STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

Municipal Finance - Policy Development Coordinator

Recruitment #221215-1581MP-001

Introduction

About Us
At the State of Connecticut, Office of Policy and Management (OPM), we report directly to the Governor and provide information and analysis that the Governor uses to formulate public policy for the state. We also assist state agencies and municipalities in implementing the law and public policy on behalf of the people of Connecticut. We prepare the Governor’s budget proposals; implement and monitor the execution of the enacted budget; and oversee the executive branch agencies that report to the Governor.

The Role
This is an exciting opportunity to work as a Municipal Finance - Policy Development Coordinator within the Office of Finance.  In this role, you will be responsible for supporting the Municipal Accountability Review Board in its oversight of designated municipalities, monitoring municipalities’ compliance with oversight requirements, providing technical assistance to municipalities, and supporting OPM’s Division of Finance in its various responsibilities related to municipal finance.

The ideal candidate for this position will have experience working with appointed boards or commissions, familiarity with local government operations, experience developing, implementing and monitoring municipal budgets, project management, ability to maintain strong working relationships with multiple stakeholders, and the capacity to multi-task and navigate changing circumstances.

This is a forty hour per week position, conveniently located in Hartford, CT, easily accessible to all major highways. 

As a State employee you will enjoy: 
  • Flexible work hours and telecommuting arrangements.
  • Outstanding medical and dental benefits supporting your health and wellness.
  • The ability to begin planning for your future with excellent retirement plans and defined contribution plans.
  • Paid time off including vacation, sick time, and thirteen paid holidays.
  • Interested in learning more about employee benefits?  Check out our benefits page for more information.
Interested in becoming a state employee?  Watch the video below to learn more:

Selection Plan

To Apply:
  • In order to be considered for this job opening, you must meet the Minimum Qualifications as listed on the job opening.  You must specify your qualifications on your application.
  • The minimum experience and training requirements must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified.
  • For assistance in applying, please visit our 'Applicant Tips on How to Apply' page.
  • Ensure that your application is complete and detailed before submitting it. In order to comply with Public Act 21-69, the State of Connecticut is no longer asking for resumes during the initial application process. You will not be able to make revisions once your application is submitted into the JobAps system.
  • Please select all location(s) and shift(s) you are willing to work on your application. Failure to do so may result in not being considered for vacancies in that specific location.
  • All application materials must be received by the recruiting agency by the time specified on the job opening for the position for which you are applying. Late applications may not be submitted and will not be considered. Exceptions are rare and limited to documented events that incapacitate a candidate during the entire duration of the job posting time period.  It is the candidate’s obligation and responsibility to request an exception and provide a legally recognized justification to accommodate such exception. Requests should be made to opm.recruitment@ct.gov.
After You Apply: 
  • Although applicants will receive correspondence via email, as a backup they are also encouraged to sign on to their Personal Status Board daily to monitor their status, view all emailed notices and complete tasks required in the recruitment process.
  • This posting may require completion of additional referral questions (RQs). You can access these RQs via an email that will be sent to you after the posting's closing date or by visiting your JobAps Personal Status Board (Certification Questionnaires section). Your responses to these RQs must be submitted by the question's expiration date. Please regularly check your email and JobAps Personal Status Board for notifications. Please check your SPAM and/or Junk folders daily in the event an email provider places auto-notification emails in a user's spam. 
  • At any point during the recruitment process, applicants may be required to submit additional documentation which support their qualification(s) for this position. These documents may include: a cover letter, resume, performance reviews, attendance records, supervisory references, licensure, etc., at the discretion of the hiring agency. Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications as indicated to apply for this position. 
  • The immediate vacancy is listed above, however, applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies in this job class. Interviews will be limited to candidates whose experience and training most closely meet the requirements of the position.
Connect With Us:
  • Due to the large volume of applications received, we are unable to provide confirmation of receipt or status during the recruitment process. Updates will be available through your JobAps portal account. 
  • If have any questions pertaining to this recruitment, please contact opm.recruitment@ct.gov
  • Follow the State of Connecticut on Linkedin.     

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

In the Office of Policy and Management this class is accountable for the cost analysis and research used to develop state government policy for the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management. It coordinates the review, analysis, development and implementation of policy and programs for state agencies, towns and municipalities.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Examples of the duties of this position include, but are not limited to the following:
  • Staffs and provides administrative and professional support to the Municipal Accountability Review Board (MARB) and with other OPM responsibilities related to state and local fiscal and policy matters.
  • With respect to municipalities designated for oversight by the MARB and other distressed municipalities:  
      • Assist in defining goals and objectives for municipalities based on municipal financial conditions, MARB directives, and statutory requirements; 
      • Develops and evaluates goals and objectives for the municipalities;
      • Identifies, monitors and prepares reports on fiscal condition; 
      • Analyzes budgets, financial reports and justification documents; 
      • Reviews and analyzes collective bargaining agreements, employee pension, benefit plans, debt schedules and long-term liabilities; 
      • Works with both State staff and municipal staff in designated and distressed municipalities to carry out the responsibilities of the MARB and OPM with respect to such municipalities; 
      • Interprets and administers pertinent laws; 
      • Develops procurement documents, procedures, and forms to be used in activities of the MARB and OPM in working with designated and distressed municipalities; 
      • Analyzes recommends and drafts legislation, policies, and regulations where appropriate; 
      • Prepares agendas, minutes, reports, and correspondence; and 
      • Reviews of accounting methods and procedures to ensure compliance with accepted accounting principles, state or federal laws and regulations;
      • Other related duties as assigned.
  • Revises MARB bylaws, policies and procedures, and financial reporting standards and reporting templates.
  • Manages Municipal Restructuring Funds budget oversight, initiates distribution of funds to municipalities.  
  • Supports Office of Finance in its various responsibilities related to municipal finance.
  • Manages contracts with consultants and other service providers hired to provide specialized services.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

  • Considerable knowledge of
    • principles and practices of public administration including policy development, coordination, cost benefit analysis and implementation; 
    • state, federal and municipal legislative processes; 
  • Knowledge of relevant state and federal laws, statutes and regulations;
  • Considerable
    • interpersonal skills; 
    • oral and written communication skills; 
  • Ability to
    • analyze and evaluate policy and programs; 
    • coordinate and implement policy development activities and prepare and present effective reports and presentations.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

Six (6) years of experience with major responsibility for the review, analysis, coordination and administration of policies and programs in a large governmental, public affairs or business organization.

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 public administration or political science may be substituted for one (1) additional year of the General Experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

The preferred candidate will have:
  • 7+ years experience in municipal finance, with an emphasis on budget and finance.
  • Masters Degree in Business Administration, Certified Public Finance Officer, Certified Public Accountant, or equivalent.
  • Knowledge or experience with employee benefit plans, including health and retirement benefits.
  • Knowledge or experience with grants management.
  • Knowledge or experience of debt issuance and management.
  • Project management experience.
  • Proficient with financial management and reporting systems.
  • Proficient with financial reporting and auditing processes.

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.