JOB DESCRIPTION

Created June 29, 2026

POSITION TITLE:

Executive Director - Upper Mattaponi Cannabis Control Authority

FLSA STATUS:

Full-time/Exempt

DEPARTMENT:

Executive

SALARY:

Negotiable

LOCATION:

King William, VA

EDUCATION:

Bachelor's Degree

SUPERVISOR:

Cannabis Control Authority Chair

WORK EXPERIENCE:

7 Years' Experience

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

CODE:

E-2/Essential, Remote Capable

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT DESCRIPTION:

Duties are essential but can be performed remotely during hazardous conditions. Must work remotely and remain fully available during scheduled hours. Must complete assigned tasks and participate in virtual check-ins.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Executive Director of the Upper Mattaponi Cannabis Control Authority serves as the primary administrative and operational leader responsible for implementing and administering the Upper Mattaponi Cannabis Regulatory Act and all regulations adopted by the Authority. This position is responsible for organizing, directing, and overseeing the daily operations of the Authority while ensuring the lawful, safe, efficient, and sovereign regulation of Cannabis activities on Upper Mattaponi Tribal lands.

The Executive Director provides strategic leadership, regulatory oversight, operational management, and administrative coordination for the Authority and its staff. The position works closely with the Authority, Tribal leadership, legal counsel, regulatory partners, law enforcement agencies, licensees, and community stakeholders to establish and maintain a transparent, compliant, and professionally administered Cannabis regulatory program.

This role requires the ability to balance Tribal sovereignty, regulatory integrity, public trust, economic development, public health considerations, and operational efficiency within a rapidly evolving industry and legal environment.

PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Authority Administration & Operations

• Direct, organize, and oversee the daily operations and administrative functions of the Upper Mattaponi Cannabis Control Authority.
• Implement and administer the provisions of the Upper Mattaponi Cannabis Regulatory Act and all regulations adopted by the Authority.
• Organize the work of the Authority to ensure maximum operational efficiency and effective regulatory oversight.
• Develop and recommend organizational structures, departmental divisions, staffing models, operational procedures, and committee structures to the Authority.
• Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), administrative policies, forms, records management systems, and internal controls.
• Coordinate Authority meetings, agendas, reports, public notices, licensing hearings, and official actions.
• Prepare operational, regulatory, compliance, financial, and strategic reports for the Authority.
• Maintain accurate records and ensure appropriate retention, confidentiality, and security of Authority documents and regulatory information.
• Assist with strategic planning and long-term development of the Tribe's Cannabis regulatory framework.

Regulatory Oversight & Compliance

• Oversee the implementation, administration, and enforcement of all Authority regulations governing Cannabis activities on Tribal lands.
• Monitor Cannabis industry operations for compliance with Tribal laws, regulations, licensing requirements, operational standards, and public safety expectations.
• Coordinate investigations, inspections, audits, compliance reviews, and enforcement actions involving Cannabis facilities, licensees, and agents.
• Assist in developing investigative and enforcement mechanisms necessary to ensure regulatory compliance.
• Coordinate with Tribal, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, regulators, and legal counsel as appropriate.
• Monitor federal and state Cannabis regulatory developments and advise the Authority regarding emerging legal, operational, and compliance risks.
• Support the Authority in drafting, revising, and implementing regulations relating to licensing, cultivation, manufacturing, processing, testing, transportation, distribution, advertising, security, and retail operations.
• Ensure regulatory systems are administered in a manner that protects public health, public safety, Tribal interests, and the integrity of the Cannabis industry.

Licensing Administration

• Oversee administration of all Cannabis facility licenses, laboratory licenses, and Cannabis agent licensing activities.
• Ensure applications are processed consistently, efficiently, and in accordance with Authority regulations.
• Coordinate background reviews, suitability assessments, investigations, and compliance verification activities.
• Maintain licensing records and confidential applicant information.
• Assist with the development and administration of procedures related to disciplinary actions, suspensions, revocations, hearings, and appeals.
• Coordinate implementation of any petition processes related to criminal history determinations or licensing eligibility.

Personnel Management

• Recruit, supervise, direct, evaluate, and develop Authority employees and assigned personnel.
• Employ clerical, technical, investigative, compliance, or expert staff as authorized by the Authority.
• Assign personnel to stations, offices, or locations both within and outside Tribal jurisdiction as operational needs require.
• Establish clear roles, responsibilities, performance expectations, accountability standards, and training requirements for Authority staff.
• Promote professionalism, confidentiality, ethical conduct, and regulatory integrity within the Authority.
• Ensure employees receive appropriate regulatory, compliance, investigative, and safety-related training.

