Director of Regulatory Operations and Policy

Introduction

Make a Difference with DHSS

Our mission at the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) is to improve the quality of life of Delaware citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations. We prioritize personal and family independence by assisting individuals and families in a variety of life areas.

We offer numerous career opportunities and are dedicated to attracting and retaining highly talented individuals who are ready to make a difference in their community today. DHSS is a great place to kick-start your profession.

For more information, please visit https://dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/ today!

Summary Statement

The Director of Regulatory Operations and Policy provides executive leadership and oversight for the Divisionâs regulatory operations, policy development, Background Check Center modernization efforts, Adult Abuse Registry operations, and compliance-related initiatives. This position is responsible for directing complex operational and regulatory functions that support public protection, workforce integrity, and health care quality across licensed health care facilities and provider settings throughout Delaware.

The Director leads strategic initiatives related to the modernization and implementation of the Background Check Center, including operational planning, systems implementation, process improvement, stakeholder coordination, and policy development. The position also oversees regulatory drafting and promulgation activities, ensuring compliance with applicable state and federal laws and alignment with Division priorities and operational goals.

In addition, the Director provides administrative oversight of the Investigative Section, Adult Abuse Registry processes, and associated compliance functions, ensuring effective coordination of investigative operations, registry determinations, regulatory enforcement activities, and interagency collaboration. The position serves as a senior advisor to Division leadership on operational, regulatory, legislative, and policy matters and works closely with internal and external stakeholders to advance efficient, accountable, and responsive regulatory systems.

Preferred Qualification

Applicants who do not possess the preferred qualification will still be eligible to compete for this position if job requirements are met.

• Experience leading complex operational, regulatory, or compliance programs within government, health care, or highly regulated environments.
• Experience with regulatory drafting, policy development, or promulgation processes.
• Experience managing large-scale implementation or modernization projects, including systems or operational transitions.
• Strong project management, organizational, and process improvement skills.
• Experience coordinating across multidisciplinary teams and external stakeholders.
• Knowledge of state and federal regulatory frameworks related to health care, public protection, workforce compliance, or licensing.
• Experience supervising professional staff and managing complex operational priorities.
• Strong written communication, analytical, and executive briefing skills.

Essential Functions

Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class. Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents can complete job duties of similar kind not specifically listed here.

• Directs and oversees regulatory operations, policy initiatives, Adult Abuse Registry operations, and operational modernization projects within the Division.
• Leads implementation and modernization efforts for the Background Check Center, including systems coordination, operational redesign, workflow development, and stakeholder engagement.
• Oversees the administration and operational integrity of Adult Abuse Registry processes and related compliance activities.
• Oversees the development, review, revision, and promulgation of regulations, policies, procedures, and guidance documents.
• Coordinates cross-functional initiatives involving operations, information technology, fiscal staff, vendors, and external partners.
• Provides leadership and administrative oversight to the Investigative Section and related compliance functions.
• Monitors operational performance, identifies process improvement opportunities, and implements strategies to improve efficiency, accountability, and service delivery.
• Researches and analyzes state and federal laws, regulations, and policy developments impacting Division operations.
• Develops reports, briefing materials, legislative analyses, and executive-level recommendations.
• Represents the Division in meetings with providers, state agencies, legislators, advocacy organizations, law enforcement entities, and other stakeholders.
• Assists with strategic planning, organizational development, and change management initiatives.
• Supervises professional, technical, and administrative staff as assigned.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Job Requirements

JOB REQUIREMENTS for Director of Regulatory Operations and Policy

Please attach a resume with your online application or use the resume tab in DEL to provide a detailed description of how your education, training and/or experience meets each job requirement including employer, experience/responsibilities and dates (month/year) of employment/training.

Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:

• Bachelorâs degree in public administration, health administration, law, social work, business administration, policy, criminal justice, or a related field.
• Two years of progressively responsible experience in regulatory operations, policy development, program administration, compliance, investigations oversight, project management, or related governmental or health care operations.
• Two years of supervisory experience.

Conditions of Hire

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The State of Delaware participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. For more information refer to our Job Seeker Resources.

DHSS does not provide employment-based sponsorship.

All new hires are required to report to the Statewide New Employee Orientation (SNEO) on their first day of employment. Sessions are held at designated locations in Kent or New Castle County.

Benefits

At the State of Delaware, we invest in our people and support them in and outside of the office. Our employees enjoy a total compensation package that far exceeds the value of their base salary. We offer comprehensive benefit plans that will give you peace of mind and security. Below is a list of benefits that are offered to eligible employees:

Health and Well Being

• Health Benefits, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance

Just In Case

• Disability Insurance, Group Universal Life Insurance

Your Future

• Retirement Benefits, Deferred Compensation

Professional Growth

• Training and Development Programs

Work Life Balance

• Paid Leave, Paid Holidays, Paid Parental Leave, Alternative Work Schedules

More Benefits

• Flexible Spending, Pre-Tax Commuter Benefits, Accident and Critical Illness Insurance

Visit Statewide Benefits for more information!

Selection Process

The application and RESUME are evaluated based upon a rating of your education, training and experience as they relate to the job requirements of the position. It is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application and the RESUME to include dates of employment, job title and job duties. For education and training, list name of educational provider, training course titles and summary of course content.  Narrative information supplied in response to the questions must be supported by the information supplied on the application including your employment, education and training history as it relates to the job requirements.

Once you have submitted your application on-line, all future correspondence related to your application will be sent via email. Please keep your contact information current. You may also view all correspondence sent to you by the State of Delaware in the âMy Applicationsâ tab at StateJobs.Delaware.gov.

Accommodations

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities in all phases of the application and employment process.Â

Individuals who use TDD may request auxiliary aid or service by calling (800) 232-5470 or by visiting delawarerelay.com.Â

If you need assistance with an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or general applicant support, you may call (302) 739-5458 or email jobs@delaware.gov.

The State of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce. We strongly encourage and seek out a workforce representative of Delaware including race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.Â