Local Governance Partner Program Manager

Job Overview

The State of Connecticut, Office of Early Childhood is hiring a Local Governance Program Manager (State Program Manager) in Hartford, CT.

• Manage and oversee the statewide Local Governance Partner Intermediary contract, monitoring deliverables, timelines, compliance, budget, and performance outcomes.
• Serve as the primary liaison between the agency and the Local Governance Partner Intermediary, ensuring effective communication and alignment with Office of Early Childhood priorities.
• Coordinate, plan, and manage activities related to local governance partner implementation, technical assistance, and continuous quality improvement.
• Develop and advance program goals, objectives, and performance measures to strengthen local early childhood governance systems.
• Assist in the development and implementation of policies, procedures, guidance, and operational practices related to local governance partner initiatives.
• Interpret and administer applicable laws, regulations, policies, contracts, and program requirements.
• Monitor programmatic and fiscal performance, review reports and data, and ensure accountability for contract outcomes.
• Provide supervision, guidance, coaching, and evaluation for assigned staff and consultants.
• Prepare or assist in the preparation and management of budgets, contract amendments, procurement documents, and related fiscal activities.
• Maintain collaborative relationships with community partners, local governance entities, state agencies, and other stakeholders.
• Serve on committees, advisory groups, and task forces related to local governance, systems building, and early childhood initiatives.
• Represent the agency and present information to professional, community, and public audiences regarding local governance partner strategies, initiatives, and outcomes.
• Lead or support recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and retention activities for assigned staff.
• Support continuous quality improvement, strategic planning, data collection, reporting, and evaluation activities to strengthen program effectiveness and statewide coordination.

• Nine (9) years of professional experience.
• One (1) year of the general experience must have been in the specific area of assignment.
• Substitutions:
  • College training may be substituted for general experience based on fifteen (15) semester hours equaling one‑half (1/2) year of experience, up 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 general experience.
  • Two (2) years of experience as an Apprenticeship and Training Program Manager may be substituted for the general and special experience.

• Experience working with state and federal early childhood programs, policies, and funding, including supporting program implementation and coordination across agencies and partners.
• Experience conducting community needs assessments, analyzing data, identifying priorities, and supporting the development of action plans to improve outcomes for young children and families.
• Experience developing and facilitating community coalitions and cross‑sector partnerships involving education, health, family support, housing, and social services.
• Experience promoting parent and family engagement, including creating opportunities for families to participate in planning and decision‑making processes.
• Experience building and maintaining partnerships with families, community leaders, policymakers, service providers, and local officials, including facilitating meetings and communicating complex information.

• Considerable knowledge of management principles and practices; relevant state and federal laws, statutes, and regulations; and project management.
• Considerable interpersonal and communication skills, both oral and written.
• Considerable ability to analyze organizational problems and determine effective solutions.

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