Director of Homeless Youth Services

The Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS), through the Office of Children, Youth and Families, is seeking a Director of Homeless Youth Services to lead a statewide effort focused on making the experiences of youth and young adult homelessness rare, brief, and non-recurring. This is an essential leadership role for a mission-driven professional who is passionate about advancing equity, strengthening systems, and improving outcomes for some of the Commonwealth’s most marginalized young people. The Director will guide the vision and execution of Massachusetts’ strategy to end youth homelessness, working at the intersection of policy, practice, and partnership to create a coordinated, data-informed response that reaches communities across the state.

This role offers the opportunity to shape and influence a complex, multi-agency system while working closely with providers, state partners, and young people with lived experience. The Director will oversee a statewide network of programs, drive strategic planning tied to the State Plan to End Youth Homelessness, and work to align resources, funding decisions, and best practices to meet evolving needs. Success in this role requires a balance of strategic leadership and hands-on collaboration, with a strong focus on accountability, continuous improvement, and authentic youth engagement. It is well suited for a leader who brings deep knowledge of housing and homelessness systems, strong fiscal and program management experience, and the ability to navigate complex challenges with clarity, empathy, and purpose.

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

·       Provide strategic, programmatic, and fiscal oversight of statewide homeless youth programs that delivers quality services and a coordinated, effective response across the Commonwealth.

·       Lead the implementation and ongoing evolution of the State Plan to End Youth Homelessness, including strategic planning, data analysis, and performance monitoring.

·       Manage and strengthen a statewide network of homeless youth service providers, including regional lead agencies and subcontractors, to promote alignment with contractual expectations, the goals of the Administration, and best practices.

·       Manage all fiscal operations, including but not limited to, budget submissions, budget monitoring, review and payment of invoices, development and implementation of procurements, approval and processing of fiscal requests and budget amendments, development and execution of contracts, and fiscal reporting.   

·       Guide funding strategies and budget decisions in partnership with leadership, with a focus on allocating resources effectively to support program goals and system-wide impact.

·       Collaborate with internal and external partners across agencies to advance a comprehensive, interagency approach to addressing youth homelessness and housing instability.

·       Establish and oversee data reporting, evaluation, and continuous improvement processes to measure outcomes and inform policy and programmatic decisions.

·       Promote and support the integration of best and emerging practices across the provider network to enhance service delivery and outcomes for youth and young adults.

·       Authentically engage young people with lived experience, creating opportunities for them to shape policies, programs, and system improvements.

·       Support the Massachusetts Special Commission on Unaccompanied Youth, including meeting management, stakeholder engagement, and follow-up activities.

·       Support broader Office of Children, Youth and Families operational priorities and initiatives as directed, contributing to overall organizational effectiveness.

Preferred Qualifications:

·       Demonstrated leadership experience managing statewide or multi-site human services, housing, or homelessness programs.

·       Deep knowledge of youth homelessness, housing instability, and related systems in Massachusetts, including familiarity with state and community-based service providers.

·       Strong background in strategic planning and implementation, with the ability to translate policy into actionable, measurable initiatives.

·       Experience overseeing program budgets, contracts, and funding allocations, including vendor management and fiscal decision-making.

·       Proven ability to lead cross-agency collaboration and build effective partnerships across government, nonprofit, and community stakeholders.

·       Experience using data and performance metrics to drive decision-making, evaluate program effectiveness, and support continuous improvement.

·       Demonstrated commitment to equity, including experience advancing culturally responsive and inclusive practices in service delivery.

·       Experience engaging individuals with lived experience in program design, policy development, or advisory capacities.

·       Strong communication and facilitation skills, including experience leading large stakeholder groups, commissions, or public-facing initiatives.

·       Strong written communication skills with careful attention to accuracy and detail in proofreading.

·       Strong attention to detail in administrative functions, including contracts and financial processes, with a consistent focus on accuracy, thorough review, and careful verification of work.

·       Ability to navigate complex and sensitive environments with sound judgment, resilience, and a solutions-oriented approach.

·       Residency in Massachusetts and possession of a valid driver’s license.

·       Proficient with Microsoft Office applications including Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Teams.

About The Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS):

The Executive Office of Health and Human Services works with many of Massachusetts’ most vulnerable residents. We support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities; older adults; blind, Deaf, and hard of hearing residents; those struggling with substance use disorders, mental illness, or co-occurring illness; refugees and immigrants; system-involved youth; survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and human trafficking; and so many more people throughout the Commonwealth.

Our 23,000 employees work hard to decrease health disparities, build a strong social safety net, fight hunger and food insecurity, address social determinants of health, support our workforce, and increase the accessibility and affordability of care. We provide access to medical and behavioral health care, substance use disorder treatment, long term services and supports, and countless nutritional and financial benefits. We connect older adults and individuals with disabilities with employment opportunities, housing, and supportive services.

All told, EOHHS services and supports impact every single Massachusetts resident – and our agencies and programs directly serve 1 in every 3 residents.

Learn more about the State Plan to End Youth Homelessness


Pre-Hire Process:

A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visit http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori.

Education, licensure and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines. Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth’s website.

ADA Reasonable Accommodation:

If you require a reasonable accommodation with the application/interview process, please contact us at: EOHHS Candidate ADA Requests

For questions about this requisition, please contact Employment and Staffing Customer Service at 1-800-510-4122, option 4.

Questions or issues regarding access/login credentials to MassCareers, please contact the Mass HR ESC at 617-979-8500.

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Applicants must have at least (A) five (5) 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 one (1) year 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.

Salary placement is determined by a combination of factors, including the candidate’s years of directly related experience and education, and alignment with our internal compensation structure as set forth by the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines. For all bargaining unit positions (non-management), compensation is subject to the salary provisions outlined in the applicable collective bargaining agreement and will apply to placement within the appropriate salary range.

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.

Salary : $92,645 - $142,611