Proposal for Position: Chief Equity Officer, NYS OCM

Job Summary

We’re looking for a Chief Equity Officer to lead the charge on implementing the social and economic equity goals set out in New York’s Marijuana Regulation & Taxation Act (MRTA). This role is all about driving diversity, inclusion, and fair opportunities in the cannabis industry, with a focus on communities that have been hit hardest by past cannabis laws.

What You’ll Do

  • Lead the Social and Economic Equity (SEE) Plan: Make sure we’re on track to meet the MRTA’s target of awarding 50% of adult-use licenses to SEE applicants (Extra Priority, Individuals from Communities Impacted, Distressed Farmers, SDVOBs, MWBs).
  • Manage the SEE Team: Guide a team of 12+ as they roll out programs and initiatives to support equity applicants and licensees, helping them break into and succeed in the cannabis market.
  • Partner with the Cannabis Control Board and Executive Director: Develop strategies that boost diversity in licensing, with a special focus on racial, ethnic, and gender representation.
  • Mentoring and Support Programs: Create and oversee initiatives like mentoring, incubators, small business coaching, financial planning, and more to give social and economic equity candidates a real shot at success.
  • Map Out Impacted Communities: Use arrest data to identify and map communities disproportionately affected by cannabis prohibition, guiding equity efforts and community investments.
  • Train Justice-Impacted Individuals, Small Farmers, and Legacy Operators: Run programs like the Cannabis Compliance Training and Mentorship (CCTM) to provide practical skills and support.
  • Engage with the Community: Host Cannabis Equity Roundtables and other events to gather input and shape SEE policies.
  • Expand Access to Financial Services: Work with banks and other departments to make sure cannabis businesses and SEE licensees can access the financial services they need.
  • Launch Programs to Support SEE Applicants: Oversee the rollout of initiatives like the Retail Accelerator Program and the Cannabis Hub & Incubator Program (CHIP).
  • Work with Other State Agencies: Coordinate with the Department of Agriculture and Markets, the Department of Environmental Conservation, the Department of Health, and others to ensure regulations benefit the state.
  • Tackle the Collateral Consequences of Marijuana Prohibition: Implement strategies for record expungement and resentencing.
  • Oversee Community Grants Reinvestment Fund: Make sure tax revenues are allocated to community-based projects effectively.
  • Collaborate on Public Health Initiatives: Work on cannabis-related education campaigns and drug treatment programs.

What You Need to Bring

  • Qualifications: Advanced degree in public administration, law, business, or a related field. At least 7-10 years of experience in cannabis regulation or economic development.
  • Proven Success: A strong track record of implementing equity programs and driving growth in regulated industries.
  • Knowledge: In-depth understanding of cannabis policy, social justice, and the impact of drug prohibition.
  • Leadership Skills: Experience managing teams and communicating effectively with various stakeholders.
  • Data Savvy: Skilled at data analysis and program evaluation.

Key Skills

  • Strategic thinking, policy development, and program management.
  • Budget management and financial planning.
  • Community outreach and regulatory compliance.
  • Public speaking and forming partnerships.

The Chief Equity Officer will be a key player in shaping the future of New York’s cannabis industry, ensuring that it reflects the state’s diversity and creates opportunities for those most affected by past cannabis laws. We’re looking for someone passionate about social justice and economic development who can make equitable policies a reality.