Director of Administration & Finance Public Health Hospital System

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) is seeking a seasoned and mission-driven leader to serve as Director of Administration & Finance for the Public Health Hospital System (PHHS). In this highly visible role, you will oversee a complex, multi-site healthcare system that includes four Joint Commission accredited hospitals and the State Office of Pharmacy Services, guiding financial and administrative operations that directly support patient care across the Commonwealth. With responsibility for a budget exceeding $300 million and a workforce of approximately 1,550 employees, this position offers the opportunity to shape how public health services are delivered, funded, and sustained in alignment with DPH’s commitment to advancing health equity and improving access to high-quality care.

This role is ideal for a strategic thinker who thrives in a dynamic, mission-oriented environment and is energized by leading large-scale operations that balance fiscal discipline with patient-centered outcomes. You will partner closely with hospital CEOs, executive leadership, and other stakeholders to set financial direction, strengthen internal controls, and drive system-wide improvements in efficiency and effectiveness. From leading enterprise-level fiscal strategy, including electronic health record financial modules, to guiding compliance, audit readiness, and long-range planning, your work will influence both daily operations and the future direction of the PHHS. Candidates who bring strong public sector or healthcare finance experience, along with the ability to translate complex financial data into clear, actionable insight, will find this role both challenging and deeply meaningful.

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

1. · Provide executive financial oversight, ensuring sound fiscal management, accountability, and alignment with statewide public health priorities
2. · Lead development and execution of annual spending plans, maintenance estimates, and legislative budget materials in coordination with DPH leadership
3. · Analyze and monitor financial performance, producing projections and reports to inform executive decision-making and resource allocation
4. · Oversee payroll, accounting, revenue management, and accounts payable to ensure accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with state and federal requirements
5. · Direct contract management functions, including RFR development, vendor evaluation, budget amendments, and oversight of high-risk agreements
6. · Establish and maintain strong internal controls, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, grant requirements, and audit expectations
7. · Lead audit readiness efforts and collaborate with internal and external oversight entities to address findings and strengthen compliance practices
8. · Drive system-wide financial strategy, including cost containment initiatives, capital planning, and development of hospital bed rates in partnership with key stakeholders
9. · Provide executive leadership for EHR fiscal modules, including strategy development, prioritization, and change management across the hospital system
10. · Partner with hospital CEOs and senior leadership to align fiscal strategy with operational goals and ensure effective resource utilization across all sites
11. · Oversee and support a distributed finance team, including hiring, performance management, and development of staff across multiple hospital locations
12. · Develop and implement standardized policies, procedures, and reporting frameworks to improve efficiency, consistency, and transparency across the PHHS

Preferred Qualifications:

1. · Significant leadership experience in healthcare finance, public sector finance, or large-scale organizational financial management
2. · Demonstrated experience managing complex budgets, preferably exceeding $100 million, within a multi-site or system-wide environment
3. · Strong knowledge of state and federal financial regulations, including grant management, compliance requirements, and audit processes
4. · Experience overseeing contract management, procurement processes, and vendor negotiations within a regulated environment
5. · Proven ability to develop and implement financial strategies that improve efficiency, control costs, and support organizational goals
6. · Experience leading or supporting enterprise systems, such as electronic health records (EHR) or financial management systems
7. · Strong analytical skills with the ability to translate complex financial data into clear, actionable insights for executive leadership
8. · Demonstrated experience supervising and developing high-performing teams across multiple locations or functional areas
9. · Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with executive leadership, clinical partners, and external agencies
10. · Proficient with Microsoft Office applications including Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Teams

DPH Mission and Vision:

The mission of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) is to promote and protect health and wellness and prevent injury and illness for all people, prioritizing racial equity in health by improving equitable access to quality public health and health care services and partnering with communities most impacted by health inequities and structural racism.

We envision a Commonwealth with an equitable and just public health system that supports optimal well-being for all people in Massachusetts, centering those with systemically and culturally oppressed identities and circumstances.

Learn more and share a one-pager on DPH and what we do: DPH at a Glance PDF | Doc

Pre-Hire Process:

A tax & background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Human Resources Division prior to the candidate being hired.

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 regarding this requisition, please contact the Executive Office of Health and Human Services Human Resources at 1-800- 510-4122 Ext. #4

Qualifications

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 financial management work (i.e. budgeting, accounting, auditing, management analysis, program evaluation, financial reporting of program results), 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 or higher 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.