State Program Manager

State of Connecticut - Office of the Secretary of the State; Hartford (CT); On-site; USD 85,000 - 112,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of Connecticut - Office of the Secretary of the State in Hartford, CT is seeking a State Program Manager to lead statewide election program initiatives and ensure compliance with election laws. This role collaborates with local officials to implement new procedures and supports program rollout from conception through legislation and election day.

You will manage projects, supervise staff, and communicate policy effectively while fostering engagement with diverse communities and

Qualifications

• Nine (9) years of professional experience.
• One (1) year of General Experience in the specific area of assignment.
• College training may substitute fifteen (15) semester hours for 1/2 year of experience, up to four years for a Bachelor's degree.
• A Master’s degree may substitute for one additional year of General Experience.
• Preferred: experience designing, developing procedures and regulations related to elections.

Responsibilities

• Directs staff and/or operations of a program or division.
• Plans and manages program activities and budgets.
• Interprets and administers pertinent laws and regulations.
• Speaks to groups on the agency mission and policies.
• Leads recruitment and hiring of staff and related outreach.

Skills

Project management

Election administration

Communication skills

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Excel

Job description

Introduction

The State of Connecticut, Secretary of State (SOTS) is recruiting for a State Program Manager. The ideal candidate for this position thrives in a collaborative environment and is committed to delivering exceptional administrative and fiscal support in service of the agency's mission.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU:

• Visit our new State Employee Benefits Overview page
• Professional growth and development opportunities
• A healthy work/life balance to all employees!

POSITION HIGHLIGHTS:

• Full-Time, 40 hours per week
• Monday through Friday
• Location: Hartford, CT

THIS JOB IS FOR YOU IF:

• You're dedicated to the administration of federal, state and local elections, and the implementation of election procedures, practices, and new legislation.
• You're passionate about implementing new programs, procedures, and practices from conception through legislation, election day, and beyond.
• You're comfortable handling difficult situations with a high level of professionalism and are able to reach diverse populations.
• You're a strong communicator and figure-head, able to represent the agency and its interests and goals to various populations.
• You value providing prompt quality service and improving access to information.
• You have a passion for promoting participation in the democratic process by providing a wide range of services for the people of Connecticut.
• You have experience in project/program management and the administration of elections and/or election laws.

DISCOVER THE OPPORTUNITY TO:

• Implement new programs and improve existing programs related to federal and state election laws regulations, and procedures;
• Administer all aspects of elections and election law for the State of Connecticut;
• Advise local officials and other state agencies on the proper conduct of elections and compliance with election laws;
• Offer advice internally on potential new legislation regarding elections, including compliance with federal law;
• Manage statewide implementation of election systems and equipment required by federal law and associated training programs;
• Work closely with the Division Director and Assistant Director to implement election policy.

ABOUT US:

Through the dedication of knowledgeable staff and advanced technology, the Office of the Secretary of the State works as a team to provide a wide range of services for the people and businesses of Connecticut. We are a repository of records for the State and provide important information and resources regarding business and commercial filings, elections, and authentication as prescribed by the constitution, and federal and state laws. We seek to bolster business development opportunities, and foster a more inclusive political process by educating, informing and engaging communities in youth and civic preparation. The Legislation and Elections Administration Division (LEAD) administers, interprets and implements all state and federal laws pertaining to elections, primaries, nominating procedures, and the acquisition and exercise of voting rights. The Division encourages and monitors the implementation of the National Voter Registration Act and other voter registration efforts in Connecticut. In addition, the Division is the official keeper of all acts, orders, grants and resolutions of the General Assembly, receives and maintains legislation, regulations and a wide range of other public documents as required by statute, and administers Connecticut's notary public program.

CONNECT WITH US

If you have any questions about this recruitment, please contact Christine Martin at [e-mail]. Follow the State of Connecticut on LinkedIn to stay updated on our career opportunities and news.

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

In a state agency this class is accountable for planning, organizing and directing an agency 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 designing, developing and drafting practices, procedures, and regulations.
• Experience implementing and/or applying regulations and laws governing federal, state and municipal election activities.
• Experience in elections administration roles, including handling of confidential information with discretion, confidentiality, and a high level of professionalism.
• Experience evaluating and designing election systems, including election equipment, systems and security.
• Experience managing and maintaining priorities and tasks with attention to detail in a deadline-driven, high-pressure, and variable work environment.
• Experience facilitating training for large groups of people on elections-related topics.
• Experience in program/project management related to elections and election laws/administration.
• Experience with one or more project management software packages.
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite software to carry out the general administration of work and Microsoft Excel to prepare spreadsheets, manage data, execute formulas, and formatting.

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.