Area Director

The Department of Mental Health (DMH) is seeking a dynamic and strategic leader to serve as Area Director for the Northeast region—an essential executive role responsible for shaping and overseeing a comprehensive system of community-based behavioral health services. In this position, you will lead both clinical and administrative operations across a diverse network of state-operated and contracted programs, ensuring that individuals and families receive timely, high-quality, and culturally responsive care. As a key member of the senior leadership team, you will drive regional strategy, oversee a large-scale service continuum supporting over 5,000 individuals, and manage significant fiscal and human resources, all while advancing DMH’s mission of recovery, equity, and community integration.

You will play a highly visible leadership role, building strong partnerships with community organizations, healthcare providers, municipalities, and state agencies to expand access and improve outcomes across the region. This role works very collaboratively with other Area Directors to drive innovative, quality service delivery. Ideal candidates will bring a strong blend of executive leadership, clinical or administrative expertise, and a passion for public service, along with the ability to navigate complex systems, manage competing priorities, and lead large, multidisciplinary teams in a mission-driven environment.

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

·       Provide executive leadership for a comprehensive continuum of state-operated and contracted behavioral health services, ensuring high-quality, person-centered care across the region.

·       Develop and implement plans that drive service delivery, program innovation, performance improvement, and risk management initiatives.

·       Oversee the full scope of clinical and administrative operations, including site offices, residential programs, and community-based services.

·       Manage and allocate significant financial resources, including budget development, fiscal oversight, and alignment of funding with service priorities.

·       Direct contract procurement, negotiation, and management, ensuring compliance with regulatory, licensing, and performance standards.

·       Lead and support a large, multidisciplinary workforce, including senior leadership staff, while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and professional growth.

·       Ensure quality management and service utilization processes are in place to monitor outcomes and continuously improve service delivery.

·       Build and maintain strategic partnerships with community organizations, municipalities, healthcare providers, and state agencies to enhance service integration and access.

·       Represent the organization in public, legislative, and stakeholder forums, addressing community needs and advancing agency priorities.

·       Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion by embedding equitable practices across workforce development, service delivery, community engagement, and organizational culture.

Preferred Qualifications:

·       Senior-level leadership experience in behavioral health, human services, or related systems of care.

·       Strong clinical knowledge of behavioral health service delivery, program development, and community-based models.

·       Deep understanding of the Massachusetts public mental health system or other public mental health system, including regulatory, policy, and accreditation requirements.

·       Demonstrated success managing large-scale operations, including complex budgets, contracts, and personnel.

·       Proven ability to lead strategic planning efforts and implement system-wide improvements

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