State Program Manager

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 (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.

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.

• 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.

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.

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