Description

JOB SUMMARY

Reporting to the Director of the Institute for Municipal and Regional Policy (IMRP), the Educational Program Manager 1 will serve as the lead professional staff member from IMRP assigned to oversee the Connecticut Sentencing Commission. Per Commission bylaws and with Commission approval, this position will also serve as the Executive Director, acting at the pleasure of the Commission. The IMRP Director will work collaboratively with the Chair of the Commission to ensure that the Educational Program Manager 1 is successfully meeting the Commission’s annual goals and priorities. This position manages the day-to-day operations of the Connecticut Sentencing Commission and supervises multiple professional and/or support staff and serves as a highly advanced resource for programmatic subject matter.

Working in close collaboration with the Commission Chair and the IMRP Director, this position is responsible for the effective day-to-day management of the Commission. Key responsibilities include coordinating research projects and working groups, managing the allocation of staff and resources, soliciting grants, and overseeing other Commission activities.

This role also provides administrative leadership, including supervision, training, evaluation, and task delegation to full-time staff, graduate assistants, and student workers. The position ensures the smooth administration of Commission programs and the coordination of research and training efforts.

The Connecticut Sentencing Commission was established under Connecticut General Statutes 54-300. The mission of the commission is to review the existing criminal sentencing structure in the state, propose changes, including revisions to existing statutes, new criminal legislation, and updates to existing and proposed sentencing policies and practices, and make recommendations to the Governor, the General Assembly, and relevant criminal justice agencies. The 23-member Commission includes judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, agency commissioners, Judicial Branch staff, law enforcement, and other appointed officials.

Since its inception, the Institute for Municipal and Regional Policy (IMRP) has provided professional staffing and administrative support to the Commission. The Commission also collaborates with Connecticut’s academic institutions to ensure high-quality research and analysis.

As an independent and autonomous body, the Commission retains full authority over its priorities, agenda, and strategic direction. The IMRP provides administrative and fiduciary oversight to support the Commission’s work. This position requires a strong partnership with both the Commission Chair and the IMRP Director to ensure that the Commission fulfills its annual priorities and goals.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Plans, directs, and administers the Connecticut Sentencing Commission, assuring compliance with enabling laws, and developing the Commission’s budgets and meeting agendas.
• Plans and directs the research, evaluation, and monitoring activities of the Connecticut Sentencing Commission consistent with the Commission’s mission, statutory charge, and updates the Commission on research and policy developments related to sentencing practices on a nationwide basis.
• Directs the day-to-day operation and administration of the Connecticut Sentencing Commission in accordance with the Commission’s goals and objectives. Oversees coordination for the Commission’s activities and logistics and prepares necessary reports.
• Ensures all work activities are completed in accordance with the Commission’s goals and objectives.
• Oversees the writing and editing of Commission documents, including legislative drafting.
• Drafts and prepares reports of the Commission for submission to internal and external entities.
• Leads the planning, development, design, and evaluation of the Commission’s activities. Collects and analyzes Commission data and participates in evaluating the Commission’s effectiveness.
• Represents the Commission to the General Assembly, Executive and Judicial branches, municipalities, practitioners, academics, and sentencing commissions in other states, etc.
• Works with the Commission Chair and UConn leadership to develop legislative budget requests and formulate an annual budget based on available resources. Manages the approved program budget. Identifies and solicits external funding opportunities, including local, state, and federal grants, to provide sufficient funding for Commission staff and/or assist the Commission in furthering its mission and statutory charge.
• Manages the Commission budget and operational needs to achieve its goals and priorities effectively.
• Manages professional and non-professional staff, as well as business and administrative operations of the Commission.
• Develops and oversees all Memoranda of Understanding with Partnering entities, including but not limited to other universities and colleges and state agencies.
• Works to ensure that all Institute and other university policies and procedures are followed in accordance with university rules and regulations.
• Provides accurate and timely information as requested or directed by the Commission.
• Trains, supervises, evaluates, and coordinates the activities of Commission staff. Determines work schedules and assignments to meet the Commission’s needs most effectively.
• Engages in public relations and promotional activities for the Commission. Implements recruiting and promotional strategies in the area of responsibility.
• Updates the Commission’s website and ensures compliance of all Commission activities with the Connecticut Freedom of Information laws as applicable.
• Contributes to planning outreach programs, conferences, meetings, and seminars.
• Performs related work as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in public policy, public administration, Law, criminology, sociology, economics, political science, or a related field, and six to seven years of relevant experience in research, policy development, legislative affairs, or program administration. At least two years of professional experience serving in a senior, supervisory, or project lead capacity, including responsibility for managing staff, overseeing complex initiatives, or directing collaborations.
• Demonstrated experience in criminal justice policy and sentencing practices, including familiarity with state and federal sentencing laws, research methodologies, and national trends in sentencing reform.
• Organizational and administrative skills, including budget development and oversight, grant writing and management, and coordination of multi-agency or institutional partnerships.
• Interpersonal and communication skills, with experience acting as a liaison to government agencies, legislators, academic partners, and community stakeholders, and a demonstrated ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree in public policy, public administration, Law, criminology, sociology, economics, political science, or a related field, and six years of relevant experience in research, policy development, legislative affairs, or program administration. 
• Ph.D. or Juris Doctor (J.D.) in Criminal Justice, Public Policy, Law, or a related field, with a strong record of academic research or policy work in sentencing, criminal justice reform, or legal studies.
• Six or more years of experience working directly with sentencing commissions, legislative bodies, or criminal justice agencies, particularly in a policy advisory or leadership capacity.
• Demonstrated experience writing and editing high-quality reports, policy documents, and legislative language, with strong attention to detail and experience communicating complex legal or policy issues clearly to a variety of audiences.
• Demonstrated success in securing and managing external funding, including grants from state, federal, or private sources to support public policy or criminal justice initiatives.

APPOINTMENT TERMS

Other rights, terms, and conditions of employment are contained in the collective bargaining agreement between the University of Connecticut and the University of Connecticut Professional Employees Association (UCPEA).

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

TO APPLY

Please apply online at https://hr.uconn.edu/jobs, Staff Positions, Search #499136 to upload a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three (3) professional references.

This job posting is scheduled to be removed at 11:55 p.m. Eastern time on January 16, 2026. 

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at https://portal.ct.gov/Ethics/Statutes-and-Regulations.

All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of, and contribute to, an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University community.

The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce. The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner. This makes it essential for each member of our community to feel secure and welcomed and to thoroughly understand and believe that their ideas are respected by all. We strongly respect each individual employee’s unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.