

Number of Openings: 1

Salary: 81,826.77 – 125,924.13 Yearly

If you have Diversity, Affirmative Action or Equal Employment Opportunity questions or need a Reasonable Accommodation, please contact Diversity Officer / ADA Coordinator: Luciana Hayner/ Luciana.M.Hayner@mass.gov – 8573981891

Bargaining Unit: M99-Managers (EXE)

Confidential: No

Potentially Eligible for a Hybrid Work Schedule: Yes