Director, Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife)

Description

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.

Department of Fish and Game:

The Department of Fish and Game (DFG) is the state agency responsible for conservation of the state’s natural resources. DFG exercises responsibility over the Commonwealth’s marine and freshwater fisheries, wildlife, plants, and natural communities, and provides outdoor recreation opportunities to the public.

Job Description:

Department of Fish and Game, Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife)

MassWildlife manages more than 500 species and stewards critical habitats across in the third most densely populated state in the nation. MassWildlife protects and manages over 239,000 acres of land and water. The Director will lead the Division in advancing biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, public access to outdoor recreational opportunities, and responsible wildlife management in a complex and highly visible public environment.

Through its network of state-wide field operations, district offices, fish hatcheries, hunter education, and information and education programs, the Division ensures that science-based management, public engagement, and operational excellence guide the work of approximately 165 employees statewide.

Position Summary

The Director of the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife) serves as the chief executive for the Division. In this capacity, the Director advances the Commonwealth’s public trust responsibilities for wildlife, inland fisheries, natural resources, and species protected under the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act (MESA).

The Director provides executive and strategic leadership, policy administration, and operational oversight to ensure the responsible conservation, management, and stewardship of the Commonwealth’s natural resources. The role requires advancing biodiversity protection, climate resilience, public access, sustainable land use, and fiscal stewardship in a complex and highly visible public environment. Through science-based decision-making, transparent governance, and collaborative partnerships, the Director administers all Division programs and activities in service to the public and in alignment with statutory authority under Chapters 21, 131, and 131A of the Massachusetts General Laws.

The Director engages regularly with the Commissioner, the Fisheries and Wildlife Board, Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) leadership, and stakeholders, responding to inquiries and ensuring that Division performance, reporting, and initiatives advance strategic priorities and accountability to the Commonwealth. The Director provides overall direction to the Deputy Director and senior leadership team responsible for core administrative and programmatic functions and engages with staff at various levels of the Division.

The Director also collaborates with federal and state agencies, EA programs including the Massachusetts Environmental Police, national and state conservation and sporting organizations, academic partners, and legislators to advance interagency initiatives, inform policy, integrate scientific research, and promote effective wildlife conservation and habitat stewardship across the Commonwealth.

Key Responsibilities

• Regulatory, policy, and program management – Direct all inland fisheries, wildlife, and MESA-listed species planning, regulatory and policy development, management and program implementation in the state.
• Strategic Leadership & Biodiversity Conservation implementation of Executive Order No. 618 (Biodiversity Conservation in Massachusetts) by advancing the Commonwealth’s biodiversity and climate resilience goals, including 30×30 and 40×50 initiatives.
• Sustainable Funding & Fiscal Stewardship
  • Develop and advance long-term funding strategies to support wildlife conservation, habitat restoration, and biodiversity initiatives.
  • Collaborate with the DFG Commissioner, Fisheries and Wildlife Board, state and federal partners, and stakeholders to advocate for sustainable funding mechanisms.
  • Oversee responsible fiscal management of Division resources, including license revenues, federal reimbursements, grants, and appropriations.
• Public Engagement, Access & R3 Leadership
  • Strengthen and expand the Division’s Recruitment, Retention, and Reactivation (R3) initiatives to sustain and grow participation in fishing, hunting, and shooting sports.
  • Promote equitable access to wildlife-based recreation. Oversee integrated approaches to wildlife population management, including regulated hunting and trapping, public education, and coordination with Problem Animal Control agents.
• Partnerships, Governance & External Affairs
  • Lead and inspire MassWildlife staff, cultivate collaboration and accountability, and maintain strong relationships with partners, governance bodies, and the public to advance the Division’s mission.
  • Provide regular engagement and transparent communication with the Fisheries and Wildlife Board and other governing bodies.
  • Serve as principal representative of the Division with state and federal agencies, municipalities, conservation organizations, Tribal Nations, stakeholders, and the public.
  • Represent the Division in legislative, public, and intergovernmental forums.
• Organizational Leadership & Culture
  • Provide clear vision, direction, and executive oversight to Division staff, fostering a culture of integrity, inclusion, accountability, scientific excellence, and collaboration.
  • Establish organizational priorities aligned with strategic goals and available resources.

The successful candidate will bring:

• Experience navigating complex public policy environments and engaging diverse stakeholders.
• Proven ability to lead organizational strategy, build partnerships, and advocate effectively for conservation initiatives.
• Demonstrated executive leadership experience in natural resources, wildlife biology, environmental policy, or a related field.

The Director must be a strategic thinker and visionary, effective communicator, and collaborative leader capable of advancing conservation, sustaining public trust, and ensuring the long-term stewardship of the Commonwealth’s natural resources.

Required Qualifications

• 10 years + experience leading and managing large, multi-disciplinary teams in natural resources, fisheries, or wildlife management, ensuring effective coordination of programs, field operations, and administrative functions.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in public administration, government, or nonprofit organizations, including responsibility for budget, personnel, program development, and legislative and public engagement.
• Strong knowledge of fisheries and wildlife science, habitat conservation, and regulatory frameworks.
• Ability to formulate a vision and strategy that will mitigate challenges and ensure the capacity of the Division to meet its mission.
• Ability to create and maintain strong working relationships with key stakeholder groups, members of the Board, Department leadership, and the public.
• Demonstrated ability to handle complex issues, reconciling competing priorities and dissenting perspectives.
• Ability to analyze and interpret technical data on fish and wildlife resources, to understand scientific reports, and to lead preparation of written program evaluations.
• Demonstrated experience motivating and supervising personnel, organizing and directing programs, and creating a positive, respectful and inclusive workplace culture.
• Extensive experience communicating with and influencing diverse audiences, including legislators, the media, the public, and staff, particularly on complex, high-visibility, and sensitive issues.
• Demonstrated leadership experience guided by the highest ethical standards, including respect, integrity, inclusion, honesty, fairness, and transparency.

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.