Impact Business Support Specialist

Title: Impact Business Support Specialist

State Role Title: Salary Non-Specified

Hiring Range: Hiring range for this position is $49,920 -$59,904, 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

Purpose of Position

The Impact Business Support Specialist supports impact licensee participation in the cannabis industry. This position is part of team tasked with assisting impact businesses and historically disadvantaged communities by providing technical assistance, outreach, and strategic planning.

Research & Analysis

• Conduct analysis of barriers to entry for impact businesses interested in participating in the cannabis industry.
• Contribute to recommendations for strategies to mitigate barriers and promote equitable participation.

Business Support & Technical Assistance

• Provide guidance and assistance to potential impact business licensees related to business planning and the application process.
• Offer technical support for navigating administrative licensing processes.

Outreach & Community Engagement

• Promote awareness of cannabis marketplace opportunities in historically economically disadvantaged communities.
• Participate in outreach initiatives in areas disproportionately impacted by cannabis prohibition and enforcement.
• Coordinate with public institutions of higher education and community organizations.

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

• Principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion in business and regulatory environments.
• Cannabis industry regulations or other highly regulated industry and licensing processes.
• 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.

Required Education and Experience

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

Optional/Preferred Education and Experience

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.