The application process is now open to complete the national search for the new director of the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) in Minnesota.

Working Title: Office of Cannabis Management Director
Job Class: Executive Director for the Office of Cannabis Management
Agency: Office of Cannabis Management

  • Who May Apply : This vacancy is open to all qualified job seekers.
  • Date Posted : 01/25/2024
  • Closing Date : 02/26/2024
  • Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Office of Cannabis Management
  • Division/Unit : Office of Cannabis Management
  • Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift
  • Days of Work : Monday – Friday
  • Travel Required : Yes, up to 10%
  • Salary Range: $63.63 – $91.01 / hourly; $132,859 – $190,029 / annually
  • Classified Status : Unclassified
  • Bargaining Unit/Union : 220 – Managerial Plan
  • FLSA Status : Exempt – Executive
  • Telework Eligible : Yes

The work you’ll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

Job Summary

The Director of the Office of Cannabis Management will have responsibility for building a new state agency from the ground up and play a key leadership role in establishing and regulating an emerging new cannabis market in Minnesota. This position is directly appointed by the Governor. The position is in the unclassified service and serves at the pleasure of the Governor.

The Director will serve as the chief executive and administrative officer of the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) and will be responsible for establishing and performing the executive duties outlined in State Statute.

The Director will lead planning and policymaking; regulatory functions including compliance, enforcement, and licensure; social equity; tribal relations; legislative relations and operations management. This position will ensure office activities align with statutes, rules and legislation governing the Agency.

Responsibilities include:

  • Leading the overall operations of the OCM by providing the day-to-day and long-term leadership of a complex and publicly visible Agency to ensure integrity, promote social and community equity, and build public and stakeholder confidence in the regulation of the cannabis industry.
  • Providing executive management over the staff and budget of the OCM.
  • Leading development of a statewide regulatory system to ensure a safe, accessible and ethical cannabis industry.
  • Planning, organizing and directing enforcement, licensing, compliance and inspection activities for adult-use cannabis, medical cannabis and lower-potency hemp edibles.
  • Providing direction for the legislative and rulemaking needs of the OCM.
  • Providing leadership in government relations, tribal relations and communications activities.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

To facilitate proper years of service crediting, please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month and year for each job held.

Eight years of professional experience in regulatory oversight, public administration, business or law enforcement. A bachelor’s degree or higher in public administration, business administration or a related field can substitute for two years of experience.

Two years of managerial experience over one or more functional area that includes overseeing professional and high-level management staff.

Experience must include planning, development and implementation of budgets, policies, procedures and objectives necessary to achieve the goals of an organization or program along with development of a strategic plan.

Experience in a regulatory agency or other regulatory compliance experience.

Knowledge of the cannabis and/or hemp regulatory environment or other highly regulated environment where skills may be transferable to the cannabis industry.

Excellent management and communication skills, including strong writing skills and public speaking skills.

Demonstrated cultural competence and/or experience implementing equitable policies and practices throughout the organization.

Must have a valid driver’s license and an acceptable motor vehicle record subject to review.

The ability to celebrate diversity and a strong commitment to a respectful and inclusive work environment.

Preferred Qualifications

Superior personnel management skills that include leadership of managers with authority over multi-disciplined business units.

Prior work experience in the cannabis or hemp industry, particularly with involvement of tribal nations.

Developing, updating and/or creating regulations and legislation.

Serving as primary spokesperson to interpret and communicate regulatory implications to industry and community stakeholders.

Experience leading a highly visible organization and/or serving as a primary spokesperson for the organization.

Analyzing new and existing regulations, industry trends, and state and federal statutory changes to ensure alignment and conformity with agency regulatory operations.

Demonstrated ability to partner with public and private organizations, special interest groups, elected and appointed officials, in situations which may be politically sensitive.

Well established negotiation skills and an aptitude for building consensus through cooperation and coalition-building.

Proven experience in budget, financial and contract management.

Proven experience in policy analysis, development and implementation.

Experience solving complex problems and executing decisions.

Additional Requirements

A job offer will be contingent upon successfully passing a background check. The background check may include: SEMA4 Records Check (applies to current and former state employees only), Employment Reference Check, Criminal Background Check, Driver’s License Check, Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Background Check, Revenue Check and Conflict of Interest Review.

The Office of Cannabis Management will not sponsor applicants for work visas. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the US.

Application Details

How to Apply

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email [email protected]. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

If you have questions about the position, contact Michelle Thom at [email protected] or Charlene Briner at [email protected].

Working together to improve the State we love.

What do Minnesota’s state employees have in common?

  • A sense of purpose in their work.
  • Connection with their coworkers and communities.
  • Opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Benefits

As an employee, you’ll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include:

  • Paid vacation and sick leave
  • 12 paid holidays each year
  • Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
  • Fertility care, including IVF
  • Diabetes care
  • Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
  • 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
  • Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years) 
  • Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
  • Short and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
  • Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
  • Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

Support to help you reach your career goals:

  • Training, classes, and professional development
  • Tuition reimbursement (Remove this bullet if this position is not eligible for tuition reimbursement)
  • Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website (studentaid.gov).)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

  • A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal wellbeing, or job performance
  • Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
  • Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

Programs, resources, and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.


Diverse Workforce

We are committed to continually developing a workforce that reflects the diversity of our state and the people we serve. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

An Equal Opportunity Employer

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. The State of Minnesota recognizes that a diverse workforce is essential and strongly encourages qualified women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply.

Applicants with Disabilities 

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Job Information Line at 651-259-3637 or email [email protected], and let us know the support you need.

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