Executive Director (Natural Resources Trust Authority)

State of Louisiana; Baton Rouge (LA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 175,000; Full time

Job summary

The Executive Director of the NRTA for the State of Louisiana leads financial security, bonding, and fiduciary management within the Office of Administration. Based in Baton Rouge, this role reports to the Undersecretary and oversees all financial, operational, and administrative activities of the NRTA.

Responsibilities include implementing security mechanisms, refining financial protocols, managing investments (including GOMESA bonds), and ensuring regulatory compliance across the energy

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in finance, economics, business administration, or a related field (preferred).
• At least 3 years of demonstrated experience in financial management, regulatory compliance, and risk analysis within the energy sector (preferred).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, particularly with executive audiences, legal counsel, and external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Implement and manage financial security mechanisms with state agencies to ensure compliance.
• Develop and refine financial management protocols for efficiency and fiscal stewardship in the energy sector.
• Lead risk assessment and mitigation efforts to safeguard against financial loss.
• Establish and oversee a bonding authority to stabilize revenue streams and operations.
• Promote investment initiatives, including GOMESA bonds, to attract private investment.
• Diversify financial instruments to improve financial resilience and reduce reliance on federal funding.
• Ensure regulatory compliance, review permits and financial security documentation, enforce standards.
• Administer the Plugging Credit Certificate Program and facilitate credit transfers.
• Manage data and reporting systems for accurate financial records and oversight updates.
• Engage and educate stakeholders through collaboration, training, and outreach.

Education

Bachelor's degree in finance, economics, business administration, or a related field

Master's degree or higher preferred

Job description

Office of Administration – Executive

The Office of Administration (OAD) supports the effective operation of the Department by managing accounting, budget control, procurement, contract management, strategic planning and personnel management. The Office also oversees the NRTA, which provides secure financial frameworks for managing environmental liabilities.

OAD delivers financial management, HR, IT, procurement, and strategic planning across the department, ensuring that technical offices can focus on their regulatory work. It manages the Natural Resources Trust Authority (NRTA), which oversees financial assurance and bonding programs for site restoration, orphan wells, and environmental liabilities.

The Executive Director of the Natural Resources Trust Authority (NRTA) was created as a financial arm within the State Mineral and Energy Board (SMEB). The NRTA’s mission is to develop and manage financial instruments that secure obligations related to oil-field site restoration - particularly the plugging and abandonment of orphaned wells. Because the Authority handles public funds and acts in a fiduciary capacity, both Louisiana law and federal banking standards require it to operate independently and at arm’s length from any other agency, office, or individual.

This leadership role requires a deep understanding of public finance, energy sector regulation, and fiduciary management. The Executive Director will design and implement the financial structures, investment mechanisms, and compliance systems that support and sustain the Authority’s mission.

Preferred Qualifications:

• A bachelor's degree in finance, economics, business administration, or a related field. Given the complex nature of the responsibilities outlined in the job description, a master's degree or higher in a relevant field is preferred.
• At least 3 years of demonstrated experience in financial management, regulatory compliance, and risk analysis within the energy sector, would be preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, particularly with executive audiences, legal counsel, and external stakeholders.

LOCATION AND POSITION INFORMATION:

The Executive Director of the NRTA is located within the Executive Division of the Office of Administration and is domiciled in Baton Rouge, LA. The position reports directly to the Undersecretary of the Department of Conservation & Energy and operates under the strategic direction of the State Mineral and Energy Board. The incumbent in this position is responsible for leading, managing, and overseeing all operational, financial, and administrative activities of the NRTA.

Duties include, but are not limited to the following:

• Implement and manage financial security mechanisms in accordance with Louisiana statutes, working closely with the Office of Conservation and the Department of Treasury to ensure full compliance.
• Develop and refine financial management protocols to improve efficiency, promote sustainability, and support sound fiscal stewardship within the state’s energy sector.
• Lead risk assessment and mitigation efforts, identifying vulnerabilities and implementing strategies to safeguard against financial loss.
• Establish and oversee a bonding authority to streamline operations, stabilize revenue streams, and reduce exposure to volatile energy markets.
• Promote and manage investment initiatives, including Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act (GOMESA) bonds, to attract private investment and strengthen Louisiana’s energy economy.
• Diversify financial instruments, such as letters of credit and other bonding mechanisms to enhance financial resilience and reduce reliance on federal funding.
• Ensure regulatory compliance, reviewing operator permits and financial security documentation, enforcing standards, and resolving instances of non-compliance
• Administer the Plugging Credit Certificate Program, evaluating applications, ensuring adherence to program guidelines, and facilitating credit transfers.
• Manage data and reporting systems to maintain accurate financial records, track compliance, and provide transparent updates to oversight bodies.
• Engage and educate stakeholders through collaboration, training, and outreach to promote understanding of financial security requirements and best practices

POSITION-SPECIFIC DETAILS:

Appointment Type: Unclassified

Work Schedule: Work hours are flexible.

Compensation:$130,000 - $175,000 annually.

The salary offered will be determined based on qualifications and experience.

Louisiana is a State As a Model Employer (SAME) that supports the recruitment, hiring, and retention of individuals with disabilities.