in
State of Connecticut

Legal Program Director

State of Connecticut See More Job Openings by This EmployerArrow
  • Full Time
  • $111,028 - $151,386/year
  • Hartford, CT
April 25, 2025

Job Description

Introduction
Are you a state of Connecticut Employee?
Do you have at least 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?

The State of ConnecticutDepartment of Consumer Protection is now accepting applications for an exciting Legal Program Director opportunity within the Legal Division.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU:
  • Visit our State Employee Benefits Overview page!
  • Work at a Forbes-recognized company! Connecticut is proud to be featured on both America's Best Employers by State and Best Employers for New Grads in 2024. With our dynamic job market and commitment to fostering a thriving workforce, Connecticut stands out as a top destination for both seasoned professionals and fresh graduates seeking to launch their careers.
  • Professional growth and development opportunities.
  • A healthy work/life balance to all employees.
POSITION HIGHLIGHTS:
  • Monday-Friday
  • Full-time
  • 40 hours/week 
  • Location: 450 Columbus Boulevard, Hartford, CT
  • Hybrid and flex work schedules available
  • Weekend and evening availability may be required to meet agency needs

THE ROLE:

  • Responsible for case development, negotiation, and prosecution at administrative hearings 
  • Oversee a team of attorneys and paralegals focused on the regulation of the pharmaceutical, cannabis and hemp industries
  • Assist with developing and operationalizing policy in the drug control area
  • Other related duties
OUR MISSION
The mission of the State of Connecticut, Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) is to promote a fair and equitable marketplace and ensure safe products and services for Connecticut Consumers. The department is comprised of several divisions, each of which oversees different industries that it regulates:

The Drug Control Division works to protect the health and safety of Connecticut residents by regulating the distribution of all legal drugs, medical devices and cosmetics in Connecticut. It also oversees Connecticut licensing for pharmacies, pharmacists, controlled substance providers and laboratories, pharmacy technicians, and drug manufacturers and whole salers. The division also manages and regulates the Medical Marijuana Program and the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP).

The Food and Standards Division regulates all persons and businesses that manufacture or sell food products in the state, and ensures that weighing and measuring devices in Connecticut are accurate. Staff also test motor fuel octane, investigate complaints about gasoline stations and heating fuel, and inspect restaurants, bakeries and grocery stores for cleanliness and safety.

The Investigations Division protects the public from unfair or deceptive business practices, fraud, and scams that affect the Connecticut marketplace, including those sometimes associated with home improvement and new home construction. The Division enforces CUTPA and helps to mediate disputes between buyers and sellers. This division is responsible for all legal action the agency is authorized to take.

The Gaming Division works to ensure the highest degree of integrity in the conduct of all forms of legalized gaming within the State of Connecticut and the federally recognized Tribal Nations within the State, by licensing or permitting all individuals and entities that are involved with legalized gaming and by monitoring and educating to ensure compliance with the gaming laws and the Tribal-State agreements.

The License Services Division processes more than 208,000 licenses each year. Staff also responds to questions about renewals, payments, and other processing issues related to licenses, permits and registrations.

The Liquor Control Division safeguards the health and safety of Connecticut citizens by regulating all persons and firms involved in distributing, selling, and dispensing alcoholic liquor in order to prevent sales to minors and intoxicated persons, maintain product integrity, and ensure that licensed premises are safe and sanitary.

The Occupational & Professional Licensing Division protects the public health, safety, and welfare of Connecticut citizens by assuring that only qualified, competent persons are licensed in the occupational trades and in several professional licensing categories. This division also
administers eighteen professional Boards, Councils and Commissions to review, establish and maintain educational training and examination standards and in several cases, to help implement and administer statutory and regulatory provisions.

Please watch the video below to see what it's like to be a State of CT employee! 

Selection Plan

FOR ASSISTANCE IN APPLYING: 

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

BEFORE YOU APPLY: 

  • In order to be considered for this job opening, you must be a current State of CT employee, who has worked for the state for at least six (6) months of full-time service or full-time equivalent service, absent any applicable collective bargaining language, and meet the Minimum Qualifications as listed on the job opening.  You must specify your qualifications on your application.

  • 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: 

  • 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 Anamaria Giangarra at Anamaria.giangarra@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
  • Legal experience in the pharmaceutical, cannabis or healthcare industry
  • Experience in management
  • Experience in Litigation
  • Experience with Administrative law
  • Experience working with a government agency
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.

Salary
  • $111,028 - $151,386/year


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