Chief of Department Jobs
Chief of Department jobs are open across public safety, emergency services, healthcare, and municipal government, from mid-level supervisory roles to executive leadership, with specializations in fire services, emergency medical services, and corrections management. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 12+ Chief of Department jobs
Who We Are:
The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) seeks to protect, preserve, and enhance Massachusetts’ environmental resources and create a clean energy future for all residents. Through the stewardship of open spaces, the protection of environmental resources, and the advancement of clean energy, EEA works tirelessly to make Massachusetts a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family. Our commitment to environmental justice ensures that every resident, regardless of background or location, can live in a safe, clean environment and shares equally in the benefits of the clean energy transition.
Who We Are as an Employer:
At EEA, we create meaningful, inclusive opportunities that empower our employees to make a real difference in shaping the environmental future of Massachusetts. We foster a workplace culture where diversity is valued, innovation is encouraged, and collaboration thrives. Our employees play a vital role in advancing sustainability, environmental justice, and clean energy solutions, ensuring a positive and lasting impact on Massachusetts and its residents.
Position Description:
The mission of the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) is to cultivate a robust and equitable agricultural economy, promote a safe and resilient food system, and preserve a healthy environment for Massachusetts farmers, animals, and consumers.
MDAR is seeking an experienced and collaborative Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to join MDAR's leadership team. The CFO reports directly to the Commissioner of MDAR, providing the leadership, management, and vision necessary to ensure the Department has the proper operational controls, administrative and reporting procedures, financial strength, and operating efficiency. The CFO accomplishes this through a respectful, constructive, and energetic style, guided by the objectives of MDAR.
The CFO position includes financial management including policy, planning, analysis, and problem solving. The CFO approves budget decisions to ensure that the department can carry out its statutory mission. The CFO provides fiscal oversight of payroll, procurement, contract management, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and federal grants. The CFO works closely with Division Directors on all projects to ensure that they are implemented in a way that identifies success and is within the legal and budgetary framework of state operations.
The CFO oversees fiscal operations of MDAR and its staff of 105 employees, along with its sub-agency, the State Reclamation Board (SRB), with 103.7 employees.
Responsibilities Include:
Oversight of daily finance and administrative business operations of MDAR and the SRB.
Oversee a direct staff of five (5) and an additional (4) indirect reports in the Finance Office. Oversight of staff includes hiring, daily supervision, and employee evaluation. Functional areas overseen include budgeting, federal grants, payroll, revenue, accounts payable and receivables, purchasing, ISA’s, encumbrances, fleet management, IT, system security access, and physical space management (within the hybrid work environment). Provide indirect fiscal guidance to all MDAR and SRB staff through daily problem analysis and resolution.
Develop and approve all agency budget submissions including the Annual Maintenance budget and Spending Plans. Oversee the preparation for the Joint Ways and Means Committee Hearing and ensure that the Commissioner is prepared to present budget testimony. Ensure that all financial matters are compliant with the State’s financial policies, rules and laws and the Department’s goals and objectives, and has obtained all necessary approvals from EEA. Review and approve all budget requests by the Department’s Divisions to ensure that the budget requests will enable the Department to carry out its statutory mission. Meets with Commissioner, Assistant Commissioner, Chief of Staff, and Division Directors on budgetary issues and to ensure that final budget requests will enable the Department to carry out its statutory mission. Serve as liaison to multiple agencies including the Secretariat, ANF, OSD, OSC, State Auditors, Treasury and DOR.
Work with the Commissioner’s Office and Division Directors on HR matters including hiring plans, job postings, employee reclassifications, EPRS compliance, etc. and to ensure that the Department is in full compliance with HRD regulations. Work closely with Secretariat HR on special projects or to resolve any payroll issues. Schedule meetings with managers to provide face-to-face communication and opportunity for discussion of issues relating to resource allocation, staffing and budget.
Primary departmental point of contact on all IT issues. Vet all proposed departmental IT procurements and move those procurement requests through the system. IT issues range from email, cellphones, hardware and software procurements, IT projects, etc. Primary departmental contact with staff, external agencies, and vendors.
Preferred Qualifications:
Ability to develop and administer multiple department budgets and spending plans
Knowledge of the state budget process
Knowledge of state finance law and accounting procedures, state procurement and contractual agreements
Ability to understand, explain and apply the laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, specifications, standards, and guidelines governing assigned activities
Knowledge of the principles and practices of contract law
Knowledge of terminology, codes, symbols, and standard abbreviations used in contracts
Knowledge of the methods of general report writing
Ability to prepare and analyze financial information, draw conclusions, and make appropriate recommendations
Ability to manage an office, oversee daily operations, supervise staff
Knowledge of human resource management and organizational development
Ability to hire and evaluate staff performance
Ability to lead and deal tactfully with others and maintain harmonious working relationships
Strong written and oral communication skills
Ability to handle multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and work independently
Ability to adjust to changing or varied work situations to meet emergency or changing legislation or program requirements
Ability to solve complex problems
Ability to develop and implement policies and procedures
Experience utilizing Microsoft applications including Access, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook
Ability to work with Commonwealth systems including Mosaic, CIW, MBA, and Platform
Exhibits a high level of attention to detail
Ability to utilize Adobe Acrobat Pro to create and modify documents
Ability to multi-task and work quickly and accurately
Qualifications
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!
