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SalaryClass Definition
Join the Cannabis Control Commission (CCC, or commission) and the future Cannabis Office as its very first Administrator. This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated and dynamic executive-level professional to join a new state agency as its first Administrator. The CCC is responsible for the regulation, licensing, and enforcement requirements pertaining to regulated cannabis establishments and exercises all powers necessary for the implementation, administration and enforcement of cannabis regulation and policy for both medical and adult use cannabis.
Illustrative Examples of Work Performed
In accordance with Rhode Island General Law § 21-28.11-18.1, the administrator of the CANNABIS OFFICE shall report to the CCC, and consistent with the provisions of this chapter and in furtherance of coordinating the oversight and administration of cannabis use shall have the following powers, duties and responsibilities:
- Exercise the powers and perform duties as directed and delegated by the commission in relation to the administration of the CANNABIS OFFICE, including, but not limited to, budgetary and fiscal matters;
- Advise and assist the commission in carrying out any of the commission’s functions, powers, and duties;
- As authorized by the commission, enter into contracts, memoranda of understanding, and agreements to effectuate the policy and purpose of this chapter;
- Prescribe forms of applications for licenses under this chapter;
- Prepare reports and information as deemed necessary by the commission;
- Inspect or provide for inspections of any licensed premises where cannabis is cultivated, processed, stored, distributed or sold as directed or authorized by the commission;
- Provide office accommodations, hearing rooms, and direct administrative and personnel support and staff to the commission in order to carry out the commission’s duties and responsibilities;
- Maintain records of regulations, licenses, and permits issued and revoked by the commission in a manner that information is readily available regarding identity of licensees, including the names of officers and directors of corporate licensees and the location of all licensed premises;
- Delegate the powers provided in this section to employees as may be deemed appropriate;
- Coordinate across state agencies and departments to conduct research and to study cannabis use and the regulated cannabis industry and the impact access to cannabis products may have on public health and public safety;
- Issue guidance and industry advisories;
- Study the administration and alignment of cannabis regulation and as necessary make recommendations to the commission to improve administration;
- As directed by the commission, coordinate with the staff designated by the respective directors of each state agency regarding adult use of cannabis, medical cannabis and industrial hemp with the objective of producing positive economic, public safety, and health outcomes for the state and its citizens;
- As directed by the commission, offer guidance to and communicate with municipal officials regarding the implementation and enforcement of this chapter and chapter 28.6 of this title; and
- As directed by the commission, communicate with regulatory officials from other states that allow cannabis for adult use and medical cannabis use, and benefit from the experiences of those states.
Required Qualifications for Appointment
This individual is a motivated professional who has at least five years’ experience in a relevant administrator or executive level role. We are seeking a skilled professional with experience in guiding a public organization through a period of growth and transformation, in a high-profile policy area.
It is a requirement that this individual has strong writing and interpersonal skills. Experience in human resources (HR), personnel, budgeting, financial management and operational aspects of state/local/federal government agency work is also required.
It is important that this individual is highly motivated, able to multi-task, and is a leader ready to work in a dynamic and collaborative work environment. A background in a regulated or compliance-oriented profession (whether as the regulator or licensee) would be ideal.
This individual will also have occasion to act as a surrogate for the CCC and a background in media, legislative/government relations, or community organizational experience, or prior experience in a public facing role would be an added benefit for the ideal candidate. Additionally, a background in change management or guiding a previous organization through a period of growth and change would be a bonus.
The administrator of the CANNABIS OFFICE shall be appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Rhode Island State Senate and shall be in the unclassified service.
