Senior Licensing Associate

Title: Senior Licensing Associate

State Role Title: Salary Non-Specified

Hiring Range: Hiring range for this position is $49,950 -$59,904, commensurate with education and experience

Pay Band: UG

Agency: VA Cannabis Control Authority

Location: VA Cannabis Control Authority

Agency Website: https://cca.virginia.gov/

Recruitment Type: General Public - G/This position is contingent upon the approval of pending legislative actions.

 

 

Job Duties

Advanced Licensing & Registration Administration
• Reviews complex, escalated, or technical cannabis licensing, patient certification, and product registration applications for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Identifies deficiencies or inconsistencies within applications, requests corrections, and ensures timely processing to meet program standards.
• Supports workflow optimization by recommending improvements to licensing processes, system functionality, and data quality controls.
• Ensures that application reviews are well documented, auditable, and aligned with program policies and statutory requirements.

Regulatory Compliance Support
• Identifies potential compliance concerns during application review and appropriately escalates issues to compliance or enforcement teams.
• Documents facility related irregularities or observations that may indicate noncompliance with cannabis laws or operating standards.
• Applies an understanding of regulatory requirements governing cannabis facilities, product safety, and operational compliance to the licensing review process.

Program Coordination & Reporting
• Prepares reports, summaries, decision documentation, and analytical materials supporting licensing determinations and program oversight.
• Maintains organized, accurate, and audit ready records consistent with regulatory expectations and agency policies.
• Assists in developing and updating licensing procedures, internal SOPs, and guidance documents to promote consistency and transparency.

Stakeholder & Public Interaction
• Responds to complex inquiries from applicants, licensees, patients, practitioners, and members of the public with clear, accurate, and timely information.
• Provides guidance on application processes, regulatory requirements, and program expectations in a professional and accessible manner.
• Represents the agency during interactions with cannabis facilities, community stakeholders, and professional partners.

Leadership & Mentorship
• Provides mentoring and technical support to Licensing Associates and junior staff, including guidance on application review, documentation standards, and regulatory interpretation.
• Supports onboarding and training efforts to strengthen staff knowledge and program consistency.
• Serves as a lead resource for resolving escalated, complex, or technical licensing issues.

Administrative & Technical Proficiency
• Utilizes licensing and registration databases, document management systems, and digital tools to process and track applications accurately.
• Manages confidential and sensitive information in accordance with agency policies and state requirements.
• Organizes and prioritizes multiple tasks and deadlines in a fast paced regulatory environment.


Minimum Qualifications

• State cannabis laws, regulations, and program requirements.
• Licensing, permitting, and registration processes within a regulatory agency.
• Documentation standards, administrative procedures, and recordkeeping requirements.
• Basic understanding of compliance, enforcement, and regulatory oversight.
• Advanced application review and data verification.
• Clear and professional written and verbal communication.
• Customer service and stakeholder engagement.
• Report drafting, documentation, and workflow management.
• Use of databases, spreadsheets, and digital filing systems.
• Interpret and apply complex regulatory requirements.
• Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information.
• Work independently and collaboratively with regulatory staff.
• Mentor junior staff and support team development.
• Manage high-volume workloads with accuracy and attention to detail.

 

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in public administration, business administration, health administration, regulatory affairs, or a related