Primary Location
: United States-Massachusetts-Boston-100 Cambridge StreetJob
: Accounting and FinanceAgency
: Department of Agricultural ResourcesSchedule
: Full-timeShift
: DayJob Posting
: Nov 6, 2026, 1:14:59 PMNumber of Openings
: 1Salary
: 102,855.80 - 158,640.55 YearlyWho We Are:
The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) seeks to protect, preserve, and enhance Massachusetts’ environmental resources and create a clean energy future for all residents. Through the stewardship of open spaces, the protection of environmental resources, and the advancement of clean energy, EEA works tirelessly to make Massachusetts a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family. Our commitment to environmental justice ensures that every resident, regardless of background or location, can live in a safe, clean environment and shares equally in the benefits of the clean energy transition.
Who We Are as an Employer:
At EEA, we create meaningful, inclusive opportunities that empower our employees to make a real difference in shaping the environmental future of Massachusetts. We foster a workplace culture where diversity is valued, innovation is encouraged, and collaboration thrives. Our employees play a vital role in advancing sustainability, environmental justice, and clean energy solutions, ensuring a positive and lasting impact on Massachusetts and its residents.
Position Description:
The mission of the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) is to cultivate a robust and equitable agricultural economy, promote a safe and resilient food system, and preserve a healthy environment for Massachusetts farmers, animals, and consumers.
MDAR is seeking an experienced and collaborative Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to join MDAR's leadership team. The CFO reports directly to the Commissioner of MDAR, providing the leadership, management, and vision necessary to ensure the Department has the proper operational controls, administrative and reporting procedures, financial strength, and operating efficiency. The CFO accomplishes this through a respectful, constructive, and energetic style, guided by the objectives of MDAR.
The CFO position includes financial management including policy, planning, analysis, and problem solving. The CFO approves budget decisions to ensure that the department can carry out its statutory mission. The CFO provides fiscal oversight of payroll, procurement, contract management, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and federal grants. The CFO works closely with Division Directors on all projects to ensure that they are implemented in a way that identifies success and is within the legal and budgetary framework of state operations.
The CFO oversees fiscal operations of MDAR and its staff of 105 employees, along with its sub-agency, the State Reclamation Board (SRB), with 103.7 employees.
Responsibilities Include:
Oversight of daily finance and administrative business operations of MDAR and the SRB.
Oversee a direct staff of five (5) and an additional (4) indirect reports in the Finance Office. Oversight of staff includes hiring, daily supervision, and employee evaluation. Functional areas overseen include budgeting, federal grants, payroll, revenue, accounts payable and receivables, purchasing, ISA’s, encumbrances, fleet management, IT, system security access, and physical space management (within the hybrid work environment). Provide indirect fiscal guidance to all MDAR and SRB staff through daily problem analysis and resolution.
Develop and approve all agency budget submissions including the Annual Maintenance budget and Spending Plans. Oversee the preparation for the Joint Ways and Means Committee Hearing and ensure that the Commissioner is prepared to present budget testimony. Ensure that all financial matters are compliant with the State’s financial policies, rules and laws and the Department’s goals and objectives, and has obtained all necessary approvals from EEA. Review and approve all budget requests by the Department’s Divisions to ensure that the budget requests will enable the Department to carry out its statutory mission. Meets with Commissioner, Assistant Commissioner, Chief of Staff, and Division Directors on budgetary issues and to ensure that final budget requests will enable the Department to carry out its statutory mission. Serve as liaison to multiple agencies including the Secretariat, ANF, OSD, OSC, State Auditors, Treasury and DOR.
Work with the Commissioner’s Office and Division Directors on HR matters including hiring plans, job postings, employee reclassifications, EPRS compliance, etc. and to ensure that the Department is in full compliance with HRD regulations. Work closely with Secretariat HR on special projects or to resolve any payroll issues. Schedule meetings with managers to provide face-to-face communication and opportunity for discussion of issues relating to resource allocation, staffing and budget.
Primary departmental point of contact on all IT issues. Vet all proposed departmental IT procurements and move those procurement requests through the system. IT issues range from email, cellphones, hardware and software procurements, IT projects, etc. Primary departmental contact with staff, external agencies, and vendors.
