Deputy Chief of Staff

The Department of Children and Families (DCF) is seeking a highly ambitious, driven professional for the Deputy Chief of Staff role. Reporting directly to the DCF Chief of Staff, this dynamic individual will support the Commissioner’s office in areas including but not limited to strategic planning, program development, operations, legislative issues, community relations, and communications. The successful candidate will have demonstrated the ability to navigate an organization that requires familiarization with complex policies, regulations, and systems. They must be self-motivated, engaged, and a proven and team player who is comfortable as a leader in a large state agency. The Deputy Chief of Staff will be a member of the agency’s senior leadership team and will supervise the Executive Support Manager to ensure the Commissioner’s priorities are met.

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

• Supervise the Executive Support Manager. Engage Executive Support Manager to assist with project management and other duties as needed. Ensure the Executive Support Manager is providing adequate supervision to direct reports. Provide evaluation of the Executive Support Manager.

• Oversee assigned special projects, contribute to operational problem-solving and decision-making, provide support to project teams as directed.

• Assist the Chief of Staff with setting and operationalizing the goals of the Commissioner’s Office, supporting the priorities and strategies of the Office of the Secretary of Health and Human Services, and representing DCF in cross-agency initiatives with the secretariat.

• Prepare written communications and position papers for the Chief of Staff; represent the Chief of Staff as needed.

• Assist managers at DCF Central Office and at DCF field offices in building relationships with internal and external partners and stakeholders at local and state levels.

• Assist the legislative director, communications director, and DCF ombudsman with responsibilities including media and legislative inquiries, special events, and other programming designed to inform and educate the public about the role, policies, and practices of DCF. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• At least five (5) years of full-time, or equivalent part-time professional, administrative, supervisory, or managerial experience in administration or program management in a public or private child welfare setting or other public agency with federal funding relationships.

• Demonstrated leadership success in human services settings, relative to project management, communication, and community relations.

• Demonstrated strong written and oral communication skills.

• Demonstrated ability to interact and communicate with all levels of staff, professional partners/stakeholders, and people with lived expertise.

• Detail-oriented and highly organized with a strong ability to successfully multi-task, manage priorities, and identify and resolve barriers to project completion.

• Experience working in a culture that values diversity, equity, and inclusivity.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook