State Program Manager

Newenglandclerks; Hartford, Northern (CT, KY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Office of the Secretary of the State in Connecticut seeks a senior administrator to direct staff, plan programs, and implement election laws and procedures. The role involves managing budgets, interpreting regulations, and advising on compliance with federal, state, and local election requirements.

The position emphasizes leadership, program management, and the ability to work with diverse stakeholders in a deadline-driven environment, with a focus on facilitating participation in the democratic

Qualifications

• Nine (9) years of professional experience.
• One (1) year of General Experience in the specific area of assignment.
• Substitutions allowed: Bachelor's degree may substitute for up to four years of experience.

Responsibilities

• Direct staff and operations of an agency program or division.
• Plan and manage program activities and budgets.
• Develop goals, policy input, and interpret laws.
• Advise on elections, regulations, and training requirements.
• Lead recruitment, hiring, and committees as required.

Skills

Project management

Oral and written communication

Interpersonal skills

Analytical problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in business administration, public administration or closely related field

Master's degree in business administration, public administration or closely related field

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Microsoft Excel

Project management software

Job description

Non state employees will start at the bottom of the salary range; that is not negotiable.

• Professional growth and development opportunities
• 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 Division 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.

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
• 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 fieldmay 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.