Preferred Qualifications:
Ability to develop and administer multiple department budgets and spending plans
Knowledge of the state budget process
Knowledge of state finance law and accounting procedures, state procurement and contractual agreements
Ability to understand, explain and apply the laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, specifications, standards, and guidelines governing assigned activities
Knowledge of the principles and practices of contract law
Knowledge of terminology, codes, symbols, and standard abbreviations used in contracts
Knowledge of the methods of general report writing
Ability to prepare and analyze financial information, draw conclusions, and make appropriate recommendations
Ability to manage an office, oversee daily operations, supervise staff
Knowledge of human resource management and organizational development
Ability to hire and evaluate staff performance
Ability to lead and deal tactfully with others and maintain harmonious working relationships
Strong written and oral communication skills
Ability to handle multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and work independently
Ability to adjust to changing or varied work situations to meet emergency or changing legislation or program requirements
Ability to solve complex problems
Ability to develop and implement policies and procedures
Experience utilizing Microsoft applications including Access, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook
Ability to work with Commonwealth systems including Mosaic, CIW, MBA, and Platform
Exhibits a high level of attention to detail
Ability to utilize Adobe Acrobat Pro to create and modify documents
Ability to multi-task and work quickly and accurately
Qualifications
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!
Primary Location
: United States-Massachusetts-Boston-100 Cambridge StreetJob
: Accounting and FinanceAgency
: Department of Agricultural ResourcesSchedule
: Full-timeShift
: DayJob Posting
: Nov 6, 2026, 1:14:59 PMNumber of Openings
: 1Salary
: 102,855.80 - 158,640.55 YearlySee All 12 Chief of Department Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Chief of Department JobsChief of Department Job Market
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services
- Education
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in chief of department jobs.
- Minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership experience in the relevant department or discipline
- Prior service at the deputy chief, division chief, or equivalent executive rank
- Demonstrated experience managing departmental budgets, staffing plans, and capital resources
- Active or eligible certification in the relevant field, such as Fire Officer IV or EMS Director credentials
- Experience developing and implementing department-wide policies, procedures, and strategic plans
- Bachelor's or master's degree in public administration, emergency management, or a related field
Tips for Your Chief of Department Job Search
Tailor your resume to command scope
Chief of department roles require evidence of commanding large units, managing budgets, and directing policy. Quantify the size of teams you've led and the scale of operations you've overseen, not just your job duties.
Highlight cross-agency coordination experience
Hiring panels for chief of department positions prioritize candidates who've worked across agencies or jurisdictions. If you've coordinated mutual aid, interagency responses, or city-county operations, make that visible near the top of your resume.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists chief of department openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Target postings that match your rank path
Many chief of department postings require applicants to have held a specific prior rank, such as deputy chief or division commander. Read eligibility requirements carefully and apply only to roles where your rank history clearly qualifies you.
Prepare a command philosophy statement
Interview panels for chief-level roles commonly ask you to articulate your leadership philosophy. Draft a concise, concrete statement that reflects how you've run operations, handled crises, and developed subordinate leaders in your specific field.
Follow up with the appointing authority
Chief of department searches often involve a civil service process, a mayoral appointment, or a commission vote. After applying, identify the appointing authority and send a brief, professional note confirming your interest and availability for assessment steps.
Chief of Department Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most chief of departments?
Barnstable County, Boston Medical Center, and State of West Virginia are hiring the most chief of departments right now, with openings concentrated in Massachusetts, Ohio, and New York, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Municipal governments, hospital systems, and county emergency services agencies account for the majority of active postings.
How many chief of department jobs are remote?
About 33% of chief of department openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, with most remote-eligible roles concentrated in administrative, policy, and consulting functions rather than operational command positions. Field-based chief of department roles in fire, EMS, and corrections remain predominantly on-site.
How do you become a chief of department?
Most chiefs of department advance through a defined rank progression within their department, reaching deputy or assistant chief before competing for the top role. You'll typically need a combination of relevant certifications, formal education in public administration or a related field, a strong record of large-scale operational leadership, and experience influencing department-wide policy and budgets.
Can you get hired as a chief of department with limited senior leadership experience?
It's rare but possible in smaller municipalities or newly formed departments that don't require extensive prior executive rank. Candidates with strong operational records, relevant certifications, and demonstrated leadership at the division or battalion level sometimes qualify for chief roles in agencies that prioritize hands-on experience over time-in-grade requirements.
What does the chief of department interview process look like?
The process typically includes a written application and civil service exam or structured review, followed by an assessment center where candidates handle simulated command scenarios. Finalists usually face a panel interview with elected officials, commissioners, or a search committee, and some jurisdictions require a public forum or community presentation before the appointing authority makes a selection.
Where can I find and apply to chief of department jobs?
You can find and apply to chief of department jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States. Find roles that match your background and apply directly to each listing from the page.
See All 12 Chief of Department Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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