Senior Policy Advisor - Education

State of Connecticut•Hartford, CT

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The State of Connecticut’s Office of Policy and Management (OPM) is seeking a Senior Policy Advisor—Education (Undersecretary for Education) to advise the OPM Secretary and help shape and implement the Administration's education priorities. The position will focus principally on prekindergarten through grade 12 policy, finance, governance, accountability, and program implementation. Knowledge of higher education policy—and experience connecting K-12, postsecondary education, workforce development, and the state's economic goals—is strongly preferred. This is a full-time (40 hours per week) position conveniently located in Hartford, CT, easily accessible to all major highways. At 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 Senior Policy Advisor—Education (Undersecretary for Education) will serve as OPM's principal senior advisor on statewide education policy. Working across OPM divisions and in partnership with the State Department of Education, Office of Early Childhood, Connecticut Technical Education and Career System, constituent units of higher education, municipalities, school districts, and the Governor's Office, the advisor will develop policy options, analyze fiscal and operational impacts, coordinate priority initiatives, and provide clear recommendations to senior leadership. The successful candidate will combine deep subject-matter knowledge with disciplined policy analysis, strong judgment, and the ability to move complex initiatives from concept through implementation. This is an unclassified position that serves at the pleasure of the appointing authority.

Requirements

Experience developing, analyzing, or implementing statewide or large-system K-12 education policy.
Knowledge of education finance, school funding, district and state governance, accountability systems, special education, educator workforce issues, and federal education programs.
Experience assessing budget, legislative, regulatory, and programmatic impacts and translating analysis into recommendations for senior decision-makers.
Experience leading complex initiatives involving multiple agencies, levels of government, school districts, higher education institutions, or other stakeholders.
Experience preparing executive-level policy memoranda, presentations, budget materials, or legislative analyses under tight deadlines.
Experience facilitating, negotiating and presenting to the public.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of higher education policy—and experience connecting K-12, postsecondary education, workforce development, and the state's economic goals—is strongly preferred.
Higher education policy experience or knowledge, particularly in areas connecting K-12 education with postsecondary access, affordability, completion, teacher preparation, or workforce pathways.
An advanced degree in education policy, public policy, public administration, economics, law, or a closely related field.

Responsibilities

Serve as senior advisor to the OPM Secretary on statewide K-12 education policy, finance, governance, student outcomes, accountability, educator workforce, school facilities, and related matters.
Identify emerging state and federal education issues; assess their fiscal, legal, operational, and equity implications; and recommend options for executive action, budget development, or legislation.
Develop and evaluate policy proposals in coordination with OPM's Budget and Financial Management divisions, the Governor's Office, education agencies, municipalities, school districts, and other partners.
Analyze education funding formulas, agency and grant expenditures, program performance, enrollment and demographic trends, and relevant administrative data to inform recommendations and resource allocation.
Lead or support the development of implementation plans for approved education initiatives, including objectives, timelines, agency responsibilities, performance measures, risks, and decision points.
Convene and facilitate interagency and cross-sector working groups; build alignment among agencies and stakeholders; resolve policy and implementation issues; and elevate decisions requiring executive direction.
Monitor federal legislation, regulations, funding, and administrative actions affecting Connecticut education programs and coordinate an appropriate state response.
Promote alignment across K-12 education, early childhood, higher education, workforce development, and economic-development policy, including pathways such as dual credit, career and technical education, educator preparation, and postsecondary affordability.
Prepare concise decision memoranda, policy papers, budget analyses, presentations, talking points, testimony support, and briefings for the Secretary, Governor's Office, and other senior officials.
Represent the OPM Secretary on boards, commissions, task forces, and in meetings with state agencies, municipal officials, education leaders, advocacy organizations, and other stakeholders, as assigned.
Coordinate priorities and project plans; track implementation and results; recommend corrective action when initiatives are off track.
Perform related duties as required.