Chief of Staff - DPU

About Us

The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) is dedicated to protecting, preserving, and enhancing Massachusetts’ environmental resources and creating a clean energy future. We strive to make Massachusetts a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family through stewardship of open spaces, environmental resource protection, and the advancement of clean energy. Our commitment to environmental justice ensures equitable access to clean environments and clean energy benefits for all residents. We foster a workplace culture where diversity is valued, innovation is encouraged, and collaboration thrives. Our employees make a real difference in shaping the environmental future of Massachusetts. About the Department of Public Utilities (DPU): The DPU is the state agency responsible for overseeing investor-owned electric power, natural gas, and water companies in Massachusetts. It also oversees the safety of natural gas pipelines, the MBTA, rideshare companies, and bus companies. 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. This is a high-impact leadership role serving as the principal strategic and operational advisor to the Chair of the Commission. You will be 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. You will advise and support the Chair and other Commissioners in the development, planning, and execution of strategic goals and priorities. You will also provide input, coordination, tracking, and work products to bolster the success of initiatives and steer alignment of key goals across the organization. Through leadership of a team including the Director of Communications and the Director of Intergovernmental Affairs, you will manage all external communications and public relations activities. This includes communications with the press, utility companies, the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency, and EEA. You will advise the Chair and other Commissioners and staff on matters of legislative importance and serve as the DPU’s primary contact with the Massachusetts Legislature and local municipal officials on energy-related issues and press inquiries. This role requires close collaboration 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 propose 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. 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. Key skills/competency

• Chief of Staff
• Public Policy
• Government Relations
• Strategic Planning
• Operational Management
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Crisis Management
• Communications Strategy
• Leadership
• Regulatory Affairs