LABOR & LICENSING DIVISION DIRECTOR I

State of Arkansas; Little Rock (AR); On-site; USD 57,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

The Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing (ADLL) seeks a Division Director I to oversee all licensing programs and operations, implement policies, and ensure compliance with laws and regulations while promoting excellence.

You will lead a team, manage budgets, liaise with regulators and industry groups, and serve as the agency's public spokesperson, directing strategic planning and performance improvements.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Minimum of 8 years in licensing, regulatory compliance, public administration, or related field.
• Proven leadership in managing complex licensing operations or regulatory programs.
• Experience in policy development, strategic planning, and operational improvements.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a long-range strategic plan for the licensing agency.
• Oversee the full lifecycle of licensing operations including applications, evaluation, renewals, and revocations.
• Implement quality assurance measures and monitoring to ensure compliance with state and federal rules.
• Direct and manage agency personnel through recruiting, training, supervision, and evaluation.
• Develop, oversee, and manage the agency budget and resource allocation.
• Represent the agency as the primary spokesperson at public forums, meetings, and hearings.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Regulatory compliance

Policy development

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

S4/HANA experience

Job description

The Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing (ADLL) is dedicated to ensuring fair and safe labor practices, fostering economic growth, and protecting the welfare of workers and businesses across the state. ADLL is committed to supporting those affected by job displacement by connecting them with resources, training programs, and initiatives that empower them to thrive in evolving industries and contribute meaningfully to Arkansas's workforce. ADLL will uphold rigorous standards, promote education and compliance, and strive for continuous improvement in all areas of labor and licensing regulation to enhance the well-being of Arkansas's workforce and economy.

Position Information

Job Series: Inspectors and Investigators - Labor Programs Management

Classification: Labor and Licensing Division Director I

Class Code: ILP01C

Pay Grade: SGS07

Salary Range: $57,351 - $84,879

Job Summary

The Labor and Licensing Division Director I is a senior executive responsible for overseeing and managing all aspects of a licensing organization's programs and operations. This role is tasked with developing, implementing, and enforcing licensing policies and procedures that ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations while promoting operational excellence. The Division Director I also leads a team of licensing professionals, coordinates with regulatory bodies, and serves as the primary point of communication between the agency and the public as well as governmental entities.

Primary Responsibilities

Develop and execute a long-range strategic plan for the licensing agency, aligning operational goals with regulatory requirements and industry best practices. Formulate and update licensing policies, procedures, and standards to support the agency’s mission, ensure consistency, and adapt to regulatory changes. Oversee the full lifecycle of licensing operations, including application processing, evaluation, determination, renewals, and revocations. Implement quality assurance measures and monitoring systems to verify that licensing activities adhere to state and federal rules. Liaise with regulatory agencies and industry groups to ensure that licensing practices remain current with evolving legal and ethical standards. Direct and manage the licensing agency's personnel by recruiting, training, supervising, and evaluating team members. Foster a collaborative work environment that encourages professional growth and high standards of performance. Delegate tasks effectively to ensure that both routine and critical licensing functions are handled efficiently. Develop, oversee, and manage the agency budget, ensuring that financial resources are utilized effectively and cost-efficiency is maintained. Evaluate operational performance and use data-driven insights to propose resource allocation adjustments and process improvements. Serve as the primary spokesperson for the agency, representing licensing operations at public forums, industry meetings, and regulatory hearings. Build and maintain robust relationships with key personnel- including governmental agencies, industry associations, and the wider public, in an attempt to enhance the agency’s reputation and operational effectiveness. Address inquiries, resolve escalated issues, and communicate important licensing updates or changes. Identify potential risks and vulnerabilities in licensing operations and then develop strategies to mitigate these challenges. Oversee the enforcement of licensing decisions, ensuring that non-compliance issues are addressed promptly and in accordance with established policies.

Knowledge And Skills

Exceptional leadership abilities with the capacity to inspire and manage a variety of assorted personnel. Strong strategic planning skills with experience in executing long-range goals. Proficient in analyzing complex regulatory requirements and operational data to make informed decisions. Ability to design and implement process improvements and quality assurance measures. Excellent written and oral communication skills for effective public representation and internal collaboration. Solid understanding of budgeting, financial forecasting, and resource management in a public or quasi-public sector environment. High commitment to ethical leadership, maintaining confidentiality, and upholding the integrity of licensing operations.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressively responsible experience in licensing, regulatory compliance, public administration, or a related field.
• Proven track record of leadership in managing complex licensing operations or regulatory programs.
• Demonstrated experience in policy development, strategic planning, and the implementation of operational improvements.
• Possession of industry-specific certifications may be required.

Licensure/Certifications

N/A OTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.

Preferred Qualifications

IT background or previous State S4/HANA experience

The State of Arkansas is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.