The Developmental Disabilities Services Division (DDSD) is seeking an innovative and visionary leader to help shape the future of services and supports for Vermonters with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

This is a high-impact leadership opportunity for a strategic thinker who thrives in complex environments, excels at building partnerships, and is passionate about advancing equitable, person-centered systems of care. In this role, you will influence statewide policy, lead transformative initiatives, and collaborate across government, providers, and community stakeholders to improve outcomes for individuals and families across Vermont.

What You'll Do
As Director of Policy & Strategic Initiatives, you will serve as a key leader within DDSD, guiding critical policy and operational priorities that directly impact statewide developmental disability services. You will also:

• Lead major policy, strategic planning, and systems improvement initiatives for DDSD programs.
• Provide oversight and direction for program operations and financial monitoring in partnership with the DAIL Business Office.
• Drive implementation of state and federal mandates while ensuring ongoing regulatory compliance.
• Lead complex, cross-functional projects from concept through execution - aligning teams, resources, timelines, and measurable outcomes.
• Develop policy proposals, contracts, grants, and interagency agreements that advance Division priorities and innovation.
• Monitor emerging trends in Medicaid, Home-and-Community-Based Services (HCBS), behavioral health, and human services to inform forward-thinking strategies.
• Identify unmet needs and design creative, sustainable solutions that improve access, equity, and quality of care.
• Collaborate closely with agency leadership, legislators, providers, advocates, and community partners to shape policy and legislative priorities.
• Prepare executive briefings, strategic reports, presentations, and communications for leadership and stakeholders.
• Navigate and manage communications surrounding high-profile, sensitive, and complex initiatives with professionalism and diplomacy.

Who You Are
You are a collaborative and mission-driven leader with a deep understanding of public policy, health and human services, and systems-level change. You bring strong strategic instincts, exceptional communication skills, and the ability to lead through complexity with confidence and clarity.

Successful candidates will bring:

• Expertise in Medicaid policy, developmental disabilities services, HCBS, or related human services systems.
• Experience leading strategic initiatives, policy development, or large-scale operational projects.
• Strong relationship-building and stakeholder engagement skills.
• The ability to analyze complex issues and translate them into actionable solutions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including executive-level reporting and presentations.
• A commitment to innovation, inclusion, and improving outcomes for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Why This Role Matters
This position offers a unique opportunity to influence statewide systems, advance meaningful policy change, and help build a more responsive, equitable, and innovative future for developmental disabilities services in Vermont.
If you are a strategic leader who is energized by public service, collaboration, and mission-driven work, we encourage you to apply.

Who May Apply

This position, DAIL Policy & Special Initiatives Director (Job Requisition #55177), is open to all State employees and external applicants.

If you would like more information about this position, please contact Jennifer.Garabedian@vermont.gov

Resumes will not be accepted via e-mail. You must apply online to be considered.

Please note that multiple positions in the same work location may be filled from this job posting.

Environmental Factors

Duties are performed in a standard office setting. Limited state travel may be involved for which private means of transportation may be required. Quick deadlines for important reports and need for sensitive communication under challenging and difficult situations may be required. Interacts and communicates directly with senior Division and Department leaders, state administrators, staff, and constituents under stressful conditions. Must manage many complex administrative and policy related issues at once, including intense interactions with a variety of constituents and deadline pressures. Responsibility for oversight of complex payment model and ensuring maintenance of Medicaid compliance of Developmental Disabilities Services programs. Supervision responsibilities for staff operating under similar pressures for communication, deadlines and the management of sensitive information is a component of the environment.

Minimum Qualifications

Master's Degree AND three (3) years of experience, at least some of which was at an executive level, in public policy, legislative process, communications, or governmental relations.

OR

Bachelor's Degree AND five (5) years of experience, at least some of which was at an executive level, in public policy, legislative process, communications, or governmental relations.

OR

Seven (7) years of experience, at least some of which was at an executive level, in public policy, legislative process, communications, or governmental relations.

Preferred Qualifications

Special Requirements

Candidates must pass any level of background investigation applicable to the position. In accordance with AHS Policy 4.02, Hiring Standards, Vermont and/or national criminal record checks, as well as DMV and adult and child abuse registry checks, as appropriate to the position under recruitment, will be conducted on candidates, with the exception of those who are current classified state employees seeking transfer, promotion or demotion into an AHS classified position or are persons exercising re-employment (RIF) rights.

Total Compensation

As a State employee you are offered a great career opportunity, but it's more than a paycheck. The State's total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits that are worth about 30% of your total compensation, including:

• 80% State paid medical premium
• Dental Plan at no cost for employees and their families
• Flexible Spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts
• Two ways to save for your retirement: A State defined benefit pension plan and a deferred compensation 457(b) plan
• Work/Life balance: 11 paid holidays each year and a generous leave plan; many jobs also allow for a flexible schedule
• Low cost group life insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Incentive-based Wellness Program
• Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

Want the specifics? Explore the Benefits of State Employment on our website.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of Vermont celebrates diversity, and is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect and meaningful inclusion that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The State does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, membership in an employee organization, family medical history or genetic information, or family or parental status. The State’s employment decisions are merit-based. Retaliatory adverse employment actions by the State are forbidden.