Job Specification Details

Managerial, administrative, and technical work running the Licensing Division for the Department of Liquor Control. This includes the planning, coordination, direction, enforcement and ongoing evaluation of the operation of the Licensing Division. Duties include the fair and consistent administration of the State's myriad liquor and tobacco licensing laws, a very high level of coordination is required with other divisions in the Department, with other Departments within state government, as well as with town and city government. This position takes the lead on the development of policy, rules, Board general regulations, and statutory changes related to liquor and tobacco licensing. Supervision is exercised over program technical staff. Work is performed under the general direction of the Deputy Commissioner with the expectation of a high level of independent operation and judgment.

Plans, organizes and directs the daily operation of the licensing Division for the Department of Liquor Control. The Division issues over 13,000 licenses annually for a wide range of activities related to the sale of liquor and tobacco. Evaluates all new license applications including visiting the location for the proposed licensed entity. Advises those seeking a license to ensure they apply for and receive the proper license. Conducts background investigations into all applicants for a new or amended license. Meets with new licenses to ensure that they understand their duties and obligations as license holders. Coordinates work with other Divisions within the Department. Coordinates with the Department of Health and the Tax Department on needed permits and clearances. Coordinates with town and city officials on local approval for licensees. Issues new and renewal licenses. Meets monthly with the Liquor Control Board on the issuance of new licenses. Works on simplification and streamlining of the licensing process. Advises the Deputy Commissioner relative to long-term planning for the Licensing Division. Writes formal notices of warning to licensees when violations are detected. Drafts investigative reports and prepares evidence for use at Liquor Board hearings. Cites licensees to appear before the Liquor Control Board for hearing in contested license matters. Works with the staff from Attorney General's Office on contested cases and recommends outcomes including license limitations, denials and suspensions. Works on updates to the liquor general regulations, rules and statutes to improve the licensing process, and suggests new operational standards to address emerging issues. Maintains extensive licensing history files for all licensees. Supervises the preparation of the Licensing Division's budget, the processing of license applications, and the collection of fees. Establishes and maintains a customer service culture amongst staff. Monitors staff workloads and resources and ensures equitable distribution of work. Evaluates employee performance as well as performing the full range of supervisory duties. Is involved with the hiring of individuals to fill staff vacancies. Provides training to technical staff on changes in laws, rules and regulations. Addresses inquiries related to licensing from the regulated entities and their representatives, attorneys, local officials, and the general public. Performs related duties as required.

30-50% of the work is performed in a standard office. setting, the remaining 50-70% of the work is outside of the office meeting with licensees and conducting background investigations related to licensing. The out of office work involves extensive travel throughout the State. Some evening and weekend work is required. Public speaking and attendance at meetings and hearings is necessary. A heightened level of stress is involved in the formal hearing process when dealing with licensees facing punitive sanctions, when dealing with non-compliant applicants and licensees, and when confronted with demands for speedier license issuance. A high level of emotional intelligence (patience, tact, emotional control) is required in dealing with these stressful situations.

Thorough knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques of licensing Considerable knowledge of the State Liquor Control laws contained

in Title 7

Considerable knowledge of the Liquor Rules

Considerable knowledge of the Liquor Board General Regulations

Considerable knowledge of precedential Liquor Board Decisions related to licensing

Considerable knowledge of Federal laws and regulations related to liquor licensing

Considerable knowledge of the rules of evidence and hearing procedures

Working knowledge of supervisory principles and practices

Ability to establish goals and monitor progress towards their achievement

Ability to organize and manage a regulatory program

Ability to work cooperatively and effectively in a team environment

Ability to interpret and apply complex rules, regulations and statutes consistently and objectively

Ability to manage time and resources effectively

Ability to plan, assign and evaluate the work of technical and investigative staff

Ability to track the timely and proper completion of assigned work

Ability to determine work priorities while simultaneously managing multiple projects

Ability to plan and direct a comprehensive system for investigating compliance with the State's liquor licensing rules and regulations

Ability to make and defend difficult and sometimes controversial decisions

Ability to work effectively with employees, supervisors, applicants, licensees, and state and local officials

Ability to learn and adapt to specialized software applications for use in licensing

Ability to utilize computer software applications for presentation and interpretation of data and information, including Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook and others.

Ability to develop and administer a divisional budget and manage division spending in compliance with the budget

Ability to analyze investigative reports and organize data for licensing and hearing purposes

Ability to concisely and effectively testify in administrative hearings

Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, and to prepare clear and concise reports

Awareness of training principles and practices

High school diploma or equivalent and seven (7) years of experience as an investigator in an enforcement/ compliance role OR seven (7) years of experience in a licensing or permitting role.

Associates Degree and four (4) years of experience as an investigator in an enforcement/compliance role OR four (4) years of experience in a licensing or permitting role.

Bachelor's Degree and two (2) years of experience as an investigator in an enforcement/compliance role OR two (2) years of experience in a licensing or permitting role.

Preference given to candidates with supervisory experience.

Must pass any level of background investigation including a criminal background check, and a motor vehicle license check. Mental and physical condition appropriate to successfully perform, with or without reasonable accommodation, the essential job functions.