Chief of Staff - DPU

Who We Are:

The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) seeks to protect, preserve, and enhance Massachusetts' environmental resources and create a clean energy future for all residents. Through the stewardship of open spaces, the protection of environmental resources, and the advancement of clean energy, EEA works tirelessly to make Massachusetts a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family. Our commitment to environmental justice ensures that every resident, regardless of background or location, can live in a safe, clean environment and shares equally in the benefits of the clean energy transition.

Who We Are as an Employer:

At EEA, we create meaningful, inclusive opportunities that empower our employees to make a real difference in shaping the environmental future of Massachusetts. We foster a workplace culture where diversity is valued, innovation is encouraged, and collaboration thrives. Our employees play a vital role in advancing sustainability, environmental justice, and clean energy solutions, ensuring a positive and lasting impact on Massachusetts and its residents.

DPU:

The Department of Public Utilities (DPU) is the state agency responsible for overseeing investor-owned electric power, natural gas, and water companies in Massachusetts. It oversees the safety of natural gas pipelines, the MBTA, rideshare companies, and bus companies, among others..

A cover letter referencing the correct position must be submitted as part of the application process and attached as relevant to the requisition.

About the Role

The Department of Public Utilities (DPU) is seeking applicants for the position of Chief of Staff. The Chief of Staff serves as the principal strategic and operational advisor to the Chair of the Commission. This is a high-impact leadership role responsible for driving agency priorities, providing agency-wide leadership, strengthening internal coordination, and leading external engagement across government, industry, and the public.

The Chief of Staff plays a critical role in ensuring the effective execution of the DPU's mission by aligning teams, managing key initiatives, and advising senior leadership on policy, operations, and strategy. The Chief of Staff advises and supports the Chair and other members of Commission in the development, planning and execution of strategic goals and priorities. In addition, the Chief of Staff provides input, coordination, tracking, and work products to bolster the success of initiatives, and steers alignment of key goals across the organization.

Through leadership of a team that includes the Director of Communications and the Director of Intergovernmental Affairs, the Chief of Staff is responsible for managing all external communications and public relations activities, including, but not limited to communications with the press, utility companies, the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency, and EEA. The Chief of Staff will advise the Chair and other Commissioners and the staff on matters of legislative importance. In addition, the Chief of Staff's team serves as the DPU's primary contact with the Massachusetts Legislature and local municipal officials on all energy-related issues and press inquiries, in coordination with the Commission and EEA.

The Chief of Staff works closely with the Chair, Commissioners, General Counsel, division directors, and staff to ensure effective communication, coordination, and execution of the Department's work.



What You'll Do

Strategy & Operational Support

• Advise the Chair and Commissioners on strategic priorities, policy, and operations
  
  
• Drive execution of key initiatives across regulatory, policy, and safety functions
  
  
• Identify and elevate critical issues and identify solutions
  
  

Manage Executive Priorities

• Oversee and coordinate the Chair's agenda
• Manage complex special projects with creativity, tact, and precision
• Prepare briefings and support leadership in high-level meetings and engagements
• Track and ensure progress on agency-wide goals

Oversee External Affairs

• Oversee all correspondence in partnership with the Director of Government Relations & Public Affairs to the Massachusetts Legislature and municipal leaders
• Lead engagement with stakeholders, including utilities, state agencies, and the public
• Represent the DPU in external meetings and forums

Lead Communications & Public Engagement

• Oversee communications strategy in partnership with the Director of Communications
• Oversee press relations, messaging, and public-facing materials
• Ensure the conversion of complex regulatory and energy issues into clear, accessible information.
• Coordinate high-volume, externally driven demands (e.g., press, stakeholders, EEA) with internal priorities, while quickly translating complex utility and regulatory issues into clear, accessible information for diverse audiences.

Executive and Internal Coordination

• Align divisions and improve cross-agency collaboration and efficiency
• Support workforce planning and human resource coordination
• Provide guidance to division directors and staff on priorities and emerging issues
• Coordinate across divisions to ensure alignment and timely execution of priorities

Organizational Leadership

• Provide guidance to division directors and staff to improve coordination and efficiency
• Manage implementation of key operations and technology initiatives
• Support planning related to staffing, budget, and operations
• Assist in evaluating the impact of policies and decisions on the Department and stakeholders

Preferred Experience and Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree / Advanced degree (e.g., JD, MPA, or related field)

• 10+ years of management and leadership experience
• At least 3 years of experience in state government
• Strong understanding of the Massachusetts legislative and budget processes
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills
• Proven ability to manage complex, high-pressure situations

• Experience in energy, utilities regulation, or public policy

Key Skills & Strengths

• Strategic thinking and problem-solving
• Leadership and team management
• Political awareness and stakeholder engagement
• Crisis management and decision-making
• Ability to communicate complex topics clearly and effectively
• Stakeholder engagement and political acumen
• Communication and public affairs expertise

Why This Role Matters

The Chief of Staff plays a pivotal role in advancing Massachusetts' energy and regulatory priorities. You'll work at the center of policy, operations, and public engagement-helping shape decisions that impact residents, businesses, and the Commonwealth's energy future.

Qualifications:
MINIMUM ENTRANCE 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 three (3) years must have been in a managerial capacity.

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.