Impact Business Support Team Manager

Virginia Information Technologies Agency

About The Position

Leadership & Coordination • Lead and manage the Cannabis Impact Business Support Team. • Coordinate with the Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion on matters related to impact licensee participation in the marijuana industry. • Provide direction and oversight to ensure program goals are met and aligned with organizational priorities. Policy Development & Compliance • Develop requirements for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) plans for marijuana license applicants. • Establish approval processes and monitor the implementation of DEI plans. • Define and oversee impact licensee business accelerator plans to support equitable market participation. Research & Analysis • Conduct analysis of barriers to entry for impact licensees seeking to join the cannabis industry. • Identify historically economically disadvantaged communities across Virginia. • Recommend strategies to mitigate barriers and expand equitable participation within the regulated marketplace. Outreach & Technical Assistance • Provide business planning assistance to potential marijuana establishment licensees. • Promote awareness of opportunities in the marijuana marketplace within historically economically disadvantaged communities. • Offer technical assistance to help stakeholders navigate administrative licensing processes. • Coordinate outreach initiatives in communities disproportionately impacted by marijuana prohibition. Stakeholder Engagement • Collaborate with public institutions of higher education, community organizations, and other external stakeholders. • Build partnerships that support regulatory approaches rooted in restorative justice, economic equity, and public health. • Represent the agency in stakeholder meetings, forums, and community engagements.

Requirements

Principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion in business and regulatory environments.
Cannabis industry regulations and licensing processes.
Economic development strategies for disadvantaged communities.
Strong leadership and team management skills.
Policy development and program implementation.
Research and data analysis for identifying barriers and solutions.
Effective communication and public speaking for outreach initiatives.
Build collaborative relationships with diverse stakeholders.
Navigate complex regulatory frameworks.
Develop and execute strategic plans to promote social equity.
Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Economics, Social Sciences, or related field, or equivalent combination of education and professional experience.
Minimum of 3 years of experience in diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, economic development, or business support.
Experience in community outreach and stakeholder engagement required.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Public Policy, Business Administration, Economics, Social Sciences, or related discipline.
Experience in cannabis industry regulation, social equity programs, or working with historically economically disadvantaged communities.
Familiarity with state licensing processes and public sector program development.

Responsibilities

Lead and manage the Cannabis Impact Business Support Team.
Coordinate with the Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion on matters related to impact licensee participation in the marijuana industry.
Provide direction and oversight to ensure program goals are met and aligned with organizational priorities.
Develop requirements for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) plans for marijuana license applicants.
Establish approval processes and monitor the implementation of DEI plans.
Define and oversee impact licensee business accelerator plans to support equitable market participation.
Conduct analysis of barriers to entry for impact licensees seeking to join the cannabis industry.
Identify historically economically disadvantaged communities across Virginia.
Recommend strategies to mitigate barriers and expand equitable participation within the regulated marketplace.
Provide business planning assistance to potential marijuana establishment licensees.
Promote awareness of opportunities in the marijuana marketplace within historically economically disadvantaged communities.
Offer technical assistance to help stakeholders navigate administrative licensing processes.
Coordinate outreach initiatives in communities disproportionately impacted by marijuana prohibition.
Collaborate with public institutions of higher education, community organizations, and other external stakeholders.
Build partnerships that support regulatory approaches rooted in restorative justice, economic equity, and public health.
Represent the agency in stakeholder meetings, forums, and community engagements.