Executive Director

Job Description

Job Purpose/Summary

The Executive Director (ED) is the administrative head of the Cannabis Control Commission ("Commission") pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 10, Section 76 (j). The ED is responsible for administering and enforcing the statutes and regulations regarding the Massachusetts marijuana industry and reports to the appointed members of the Commission. The ED executes on strategic priorities and develops an operational strategy to effectively meet the demands of the regulated cannabis industry in Massachusetts. The ED's annual goals are approved by an affirmative vote of three (3) Commissioners.

Core Responsibilities

The Executive Director:

• Ensures that licensees and prospective licensees can and will operate in a manner compliant with all Commission statutes and regulations.
• Supervises members of the senior leadership, and other supervisors, as necessary, holding staff members accountable for the operations and management of their divisions.
• Develops annual goals and any strategic plans to further the statutory and regulatory mandates and mission of the Commission.
• Seeks opportunities to support the progress and achievement of Commission goals through the work of the Commission and collaboration with Commissioners.
• Attends and participates in Commission public meetings and prepares meeting presentations and documentation for policy discussions as needed.
• Collaborates with the Commission Chair and Commissioners in the development and approval of agendas in preparation for public meetings.
• Provides regular check-in/update meetings with the Commission Chair and Commissioners and seeks opportunities to support the progress and achievement of their own goals through the work of the Commission.
• Delivers reports on performance of the Agency's strategies and plans and receives feedback from the Commission regarding the overall performance and direction of the Agency, including agency operations, policies, impact plans, finances, budget preparation, internal controls, risk assessment, audits, and overall agency management.
• Develops and updates administrative standard operating procedures (SOPs), risk management strategies, policies and practices, and other internal controls.
• As delegated to the ED by the Commission, takes administrative actions and delegates as appropriate to ensure timely execution of agency deliverables.
• Monitors the Agency's financial activities, including development and approval of annual legislative budget requests and budgetary activities to ensure efficient and appropriate use of financial resources.
• Ensures compliance with the Commonwealth's purchasing and procurement laws and supplier diversity program.
• Monitors Agency's performance and utilizes financial and non-financial metrics to ensure goals and milestones are met and makes strategic adjustments as necessary.
• Works closely with the Agency's Legal Department to ensure all regulatory mandates and statutory requirements are met.

• Proposes the Commission's legislative agenda and maintains positive relationships with legislators, internal and external partners, constituents, and other governmental bodies.
• Ensures the Commission's Social Equity Program continues to serve constituents within underrepresented communities, providing opportunities for operator ownership and career paths within the Massachusetts cannabis industry.
• Ensures the Commission remains focused on and prioritizes community and stakeholder outreach and education.
• In collaboration with the Commission and Chief People Officer, develop and support the Agency's Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging and Validation (DEIBV) initiative, to maintain a diverse and respectful Agency culture, where all employees feel welcomed, engaged, valued, and are productive.
• Works closely with appropriate staff to market and publicly engage in the Agency's obligation to develop and maintain a positive relationship with constituents and the media, including but not limited to the review of press releases, participating in speaking engagements and industry conferences, and engaging in community and public relations events.
• Maintains a high-level understanding of overall Agency performance in the industry, including reviewing of weekly/biweekly reports and engaging in one-on-one and/or team department overview and presentations with the executive and senior leadership team.
• Is responsible for preparation, approval, and submission of Commission's annual report.
• Chairs the Cannabis Advisory Board (CAB) and appoints Commissioners to serve as liaisons with the CAB subcommittees.
• As delegated by the Commission, recruits, hires, and supervises the senior leadership team.
• Performs other duties, as required.

• As a leader, will model the Agency's mission, vision, and values among senior leadership and agency staff and holds them accountable for the same.
• Demonstrates the ability to develop and maintain meaningful professional working relationships with legislators, constitutional officers, internal and external partners and networks, and the media.
• Demonstrates the Agency's support of, and commitment to maintaining Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in all programs, policies, practices, and activities.
• Demonstrates strong, clear, and respectful communication, teamwork, and collaboration with the Commission, senior leadership team, and agency staff.
• Demonstrates an elevated level of professionalism and ethical standards in representation of the Agency, its people, and the communities it serves.

• Can communicate effectively and consistently with various entities including local, state, and federal agencies, officials, media, and other stakeholders both verbally and in writing; is an effective public speaker.
• Works cooperatively with the Commission's five members and the Senior Leadership team.
• Demonstrates leadership qualities to ensure continuous performance and a high level of productivity across the Agency.
• Can achieve goals and objectives in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment and can manage multiple priorities daily.
• Works under internal and external pressures with fast turnaround and tight deadlines.
• Effectively manages and organizes workload and delivers on critical tasks.
• Ensures all applicable state and federal regulatory reporting requirements are met.
• Develops an elevated understanding of the application of racial equity in internal organizational practices, external partnerships, and regulatory mandates.
• Will develop a full understanding of the Massachusetts cannabis industry's policies, statutes, and regulations.
• Demonstrates leadership experience to adapt to and navigate unforeseen events and developments within a rapidly changing regulatory and/or industry environment.

• A bachelor's degree in public administration or business administration/management, or a related field, and three (3) to seven (7) years of relevant management experience. Cannabis industry experience or experience in a regulatory, enforcement and/or compliance environment a plus.
• In lieu of a bachelor's degree, five (5) to 10 (ten) years of relevant management experience may be substituted. Cannabis industry experience or experience in a regulatory, enforcement and/or compliance environment a plus.
• Understanding of the Massachusetts cannabis industry, as well as knowledge of national industry development and trends.
• Experience in organizational management including fiscal management, strategic planning, and management of executive level staff. Experience as an Executive Director, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Chief Operating Officer (COO) or other head of organization/agency head title a plus.
• Understanding the application and utilization of software and technology to develop creative solutions to effectively solve problems and advance the Agency's agenda.
• Experience collaborating with boards, commissions and/or senior-level executives.
• Experience working in or in collaboration with a public agency or government body such as municipal, state, or federal government a plus.

• Must be able to tolerate a working environment with frequency in sitting and standing for extended periods of time, utilizing desktop and laptop computers, and other office equipment.
• Must be able to tolerate office indoor lighting in various parts of the Commission's headquarters and Boston offices.
• May be required to travel between Commission locations and to other state government offices, or other locations across the state.
• Must be able to carry laptop, cell phone, and other supportive devices a equipment when commuting between Worcester, Boston, and home offices.

• Committing to the highest level of constituent services using state-of-the-art technology and multiple media;
• Defining and publicly measuring our performance versus metrics regarding timely execution, accessibility, impact on public health and safety, impact on disproportionately harmed communities, and incremental tax revenue generation;
• Becoming self-funding and generating a revenue surplus; and
• Creating a great place to work.

• Developing and enforcing effective regulations;
• Developing and executing a program of continuing public education;
• Conducting and contributing to research on marijuana-related topics; and
• Using surplus funds to help address issues in these areas.

• Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission