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State Program Manager

Recruitment # 251218-4799MP-001

Location Middletown, CT

Date Opened 1/5/2026 12:00:00 AM

Salary $98,695 - $134,575/year

Job Type Open to Statewide Employees

Close Date 1/20/2026 11:59:00 PM

Go Back Apply View Benefits (https://www.jobapscloud.com/CT/jobs/?b=Benefits)

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+ Introduction

Check out this role and join our team with the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection!

The Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (https://portal.ct.gov/DESPP) (DESPP) is seeking a highly skilled and motivated State Program Manager (https://www.jobapscloud.com/CT/specs/classspecdisplay.asp?ClassNumber=4799MP&R1=&R3=) to serve as the Legal Affairs Unit's Chief of Staff-style operational leader.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

+ NEW: Visit our State Employee Benefits Overview (https://www.jobapscloud.com/CT/jobs/?b=Benefits) page to learn about our medical and dental insurance plans, sick/vacation/personal leave accruals, state holidays, tuition reimbursement and more!

+ A healthy work/life balance to all employees (https://www.jobapscloud.com/ct/sup/EVPPDF123020.pdf) .

Our state has a lot to offer - from fun activities for all ages, to great food and shopping, to beautiful state parks and forests (https://ctparks.com/) , to our diverse cultures and rich history. Connecticut is a great place to live! Learn more about Connecticut here (https://www.ctvisit.com/) .

POSITION HIGHLIGHTS

This is a full-time, 40 hour per week position on first shift. Schedule is Monday-Friday between 8:00am and 4:30pm. The position is located in Middletown, with hybrid work opportunities available.

Reporting directly to the Legal Director, this position is responsible for overseeing key legal administrative functions, supervising support staff, and managing major compliance programs, including FOIA, Clean Slate, and Records Management and Retention. This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced professional with a background in legal operations, government service, project management, and staff supervision to help shape and support high-level legal work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. The Program Manager will:

+ Serve as the Legal Director’s operational lead and second-in command for all non-attorney functions;

+ Coordinate daily workflow, case assignments, and process tracking for the Legal Affairs Unit;

+ Develop, implement, and maintain standard operating procedures, policies, manuals, and procedural guidance documents;

+ Lead Freedom of Information compliance processes, including redaction workflow oversight, backlog management, and statutory compliance tracking;

+ Oversee Clean Slate implementation, auditing, record reviews, and compliance documentation;

+ Manage the agency’s records retention processes;

+ Coordinate audit responses, compliance reporting, and administrative follow-up requirements;

+ Directly supervise paralegals, processing technicians, and administrative hearing specialists;

+ Provide coaching, performance feedback, scheduling guidance, and professional development support;

+ Administrative Hearings Support;

+ Assist with the drafting of policies, internal advisories, MOUs, training materials, and compliance guidance;

+ Serve as a liaison between Legal Affairs and other DESPP divisions, the Commissioner’s Office, and external agencies;

+ Oversee onboarding, staff training, performance documentation support; and

+ Support workforce planning and organizational development initiatives.

ABOUT US

DESPP is committed to protecting and improving the quality of life for all by providing a broad range of public safety services, training, regulatory guidance, and scientific services utilizing enforcement, prevention, education and state of the art science and technology. DESPP is structured on three key Strategic Pillars created by Commissioner Ronnell Higgins (https://portal.ct.gov/despp/division-of-emergency-service-and-public-protection/ronnell-higgins-biography?language=en\_US) .

1. Operational Efficiency, Efficacy and Excellence • Making decisions through the thoughtful and informed use of data • Challenging the "that's the way it's always been done" construct—i.e., thinking outside the box as to how we can improve • Constantly seeking better results

2. Shared Fiscal Responsibility • Recognizing our collective responsibility to steward the agency's resources • Realigning planned budgetary actions to ensure that they are in taxpayers' interests • Preparing together for potential budget stresses and fiscal challenges

3. Ethics and Accountability • Critically and constantly measuring our practices against our policies • Performing quarterly performance evaluations agency-wide to measure success and flag areas needing improvement • Regularly engaging external partners for feedback and assessments • Opening our doors to Connecticut students and workers for apprenticeships, internships, and career pathways

For an inside look at what it's like to work as an employee for the State of Connecticut, please watch the video below!

Selection Plan

In order to be considered for this job opening, you must be a current State of CT employee, who has worked for the state for at least six (6) months of full-time service or full-time equivalent service, absent any applicable collective bargaining language, and meet the Minimum Qualifications as listed on the job opening. You must specify your qualifications on your application.

RECRUITMENT INFORMATION: Candidates selected for an interview must provide the following at the time of interview:

State Employees

+ Two (2) most recent performance evaluations

+ Completed CT-HR-13

Candidates who have been selected for employment with the Department of Emergency Services & Public Protection are subject to a detailed background investigation, including a fingerprint supported state and federal criminal history record check along with reference checks. Selection for employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion of the background investigation. Any pending disciplinary history within the past 2 years and review of attendance records are also considered in this selection process.

Click here (https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/DAS/Statewide-HR/A---Z-Listing-Task-PDFs/Criminal-Convictions---Addendum-to-Application-for-Examination-or-Employment-Form---CT-HR-13.pdf) to complete the Criminal Convictions addendum (CT-HR-13). The CT-HR-13 can also be found on the DAS website (https://portal.ct.gov/DAS) by typing in "CT-HR-13" into the "Search Department of Administrative Services" search field.

