Title: Impact Business Support Specialist
State Role Title: Salary Non-Specified
Hiring Range: Hiring range for this position is $41,600 - $49,920, commensurate with education and experience
Pay Band: UG
Agency: VA Cannabis Control Authority
Location: VA Cannabis Control Authority
Agency Website: https://cca.virginia.gov/
Recruitment Type: General Public - G /This position is contingent upon the approval of pending legislative actions.
Job Duties
Program Development & Compliance
• Assist in developing requirements for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) plans for cannabis establishment license applicants.
• Support the creation and maintenance of impact licensee business accelerator plans.
• Help establish approval processes and monitor the implementation of DEI plans.
Research & Analysis
• Conduct analysis of barriers to entry for impact businesses seeking to participate in the cannabis industry.
• Contribute to recommendations for strategies to reduce barriers and promote equitable participation.
Business Support & Technical Assistance
• Provide guidance to potential impact business licensees on business planning and the application process.
• Offer technical support for navigating administrative licensing procedures.
Outreach & Community Engagement
• Promote awareness of opportunities within the cannabis marketplace in historically economically disadvantaged communities.
• Participate in outreach efforts in communities disproportionately affected by cannabis prohibition and enforcement.
• Coordinate with public institutions of higher education, community organizations, and other stakeholders.
Minimum Qualifications
• Principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion in business and regulatory environments.
• Cannabis industry regulations and licensing processes. (or other highly regulated industry experience)
• Economic development and small business support strategies.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for outreach and stakeholder engagement.
• Analytical skills for identifying barriers and developing solutions.
• Ability to assist with business planning and technical processes.
• Work collaboratively within a team and with external partners.
• Adapt to evolving regulatory requirements and program needs.
• Build trust and credibility with diverse communities.
Education:
- Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Economics, Social Sciences, or related field, or equivalent combination of education and professional experience.
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.
Additional Considerations
Education:
• Master’s degree in Public Policy, Business Administration, Economics, Social Sciences, or related discipline.
Experience:
• Experience in cannabis industry regulation, social equity programs, or working with historically disadvantaged communities.
• Familiarity with state licensing processes and public sector program development.
Special Instructions
You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.
Contact Information
Name: Robin Hollenbeck
Phone: (804) 653-9490
Email: robin.hollenbeck@cca.virginia.gov
In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at (800) 552-5019.
Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.
Reasonable accommodations are available to individuals with disabilities during the application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Please call (804) 653-9490 for assistance.
The Commonwealth of Virginia is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of the Commonwealth of Virginia to prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, veteran status, political affiliation, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce.