State Program Manager - MP

Introduction

Check out this role and join our team with the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection! The Connecticutt Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) is seeking a highly skilled and motivated State Program Manager 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 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 for all employees. Our state has a lot to offer - from fun activities for all ages, to great food and shopping, to beautiful state parks and forests, to our diverse cultures and rich history.

Connecticut is a great place to live! Learn more about Connecticut here.

This is a full‑time, 40‑hour-per‑week position on first shift. Schedule is Monday‑Friday between 8:00 am and 4:30 pm. 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.

• 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.
• Support workforce planning and organizational development initiatives.

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:
1. Operational Efficiency, Efficacy and Excellence;
2. Shared Fiscal Responsibility;
3. Ethics and Accountability.

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 in the job opening. You must specify your qualifications on your application.

• State Employees:
  Two (2) most recent performance evaluations (CT‑HR‑13).
• Background investigation, including fingerprint‑supported state and federal criminal history record check and 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…