Title: Emerging Business Support Director

State Role Title: Salary Non-Specified

Hiring Range: Hiring range for this position is $100,937-$116,077, 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

Job Duties

The Emerging Business Support Director provides strategic leadership and oversight for programs designed to support and expand emerging cannabis business sectors within the Commonwealth. This position manages the Impact Business Support Team, which delivers technical assistance and business development support to qualifying enterprises, and the Cannabis Equity Business Loan Team, which administers loan programs that promote equitable participation in the cannabis industry. The Director ensures both teams operate effectively, comply with statutory and regulatory requirements, and deliver meaningful economic impact for underserved and priority communities.

Program Leadership & Strategic Direction
• Develop and execute strategic objectives for emerging business support initiatives.
• Evaluate program performance, identify gaps, and implement program improvements.
• Align program operations with agency mission, economic priorities, and legislative mandates.

Team Management & Staff Development
• Direct activities of the Impact Business Support Team and Cannabis Equity Business Loan Team.
• Provide coaching, mentorship, and professional development opportunities.
• Establish performance expectations and ensure staff meet goals and service standards.

Business Development & Technical Assistance Oversight
• Oversee delivery of technical assistance, mentorship, and coaching to emerging businesses.
• Ensure business support services meet the needs of start-ups, small businesses, and eligible impact licensee entrepreneurs.
• Develop partnerships with community organizations, accelerators, and business support networks.

Loan Program Administration & Compliance Oversight
• Manage implementation of the Cannabis Equity Business Loan Fund Program, including collaboration with a community development financial institution, eligibility review, underwriting guidelines, and loan servicing practices.
• Ensure compliance with applicable laws, funding requirements, and reporting obligations.
• Oversee risk assessments, portfolio performance monitoring, and corrective action planning.

Stakeholder Engagement & Community Partnership Development
• Build strong relationships with entrepreneurs, community groups, lenders, and industry partners.
• Represent the agency during public meetings, outreach events, and stakeholder forums.
• Collaborate with external organizations to expand resources and support available to emerging businesses.

Policy Interpretation & Regulatory Application
• Interpret laws and regulations governing business development programs and cannabis equity initiatives.
• Develop internal policies, procedures, and guidance materials to support program consistency and compliance.
• Provide recommendations to leadership for potential policy enhancements or legislative changes.

Data Analysis, Reporting & Program Evaluation
• Oversee collection and analysis of program metrics, financial performance, and impact data.
• Prepare reports for leadership, oversight bodies, and external stakeholders.
• Use data insights to guide strategic adjustments and resource allocation.

Financial Oversight & Resource Management
• Manage program budgets, grant allocations, and funding streams supporting both teams.
• Ensure fiscal accountability, transparency, and responsible stewardship of public funds.
• Coordinate with financial and administrative departments on procurement, contracts, and resource planning.

Other duties as assigned

• Follow workplace safety regulations and adhere to applicable standards, processes, and programs established for your position.
• Report unsafe work conditions to your supervisor.
• Immediately report work-related incidents to your supervisor and participate in accident investigation requests.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

• Knowledge of emerging business development strategies, entrepreneurial support systems, and small business financing.
• Knowledge of loan program administration, underwriting principles, and financial risk assessment.
• Skill in interpreting and applying regulatory requirements, including cannabis equity provisions.
• Ability to lead diverse teams, manage staff performance, and foster professional growth.
• Skill in developing partnerships and working collaboratively with community organizations and industry stakeholders.
• Ability to analyze program data, evaluate outcomes, and use insights to drive continuous improvement.
• Skill in managing budgets, funding allocations, and public resources responsibly.
• Strong communication skills for engaging stakeholders and preparing clear, data driven reports.

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Economics, Finance, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in business development, economic development, small business support, or program administration.
• Minimum of 5 years of supervisory or team leadership experience.
• Experience managing grants, loan programs, or financial assistance initiatives.

Additional Considerations

Preferred Education and Experience

• Master’s degree in Business Administration, Public Policy, Economic Development, or a related discipline.
• Experience working with equity focused programs or underserved entrepreneurial communities.
• Experience with state or federal lending programs, regulatory environments, or economic development agencies.
• Experience implementing programs in emerging industries such as cannabis, green technology, or other specialized sectors.

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: Aaron Cohen

Phone: (804) 653-9735

Email: aaron.cohen@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.