The vision of the Mayor’s Office of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion is of an equitable, sustainable, and vibrant city that centers people and creates opportunities to build generational wealth.

We are a growing department with a transformative mission and startup environment, led by a team of passionate individuals who are committed to achieving the urgent and important goal of eliminating the racial wealth gap and making the city more inclusive for all. With that in mind, you can look forward to a work culture that is:

• Mission-driven: We are committed to excellence in all we do and put in the time and effort required to achieve our goals, no matter how long it takes.
• Empowering: We believe in supporting leaders who are forward-thinking, independent, risk-takers, and confident.
• Collaborative: We understand that our work is interrelated and interdependent. We don’t operate in silos.
• Supportive: We create an environment that provides the physical, emotional, and intellectual space and tools to accomplish your tasks and exceed internal and external expectations.
• Innovative: We know it’s better to work smart and are always seeking creative ways to move us closer to our goals and leverage new ways of learning and working together.

The Cannabis Equity Program Manager will operate within the Business Strategy Unit of the Mayor's Office of Economic Opportunity & Inclusion. In this role, the Cannabis Equity Program Manager will have the unique opportunity to shape and influence the growth of the cannabis industry in Boston, ensuring that it is inclusive, equitable, and socially responsible. The Cannabis Equity Program Manager will primarily be responsible for overseeing the Boston Cannabis Equity Program and ensuring that Boston residents have access to the resources they need to develop cannabis businesses.

Reporting to the Senior Cannabis Business Manager, the Cannabis Equity Program Manager will collaborate with internal departments and external partners, including the Boston Cannabis Board, Intergovernmental Relations, and the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission, to further support the equitable development of this emerging industry.

As the City of Boston is one of the first cities to formally prioritize equity applicants looking to participate in the cannabis industry, this position will play a critical role in the execution of this priority.

• Lead and manage the strategic direction, operations, and growth of the Boston Cannabis Equity Program, including grant funding and technical assistance, ensuring alignment with the City's goals for equity and inclusion in the cannabis industry.
• Oversee the Boston Cannabis Equity Program budget, managing funds to support program initiatives, ensuring alignment with program goals.
• Facilitate the strengthening of existing and launching of new cannabis businesses in Boston.
• Implement community outreach strategies to promote awareness and participation in the Boston Cannabis Equity Program, developed by the Senior Cannabis Business Manager.
• Assist in developing, implementing, and sustaining programs and initiatives that address the needs of cannabis businesses, particularly equity applicants. This includes capacity-building efforts and launching new programs that support long-term success in the emerging cannabis industry.
• Collect, analyze, and report data on program activities, outcomes, and impact to measure progress and inform continuous improvement efforts. Ensure transparency and accountability in the allocation and use of program resources.
• Facilitate the growth and sustainability of cannabis businesses by providing one-on-one assistance, including guidance on starting, strengthening, or relocating businesses in Boston. Connect entrepreneurs with essential business services, including legal, financial, and marketing expertise.
• Develop formal and informal partnerships with external organizations in order to better leverage and coordinate cannabis specific business assistance resources.
• Perform other related work as required.

• At least three (3) years of relevant experience, including at least one (1) year directing/managing neighborhood business improvement or related activities and two (2) years experience with small business development and assistance.
• A bachelor's degree in business or public administration, management, communications, marketing, or related field may be substituted for two (2) years of the required experience.
• Familiarity with local government operations, cannabis policy, and processes strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Boston's neighborhoods and business districts.
• Ability to lead, strategize, and problem solve as well as manage multiple projects and tasks and to prepare reports and statistics.
• Excellent oral and written communications and organizational skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft applications, and Google Suite.
• Ability to work weekends and evenings as necessary.
• Ability to exercise good judgment and focus on detail as required by the job.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, business owners, and neighborhood stakeholders.
• Ability to prepare and present effective presentations.
• Ability to act as an advocate for cannabis businesses within the City of Boston.

Boston Residency Required.

Terms:

Union/Salary Plan/Grade:Non Union MO/ Grade 9

35 hours per week