Financial & Administrative Management

• Assist with development and administration of the Authority's operating budget.
• Monitor expenditures and ensure responsible stewardship of Authority resources.
• Coordinate procurement activities, vendor relationships, contracts, and professional services.
• Assist the Authority with identifying and pursuing grants or other funding opportunities.
• Ensure appropriate financial controls, documentation, and accountability measures are maintained.
• Coordinate with Tribal Finance and other Tribal departments as necessary.

Stakeholder & Government Relations

• Serve as the primary administrative liaison between the Authority and Tribal departments, licensees, vendors, governmental agencies, consultants, and external stakeholders.
• Support collaborative relationships that promote responsible Cannabis regulation and economic development.
• Assist with public education, outreach, and communication regarding Authority activities and regulatory requirements.
• Represent the Authority at meetings, conferences, hearings, trainings, consultations, and other official events as assigned.
• Support the Tribe's sovereign authority and regulatory interests in all professional interactions.

Risk Management & Confidentiality

• Ensure secure handling and protection of confidential licensing, investigative, financial, operational, and regulatory information.
• Assist with development of security protocols, emergency response procedures, and diversion prevention measures.
• Identify operational, legal, compliance, reputational, and public safety risks and provide recommendations to the Authority.
• Ensure regulatory operations are conducted ethically, consistently, and in accordance with applicable Tribal laws and policies.

Other Duties

• Perform other related duties as assigned by the Authority.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIREMENTS:

• Knowledge of Cannabis regulatory operations, licensing systems, compliance programs, and enforcement principles.
• Knowledge of Tribal sovereignty, Tribal governance, and the unique legal and operational considerations associated with Tribal regulatory authority.
• Knowledge of governmental administration, organizational management, budgeting, and public sector operations.
• Knowledge of regulatory investigations, compliance reviews, auditing principles, and records management.
• Ability to interpret and apply laws, regulations, policies, procedures, and technical guidance.
• Ability to develop and implement operational systems, policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.
• Ability to manage complex and sensitive regulatory matters with professionalism and discretion.
• Strong leadership, organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to prepare reports, correspondence, policies, regulations, and presentations.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with Tribal leadership, regulatory agencies, staff, licensees, and the public.
• Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and standard business software applications.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Criminal Justice, Regulatory Compliance, Law, Finance, Public Policy, Cannabis Studies, or a related field required.
• Minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in regulatory administration, compliance, investigations, governmental operations, law enforcement, public administration, Cannabis regulation, licensing administration, or a related field required.
• Minimum of three (3) years of supervisory or management experience required.
• Equivalent combinations of education, training, certifications, and relevant experience may be considered.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working within Tribal government or Tribal regulatory environments.
• Experience establishing or administering Cannabis regulatory programs.
• Experience with licensing systems, compliance programs, investigations, or regulatory enforcement.
• Experience drafting regulations, policies, or operational procedures.
• Knowledge of federal Cannabis guidance and emerging state Cannabis regulatory frameworks.
• Experience working with governmental boards or Authorities.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS & OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Valid Virginia driver's license required.
• Must be able to successfully pass background screening requirements established by the Authority.
• Must maintain the ability to lawfully perform duties associated with Cannabis regulatory activities under Tribal law.
• Must comply with all applicable Tribal policies, confidentiality requirements, and conflict of interest standards.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the primary functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Work is performed in office, field, inspection, investigative, and meeting environments. Position may require travel within and outside Tribal lands. Position may involve visits to Cannabis cultivation, manufacturing, testing, processing, storage, transportation, and retail facilities. May require occasional evening, weekend, or emergency response work.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Must be able to sit, stand, walk, communicate, and use standard office equipment for extended periods. Physical duties include the ability to lift up to twenty-five (25) pounds.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, and sit for long periods of time.

TRIBAL & INDIAN PREFERENCE

The Upper Mattaponi Tribe recognizes and applies Tribal and Indian Preference in employment in accordance with Tribal law and applicable federal law.

DISCLAIMER

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the individual assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications required. The Upper Mattaponi Tribe reserves the right to revise this job description at any time.

This position is designated as a position of trust and responsibility within a sovereign Tribal regulatory framework and is expected to uphold the integrity, confidentiality, and public trust associated with the regulation of Cannabis activities on Tribal lands.

BENEFITS:

• Health, dental, and vision
• Paid time off
• Holiday pay
• Life insurance
• Short-term disability insurance
• Long-term disability insurance
• 401k