FOR ASSISTANCE IN APPLYING: Check out our Applicant Tips on How to Apply ! Need more resources? Visit our Applicant Reference Library (https://portal.ct.gov/das/home/services-for-state-employees/statewide-human-resources/applicant-reference-library?language=en\_US) for additional support throughout the recruitment process.

BEFORE YOU APPLY:

+ Meet Minimum Qualifications: Ensure you meet the Minimum Qualifications listed on the job opening by the job closing date. You must specify your qualifications on your application. The minimum experience and training requirements listed must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified.

+ Educational Credits: List your earned credits and degrees from accredited institutions accurately on your application. To receive educational credits towards qualification, the institution must be accredited. If the institution of higher learning is located outside of the U.S., you are responsible for providing documentation from a recognized USA accrediting service which specializes in determining foreign education equivalencies to the contact listed below.

+ Resume Policy: Per Public Act 21-69 (https://www.cga.ct.gov/2021/act/pa/pdf/2021PA-00069-R00SB-00056-PA.pdf) , resumes are not accepted during the initial application process. As the recruitment process progresses, candidates may be required to submit additional documentation to support their qualification(s) for this position. This documentation may include: a cover letter, resume, transcripts, diplomas, performance reviews, attendance records, supervisory references, licensure, etc., at the request and discretion of the hiring agency.

+ Preferred Shift/Location: Select all location(s) and shift(s) you are willing to work on your application. Failure to do so may result in not being considered for vacancies in that specific location or shift.

+ Timely Submission: All application materials must be received by the job posting deadline. You will be unable to make revisions once you officially submit your application to the State. Late submissions are rarely accepted, with exceptions only for documented events that incapacitate individuals during the entire duration of the job posting. Request exceptions by emailing [email protected].

+ Salary Calculations: For current state employees, salary calculations are not necessarily comparable from one of the three branches of state government (i.e., Executive, Legislative, Judicial) to the other.

+ Note: The only way to apply to this posting is via the ‘Apply’ or ‘Apply Online’ buttons on the official State of Connecticut Online Employment Center job posting.

AFTER YOU APPLY:

+ Referral Questions: This posting may require completion of additional Referral Questions (RQs), which must be completed by the questionnaire’s expiration date. If requested, RQs can be accessed via an email sent to you after the job close date or by visiting your JobAps Personal Status Board (Certification Questionnaires section).

+ Prepare For An Interview: Interviews are limited to those whose experience and training are most aligned with the role. To prepare, review this helpful Interview Preparation Guide to make the best impression!

+ Stay connected! Log in daily to your JobAps Personal Status Board to track your status and check email (including spam/junk folders) for updates and tasks.

+ The immediate vacancy is listed above, however, applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies in this job class.

+ Note: This position will be filled in accordance with contractual language, reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion and merit employment rules. Candidates who are offered and accept a position with the State of Connecticut are bound by the State Code of Ethics for Public Officials and State employees, available at www.ct.gov/ethics.

QUESTIONS? WE’RE HERE TO HELP:

Due to high volume, we are unable to confirm receipt or provide status updates directly. For recruitment updates, please check your Personal Status Board and review our Frequently Asked Questions. If you have additional questions about the recruitment process, reach out to Jake Ferrari at [email protected].

Join the State of Connecticut and take your next career step with confidence!

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

In a state agency this class is accountable for planning, organizing and directing an age n cy program and/or project or directing the development and administration of programs within a division.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Receives administrative direction from an administrative official of higher grade.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Directs staff as assigned.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

+ Directs staff and/or operations of an agency program and/or project or division;

+ Coordinates, plans and manages program and/or project activities;

+ Formulates goals and objectives;

+ Develops or assists in development of related policy;

+ Interprets and administers pertinent laws;

+ Provides input or evaluates staff;

+ Prepares or assists in preparation of budget;

+ Maintains contact with individuals within and outside of agency who might impact on program and/or project activities;

+ Serves on committees and/or task forces as required;

+ Speaks before professional and lay groups on subjects related to the agency mission;

+ Leads the recruitment and hiring of staff, including outreach, interview and selection;

+ Performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

+ Considerable knowledge of

+ and ability to apply management principles and practices;

+ relevant state and federal laws, statutes and regulations;

+ project management;

+ principles and practices of business and public administration with emphasis on effective organization, administration and management

+ Considerable

+ interpersonal skills;

+ oral and written communication skills;

+ Considerable ability to analyze organizational problems and determine effective solutions.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

Nine (9) years of professional experience.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SPECIAL EXPERIENCE

One (1) year of the General Experience must have been in the specific area of assignment.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED

+ College training may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equalling one-half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor's degree.

+ A Master's degree in business administration, public administration or a closely related field may be substituted for one (1) additional year of the General Experience.

+ Department of Labor: Two (2) years of experience as an Apprenticeship and Training Program Manager may be substituted for the General and Special Experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

+ Experience working in a legal office, law enforcement legal unit, and administrative law setting;

+ Experience leading or supervising paralegals, legal support staff, or administrative teams;

+ Experience with the Freedom of Information Act, Records Management, and Legal Compliance Programs;

+ Experience drafting standard operating procedures, policies, guidance documents, and compliance materials;

+ Experience managing competing priorities while meeting deadlines;

+ Experience communicating with internal and external stakeholders while adhering to organizational guidelines and procedures.

Conclusion

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

As defined by Sec. 5-196 of the Connecticut General Statutes, a job class is a position or group of positions that share general characteristics and are categorized under a single title for administrative purposes. As such, a job class is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task and/or responsibility.

Click on a link below to apply for this position:

Fill out the Supplemental Questionnaire and Application NOW using the Internet. Apply Online