STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

Legal Program Director

Recruitment #260128-0559MP-001

Introduction




 Do you want to grow and build in a collaborative team while establishing statewide policies and work on ground-breaking issues?
If so, come make an impact by serving your state  with the State of CT, Social Equity Council. 
We have an exciting opportunity for you! 
We invite you to please read the below and apply today!

The State of ConnecticutDepartment of Economic and Community Development (DECD) is now accepting applications for an exciting opportunity as a Legal Program Director in Hartford, CT.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU
POSITION HIGHLIGHTS
  • Full-time, 40 hours per week
  • First shift, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm
  • Monday through Friday schedule
  • Location: 450 Columbus Boulevard in Hartford, CT
  • Hybrid-offering a combination of in-office/telework work schedule
DISCOVER THE OPPORTUNITY TO
  • Provide legal advice and counsel to the Executive Director and SEC to support daily operations and strategic initiatives associated with the verification of social equity applicants, the creations of new programs to support both cannabis businesses and businesses in other industries and the management of community investments derived from cannabis tax revenue.
  • Manage all legal activities of the SEC supervision of any professional, paralegal and support personnel.
  • Supervise and handle claims, suits and potential legal actions by and against the SEC, assuring timely and effective handling of each matter.
  • Remain current on legal decisions and trends and maintain a comprehensive understanding of rapidly evolving cannabis laws that are relevant to the work of the SEC.
  • Assist in the drafting of regulations. 
  • Advise and consult with SEC, the Executive Director and stakeholders to identify critical legal issues, assess potential legal options, and provide individuals and teams with an analysis and range of possible legal solutions.
  • Develop standardized documents and designing and implementing compliance plans, operational guides, compliance checklists, standard operating procedures, and recommendations pertaining to a variety of regulations.
  • Lead and assist in investigations and enforcement processes.
  • Oversee procurement processes in conjunction with the Executive Director.
  • Ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations and policies.
  • Manage budget and outside counsel engagements.
  • Attend and represent the SEC at public meetings, hearings and other appearances.
  • Assist the Executive Director in the establishment of employment and administrative policies and procedures. 
  • Act as a liaison with government regulatory bodies and administrative agencies on behalf of the SEC.
ABOUT US
The mission of the Social Equity Council (SEC) is to promote equitable economic prosperity by supporting Social Equity Entrepreneurs and reinvesting in communities most impacted by the war on drugs. We are seeking a skilled and experienced attorney to join our team as our Legal Director. This role is critical in ensuring compliance as we implement different programs and initiatives in support of our mission.

Selection Plan

Check out our Applicant Tips on How to Apply! Need more resources? Visit our Applicant Toolkit for additional support throughout the recruitment process.  

BEFORE YOU APPLY: 
  • Meet Minimum Qualifications: Ensure you meet the Minimum Qualifications listed on the job opening by the job closing date. You must specify your qualifications on your application. The minimum experience and training requirements listed must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified.  
  • Educational Credits: List your earned credits and degrees from accredited institutions accurately on your application. To receive educational credits towards qualification, the institution must be accredited. If the institution of higher learning is located outside of the U.S., you are responsible for providing documentation from a recognized USA accrediting service which specializes in determining foreign education equivalencies to the contact listed below by the closing date on the job posting.
  • Resume Policy: Per Public Act 21-69, resumes are not accepted during the initial application process. As the recruitment process progresses, candidates may be required to submit additional documentation to support their qualification(s) for this position. This documentation may include: a cover letter, resume, transcripts, diplomas, performance reviews, attendance records, supervisory references, licensure, etc., at the request and discretion of the hiring agency. 
  • Preferred Shift/Location: 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 or shift. 
  • Timely Submission: All application materials must be received by the job posting deadline. You will be unable to make revisions once you officially submit your application to the State.  Late submissions are rarely accepted, with exceptions only for documented events that incapacitate individuals during the entire duration of the job posting. Request exceptions by emailing DAS.SHRM@ct.gov
  • Salary Calculations: For current state employees, salary calculations are not necessarily comparable from one of the three branches of state government (i.e., Executive, Legislative, Judicial) to the other.
  • Note: The only way to apply to this posting is via the ‘Apply’ or ‘Apply Online’ buttons on the official State of Connecticut Online Employment Center job posting.

