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Director of Operations

State of Connecticut
1 day ago
Full-time
On-site
Hartford, Connecticut, United States
$98,695 - $134,575 USD yearly

Introduction


The State of ConnecticutDepartment of Economic and Community Development is seeking a Director of Operations (Community Development Director) to lead the Operations Unit in the newly established Office of Community Development (OCD). OCD manages community-based programs including the Community Investment Fund, Brownfield Remediation and Development, and other real estate-based initiatives.

What We Can Offer You:
Position Details:
Work Location: 450 Columbus Blvd., Hartford, CT
Work Schedule: Full-time, hybrid (in-office and remote)

Position Overview:
This position will oversee program operations, manage project and construction managers, and lead DECD’s permit ombudsman and concierge services. We are seeking a professional who brings deep experience working alongside engineering teams and who possesses a solid grasp of the construction industry as well as the environmental services sector.

The Role:
This position will act as the Director of the Operations Unit of the newly created Office of Community Development. The Office of Community Development manages multiple programs, including the Brownfield Remediation and Development, Community Investment Fund and other community- and land-based programs. Some of the specific duties include:
  • Manage a team of project and construction managers assigned to OCD program - funded projects
  • Implement policy and process improvements of the Operations Unit to enhance operational efficiency
  • Develop and maintain strong client relationships and improve service delivery
  • Coordinate internal and external training programs to support staff development and stakeholder engagement.
  • Manage and oversee DECD’s permit ombudsman and concierge services to streamline permitting and support business and community needs.
  • Manage and coordinate agency obligations related to CT Environmental Policy Act and DEEP’s Flood Management Certification program
  • Administer DECD’s Liability Relief Programs to facilitate redevelopment and investment in Connecticut communities.

Selection Plan

FOR ASSISTANCE IN APPLYING: 

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 listed 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: 

  • Some email providers may experience delays or issues delivering messages. To avoid missing important updates—such as referral questionnaires or interview scheduling links—please check your Personal Status Board regularly. For added convenience, you can also enable text (SMS) notifications. To do this, log in to your Personal Status Board and select “Update My Contact Information
  • 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 Hayley Newhouse at hayley.newhouse@ct.gov

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

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

In the Department of Economic and Community Development this class is accountable for directing the programs, customer service and operations within a division.

In the Office of Policy and Management this class is accountable for the development, implementation and evaluation of policies, goals, objectives and procedures involving municipal incentive housing development and zoning programs.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
  • Directs staff and operations of division;
  • Coordinates, plans and manages division activities;
  • Formulates program goals and objectives;
  • Develops and evaluates related policy and procedures;
  • Interprets and administers pertinent laws;
  • Evaluates staff;
  • Assists in preparation of division budget;
  • Maintains contacts with customers both within and outside of division who might impact program activities;
  • Assists in developing, implementing and evaluating division goals and objectives;
  • Assists in designing division programs and activities;
  • Implements performance review standards for division staff;
  • Directs preparation of comprehensive reports on division activities;
  • Implements new procedures or revisions;
  • Participates in the recruitment and hiring of staff, including outreach, interview and selection;
  • May determine appropriate staffing levels and direct management and coordination of staff;
  • May represent Commissioner on various boards and commissions;
  • May lead departmental committees;
  • May participate in legislative hearings relating to department;
  • Performs related duties as required.
OFFICE OF POLICY AND MANAGEMENT
  • Advises agency executives on matters pertaining to development and evaluation of policies, goals and objectives related to implementation of legislation involving municipal incentive housing development, land use and attendant zoning consistency;
  • Interprets and administers pertinent laws;
  • Formulates program goals and objectives;
  • Develops and implements procedures and criteria for approving applications from municipalities regarding eligibility for financial incentive payment authorized by legislation;
  • Maintains contacts with individuals both within and outside of agency who might impact program activities;
  • Coordinates with municipalities regarding review and approval of incentive housing zone regulations, as well as, design standards for incentive housing development within those zones;
  • Develops system benchmarking and directs preparation of comprehensive reports consistent with legislative mandate;
  • Administers grants to municipalities for planning of incentive zones, adoption of regulations and design standards, revision of existing subdivision regulations and other related matters;
  • Serves on related committees and commissions on housing and economic development established by legislation;
  • Participates in the recruitment and hiring of staff, including outreach, interview and selection;
  • Performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

  • Considerable knowledge of
    • development and finance principles and practices;
    • industry, practices, markets and locational issues;
    • principles and practices of planning and community development at federal, state and local level including zoning and land use;
  • Knowledge of
    • and ability to apply management principles and practices;
    • relevant state and federal laws, statutes and regulations;
  • Considerable
    • interpersonal skills;
    • oral and written communication skills;
    • negotiation skills;
  • Ability to analyze plans and proposals.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

Nine (9) years of professional experience in corporate marketing and business development or business experience including complex residential and/or commercial financing to include leverage financing, strategic planning, financial planning and analysis or project management experience with industrial, environmental, housing or community development projects to include public financing or experience in urban planning and development.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SPECIAL EXPERIENCE

One (1) year of the General Experience must have been as a working supervisor and/or performing the most complex tasks as a specialist. 

NOTE: For state employees this experience is interpreted at the level of a Community Development Specialist.

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 planning, economics, housing, urban development, finance, business and/or public administration or a closely related field may be substituted for one (1) additional year of General Experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Experience in the construction industry.
  • Experience in the environmental services industry.
  • Experience working with Connecticut state permits and regulatory requirements for construction and environmental projects.
  • Experience with communication and stakeholder engagement.
  • Experience presenting complex information clearly to policymakers, local officials, and the public.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.

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.