Early Care and Education Manager; State Program Manager

Early Care and Education Manager (State Program Manager)

The State of Connecticut, Office of Early Childhood (OEC) currently accepting applications for an Early Care and Education Manager (State Program Manager) in Hartford, CT.

Location: Hartford, CT

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

Job Type: Open to the Public

Close Date: 3/2/2026 11:59:00 PM

• Full-time, 40 hours/week
• First shift hours, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm
• Monday-Friday
• Hybrid work schedule (combination of in office/telework)
• Located at 450 Columbus Blvd in Hartford, CT

This Early Care and Education Manager will be responsible for supervising Early Care Education (ECE) staff, overseeing the ECE Division strategies, goals and data system, as well as working as part of a team to expand and enhance ECE programs funded by the OEC.

• Work collaboratively with a team to guide the Early Care and Education community.
• Engage with state funded providers to offer support and resources.
• Participate as a team member in the Early Care and Education Division as part of OEC’s larger goal of improving the equitable access to affordable, high-quality care and education for Connecticut families.

• 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.

• 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.

Nine (9) years of professional experience.

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

• 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.

• Experience working in Early Care and Education organizations in private or public settings.
• Experience supervising staff including conducting performance evaluations.
• Experience with data collection and monitoring of state and federal contracts and grants for Early Care and Education.
• Experience using early childhood information data systems to analyze and report on outcomes and trends.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish, in written and verbal communication.

Click on a link below to apply for this position:
Fill out the Supplemental Questionnaire and Application NOW using the Internet.

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