Bureau Director, Public Health Hospitals

Commonwealth of Massachusetts • Boston, MA

2d

About The Position

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) Public Health Hospital System (PHHS) is seeking a dynamic administrator to provide executive leadership for a unique network of four state-operated hospitals that serve some of the Commonwealth’s most vulnerable populations. Working closely with senior leadership at DPH and the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS), the Bureau Director, Public Health Hospital System guides strategy, operations, and policy across a system that includes Lemuel Shattuck Hospital, Tewksbury Hospital, Pappas Rehabilitation Hospital for Children, and Western Massachusetts Hospital. Reporting to the DPH Deputy Commissioner of Public Hospitals, the Director works with the hospital leadership teams to deliver high-quality, cost-effective care while advancing the Commonwealth’s safety-net mission for patients with complex medical, social, and behavioral health needs.
In this highly visible leadership role, the Bureau Director will help shape the future of a statewide hospital system by strengthening cross-campus collaboration, advancing operational and infrastructure improvements, and ensuring compliance with accreditation and regulatory standards such as those of The Joint Commission. The Director will partner with hospital CEOs and senior leadership to drive systemwide strategy, support major facility and technology initiatives, and sustain strong partnerships with state agencies that rely on the hospitals’ specialized services. This position offers an opportunity to influence healthcare delivery across Massachusetts while delivering critical hospital programs that are responsive, resilient, and aligned with the evolving needs of the populations they serve.
The Director oversees hospital operations that treat an average daily census of 695 inpatients and 32,206 outpatients annually. The hospitals also house other programs on their campuses that provide services to over 7,000 clients, guests and supported individuals. The Director works in close partnership with these programs, such as the Department of Mental Health (DMH), to ensure one hospital approach at Shattuck and Tewksbury as well as coordination of policies and procedures across DPH and DMH inpatient care as appropriate.

Requirements

• Applicants must have at least (A) seven (7) years of full-time or, equivalent part-time, professional, administrative, supervisory, or managerial experience in business administration, business management, public administration, public management, clinical administration or clinical management of which (B) at least four (4) years must have been in a managerial capacity.

Nice To Haves

• Extensive healthcare delivery leadership experience, including senior-level oversight within complex health systems; enterprise leadership across multiple hospitals strongly preferred.
• Experience working within state government or public sector environments.
• Comprehensive knowledge of healthcare operations, including planning, organizing, directing, and strategic decision-making in healthcare delivery systems.
• Knowledge of supervisory principles and practices, including leading and guiding executive-level leaders and multidisciplinary teams.
• Understanding of quality improvement methodologies and regulatory standards, including The Joint Commission (TJC) requirements.
• Knowledge of labor relations and experience working within a bargaining unit environment.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills with the ability to address complex challenges and implement practical solutions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to collaborate across diverse teams and build effective partnerships with agencies such as EOHHS, Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM), and Massachusetts Department of Correction (MADOC).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools including Excel and PowerPoint.

Responsibilities

• Provide executive oversight and strategic guidance to the Chief Executive Officers of the four Public Health Hospitals, ensuring effective hospital operations, program performance, and implementation of improvement and risk mitigation initiatives.
• Lead systemwide coordination of hospital operations, supporting initiatives that enhance efficiency, quality of care, and alignment with the mission and objectives of the Public Health Hospital System.
• Serve as the primary liaison for centralized operational services including human resources, labor relations, facilities management, information technology, and capital assets, advocating for appropriate resources and support.
• Coordinate labor relations matters across the hospital system, including contract recommendations, bargaining unit considerations, and collaboration with state human resources partners.
• Oversee development and implementation of scalable operational infrastructure, including cross-campus staffing strategies, scheduling systems, and optimization of electronic scheduling and operational software applications.
• Ensure hospital compliance with quality, utilization, risk management, and accreditation standards, including those established by relevant regulatory and accrediting bodies, while coordinating with legal and privacy offices as necessary.
• Provide leadership to the hospital system’s governing body functions, supporting accountability, regulatory compliance, and oversight of clinical quality, infection prevention, and related governance activities.
• Direct the development and implementation of policies, operational improvements, and change management initiatives to support systemwide efficiency, standardization, and alignment with departmental priorities.
• Partner with DPH executive leadership to advance strategic priorities, conduct systemwide operational and policy analysis, and guide long-term planning to maintain stable and effective clinical and operational staffing.
• Represent the hospital system in interagency collaboration and strategic initiatives, strengthening partnerships and advancing coordinated service delivery across state agencies and healthcare partners.

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.
• Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees