The Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development (EOLWD)’s Department of Economic Research (DER) is seeking a Director of Strategy and Engagement who will spearhead efforts to manage and enhance relationships with key stakeholders and oversee the creation and dissemination of impactful content. Additionally, this position will be a strategic leader within the department, working closely with the DER Director and division leads to develop, evaluate, and continuously update strategic plans that achieve departmental goals and support the broader economic equity goals of state government. This is a critical leadership position within the department who will report directly to the Director of the Department Economic Research and offers the opportunity to shape the future of economic research and workforce development in Massachusetts. The ideal candidate for the Director of Strategy and Engagement position at DER will be an innovative and collaborative leader with a passion for using data to drive positive change. They will possess exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to translate complex research into compelling narratives for diverse audiences. A proven track record in strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and a deep understanding of workforce development issues are essential. This candidate will have a commitment to equity and inclusion, always striving to spotlight the contributions of marginalized groups within the Massachusetts economy. If you are a strategic thinker with a passion for government service, engagement, and innovation, we invite you to apply and join the DER team in driving meaningful change in the Massachusetts economy. Responsibilities Include: 1.Stakeholder Relationship Management · Spearheading efforts to build and strengthen relationships with key stakeholders (potential stakeholders could include policymakers, other government agencies, industry groups, educational institutions, etc.). · Identifying and engaging with new partners to expand the reach and impact of DER's work. · Serving as a key point of contact and representing DER externally. 2. Content Strategy & Dissemination · Overseeing the creation of high-impact content using DER's research and data. · Developing a comprehensive content strategy that includes a range of formats (reports, data visualizations, social media posts, etc.) · Ensuring content is accessible, engaging, and tailored to diverse audiences. · Managing distribution channels to maximize reach and impact. 3. Strategic Planning & Leadership · Collaborating with the DER Director and division leads on strategic planning for the department. · Leading the development, evaluation, and refinement of departmental goals and plans. · Providing strategic guidance on projects and initiatives within DER. * 4. Equity & Inclusion* · Championing equity and inclusion principles throughout DER's work. · Actively seeking ways to highlight and address economic disparities. · Ensuring content and outreach efforts reflect a commitment to serving all communities within Massachusetts. 5. Other Duties as assigned Knowledge, Skills and Abilities · Excellent Communication Skills: Adept at articulating complex economic and strategic insights in a manner that is accessible and engaging to varied audiences, including policymakers, industry leaders, and the public. · Strategic Advisory Capacity: Proven ability in advising senior management and executive leaders on strategic direction, policy formulation, and enhancing organizational performance. · State Government Engagement: Extensive experience in navigating the complexities of state government operations, with a particular emphasis on partnerships related to employment and labor market developments. · Modern Management Techniques: A deep understanding of modern management theories and practices, including strategic planning, organizational behavior, leadership techniques, and effective decision-making processes. · Familiarity with Massachusetts Workforce Programs: In-depth knowledge of Massachusetts workforce development initiatives, including, but not limited, to career services, unemployment insurance, and paid family leave programs. · Continuous Improvement and Innovation: A commitment to continuous process improvement, leveraging data, feedback, and technological advancements to foster innovation and adaptability in departmental operations. · Mentorship and Employee Development: A strong passion for mentoring and developing staff, promoting a culture of continuous learning, professional growth, and advancement opportunities within the department. · Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills: Superior analytical abilities and problem-solving skills, with a knack for identifying trends, challenges, and opportunities in the labor market to inform strategic planning and policy development. · Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access Champion: Demonstrated commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within the workplace, ensuring policies and practices reflect the department's values and community needs. · Project Management:Strong project management and organizational skills to handle multiple and sometimes competing priorities to deliver high-quality work on tight timelines. · Collaboration Tools:Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite and experience in collaborating using tools like Teams, SharePoint, Excel, PowerPoint. · Public Service Orientation:Passion for public service and improving labor market outcomes through data-driven insights. /Note on Preferred Qualifications: The Department of Economic Research is committed to hiring individuals that are public service driven and help provide a diversity of perspectives and insights into the state of the economy in Massachusetts. We encourage capable, mission motivated applicants to apply even if they don’t meet 100% of the above qualifications. Many of the knowledge, skills, and abilities above can be substituted with experience and/or taught through on-the-job training with DER experts./ About the Department of Economic Research The Department of Economic Research has a public sector mandate to collect, refine, and dispense labor market information that provides timely and accurate insights into the current, past, and future states of the Massachusetts economy. In addition to DER’s foundational workforce data collection efforts, the department also seeks to support the program and policy needs of the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development through agile and actionable economic briefing materials, stellar analysis, and timely research. Throughout DER’s economic data collection, analysis, and dissemination processes, the department remains committed to increasing accessibility and inclusivity – bringing to light equity disparities in the workforce based on gender, race, ethnicity, and ability, among others aspects, while also highlighting the importance of the contributions many traditionally marginalized groups make to the success of the Massachusetts economy. The DER team also promotes the use of Massachusetts labor market information on such topics as the role and impact of emerging technologies, changes in the structure of the workplace, and the cost of living relative to the availability of employment opportunities in geographic areas. The economic information produced by DER is utilized by government figures and organizations to inform policymaking, but also within academia, large and small businesses, advocacy groups, as well as individuals seeking career advancement. The DER is currently expanding its research and analytics capabilities to meet the increased demands for timely, high-quality insights into the state of the Massachusetts economy. About the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development * The mission of the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development (EOLWD) is to create, operate and oversee effective and innovative statewide services to: protect worker rights, health, safety, wages and working conditions; insure against job-related injury; provide individuals and families with economic stability following job loss or injury and illness; level the playing field for responsible employers; develop a pipeline of skilled workers for current, emerging and future employers; and, maintain labor harmony between employees, employers, and labor unions. EOLWD oversees the Departments of Economic Research, Unemployment Assistance, Career Services, Labor Standards, Industrial Accidents, Labor Relations, Family and Medical Leave, as well as the Division of Apprentice Standards, Council on the Underground Economy, and the quasi-public agency, the Commonwealth Corporation. MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must have at least (A) six (6) 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 two (2) years must have been in a project management, supervisory or managerial capacity or (C) 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 (A) experience. II. A Bachelor's degree in a related field may be substituted for two (2) years of the required (A) experience. III. A Graduate degree in a related field may be substituted for three (3) years of the required (A) experience. IV. A Doctorate degree in a related field may be substituted for four (4) years of the required (A) 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. *Job: Unclassified *Organization: Department of Workforce Development *Title: *Director of Strategy and Engagement, Department of Economic Research * Location: *Massachusetts-Boston-100 Cambridge Street Requisition ID: 240003TF