    AFTER YOU APPLY: 

    • Referral Questions: This posting may require completion of additional Referral Questions (RQs), which must be completed by the questionnaire’s expiration date. If requested, RQs can be accessed via an email sent to you after the job close date or by visiting your JobAps Personal Status Board (Certification Questionnaires section).   
    • Prepare For An Interview: Interviews are limited to those whose experience and training are most aligned with the role. To prepare, review this helpful Interview Preparation Guide to make the best impression! 
    • Stay connected! Log in daily to your JobAps Personal Status Board to track your status and check email (including spam/junk folders) for updates and tasks.  
    • The immediate vacancy is listed above, however, applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies in this job class.  
    • Note: This position will be filled in accordance with contractual language, reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion and merit employment rules. Candidates who are offered and accept a position with the State of Connecticut are bound by the State Code of Ethics for Public Officials and State employees, available at www.ct.gov/ethics.

    QUESTIONS? WE’RE HERE TO HELP: 

    Due to high volume, we are unable to confirm receipt or provide status updates directly. For recruitment updates, please check your Personal Status Board and review our Frequently Asked Questions. If you have additional questions about the recruitment process, reach out to Jasmyn Raymond at Jasmyn.Raymond@ct.gov

    Join the State of Connecticut and take your next career step with confidence!

    PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

    In the Departments of Consumer Protection and Housing, Office of Early Childhood and Social Equity Council (SEC) this class is accountable for directing staff engaged in conducting research and advising on matters pertaining to law, legislation, regulations and administrative policy.

    In a Constitutional Office this class is accountable for managing programs and processes, conducting research and advising leadership on matters pertaining to legislation, regulations, contracts and/or administrative policy.

    EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

    • Directs staff and operations of the legal unit and in consultation with the Office of the Attorney General works on a variety of difficult, complex and sensitive legal matters;
    • Coordinates, plans and manages unit activities;
    • Assists in development of agency program proposals, rules and policy;
    • Interprets statutes and regulations and ensures conformance with statutory purpose and authority;
    • Evaluates staff;
    • Assists in developing budget proposals for consistency with statutes and regulations;
    • Maintains contacts with individuals within and outside of unit who might impact program activities;
    • Provides staff training and assistance;
    • Researches and advises on matters pertaining to law, legislation, regulations and administrative policy;
    • Drafts proposed legislation and regulations;
    • Provides assistance to staff in implementing newly enacted legislation;
    • Conducts and assists staff in preparation for administrative proceedings including preparation of administrative record;
    • Prepares final decisions in contested cases;
    • Assists staff and Office of the Attorney General in preparation for court cases;
    • Drafts, negotiates, and completes administrative review of contracts and agreements;
    • Advises on matters which require an opinion from Office of the Attorney General and drafts requests for opinions;
    • Acts as liaison between Commissioner, agency head or other administrative official and Attorney General;
    • Assists staff on matters relating to enforcement orders and civil penalties;
    • Participates in the recruitment and hiring of staff, including outreach, interview and selection;
    • May conduct legal seminars for department staff;
    • Performs related duties as required.

    KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

    • Considerable knowledge of
      • and ability to interpret and apply relevant state and federal laws, statutes and regulations;
      • relevant agency policies and procedures;
      • Uniform Administrative Procedures Act;
      • legislative process;
    • Knowledge of and ability to apply management principles and practices;
    • Considerable
      • interpersonal skills;
      • oral and written communication skills;
    • Considerable ability to interpret, analyze and prepare legislation and other legal documents.

    MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

    Three (3) years of experience as an attorney with some responsibility for research, development, planning and review of legislative and/or regulatory and/or legal programs.

    PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

    • Experience analyzing and interpreting statutes and court decisions.
    • Experience with legislative drafting and regulatory drafting as well as the Connecticut Uniform Administrative Procedure Act.
    • Experience interpreting and applying the Connecticut Freedom of Information Act.
    • Experience practicing law in a law firm, government agency or organization, or legal non-profit organization.
    • Experience supervising attorneys.

    SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

    Incumbents in this class must be a member of the Connecticut Bar.

    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.


    Click on a link below to apply for this position:

    Fill out the Supplemental Questionnaire and Application NOW using the Internet.