About the Office of the Inspector General
Since its creation as the first state-level inspector’s general office in the country, the Office has been at the forefront of promoting effective government and the responsible use of public money and property. The Office is an independent agency charged with preventing and detecting fraud, waste, and abuse in the use of public funds and public property. By statute, the Inspector General has broad authority to oversee the use of state, local and federal funds by state and local governments, as well as by those who receive government funds or use public property. This includes state agencies, counties, cities, towns, quasi-governmental authorities, and districts, as well as individuals, corporations and not-for-profit organizations that do business with the government.
The Office is led by the Inspector General of the Commonwealth, who is appointed by the Governor, Attorney General and Auditor “…solely on the basis of integrity and demonstrated ability in accounting, auditing, financial analysis, law, management analysis, public administration, investigation or criminal justice administration.” (MGL, Chapter 12A, Section 2.) The Inspector General is responsible for guiding and leading the office; determining the balance between its education, training, and collaboration with its investigatory, compliance and enforcement functions; and balancing the focus among state and municipal engagement.
The Office is organized into nine business units, operates from two locations, employs approximately 80 staff, and has an annual budget of over $9M. Additional information about the Office may be found here: Welcome to the Office of the Inspector General | Mass.gov .
The Office enabling statute is Chapter 12A of the Massachusetts General Laws (Chapter12A). Further details may be found at Chapter 12A (malegislature.gov).
The Pandemic Funding Oversight Unit
The Pandemic Funding Oversight Unit (PFO) coordinates the OIG’s work to prevent and detect fraud, waste, and abuse in the use of federal pandemic funds (including funds provided through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)) by state and local governments, companies, non-profits, and individuals. PFO accomplishes this mission through reviews of state and municipal programs, the provision of technical assistance to public entities, and the development of training and guidance to support the effective administration of this large influx of public funding.
PFO is seeking a Senior Policy Analyst to support PFO in its reviews, as well as its development of technical assistance and guidance. PFO is seeking candidates with auditing or legal skills, whose specialized expertise and critical thinking ability will strengthen PFO’s work. The Senior Policy Analyst will play a central role in developing and managing PFO projects in addition to providing support and guidance to other analysts.
Responsibilities include:
- Leading evidence-based reviews of public entities at the state and municipal level.
- Developing recommendations to improve state agencies and programs.
- Creating and delivering guidance for public employees to detect and prevent fraud, waste, and abuse in the use of pandemic-related funds.
- Mentoring and supporting other analysts in the Pandemic Funding Oversight Unit.
Key abilities, skills, and experience:
- Experience in related areas, such as public administration, program evaluation, financial and program auditing, and law.
- Demonstrated ability to lead teams and manage projects; five years of demonstrated experience strongly preferred.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
- Excellent research, writing and editing skills.
- Demonstrated critical thinking ability.
- Strong interpersonal skills to build internal and external relationships.
Other valued abilities, skills and experience include:
- Relevant graduate or advanced undergraduate coursework.
- Knowledge of state and municipal government processes.
- Public sector work experience.
- Bilingual abilities.
- Data analysis skills.
Salary Range: $65,000-$75,000
Benefits Package:
We value our employees and offer benefits that support their lives and well-being, while promoting an environment focused on inclusion, flexibility, professional growth, trust and respect. The Office therefore is pleased to offer a comprehensive benefits package for its employees. The specific components and eligibility may vary based upon position, hours worked per week and other variables. Consequently, specific benefits for this position may be discussed as part of the interview and offer process.
The overall benefits available include paid vacation; sick and personal leave time; health, dental and vision insurance through the Commonwealth’s Group Insurance Commission; and optional pre-tax health savings account plans. To view the details of the various plans and the cost split between employer and employee, go to the Group Insurance Commission website: https://www.mass.gov/orgs/group-insurance-commission.
Employees also participate in the Commonwealth’s state retirement plan, which may become a defined benefit plan for those that both vest and subsequently retire from state service. Follow this link for additional retirement information:
https://www.mass.gov/orgs/massachusetts-state-retirement-board.
In addition, the Office provides employees the opportunity to elect life insurance, long-term disability insurance, deferred compensation savings, tuition remission, pre-tax commuter account plans, along with other programs.
This position may be eligible for the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program administered by the federal government.
How to Apply:
Submit cover letter and resume via email or by mail by March 3, 2023 to:
Mary Beth Farrelly, Chief Financial Officer
Office of the Inspector General
One Ashburton Place, Room 1311
Boston, MA 02108
IGO-employment@mass.gov
Please Note: Because we value the health and safety of our employees, all Office employees (absent an approved medical or religious accommodation) must be fully vaccinated, including a booster, against COVID-19. Before their first day of work, the successful candidate will need to provide proof of full vaccination (two doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine plus a booster dose of either or one dose of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine plus a booster dose of either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine) or a request for a reasonable accommodation based on a valid medical or religious reason.
Diversity Officer:
Mary Beth Farrelly
The Office of the Inspector General is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating and supporting a diverse and inclusive work and educational community that is free of all forms of discrimination. The Office does not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the basis of age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, parental status, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or veteran status. The Office promotes access, inclusion, and diversity for all staff, believing that these qualities are foundational components of an outstanding working environment and in keeping with its mission. The Office actively seeks to increase the diversity of its workforce and is interested in candidates whose experience and qualifications support an ongoing commitment to this core quality.
To apply for this job email your details to IGO-Employement@mass.gov