Director of Professional Licensing

the South Dakota State Government•Statewide, SD

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Professional Licensing leads professional licensing and permitting programs within the South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation (DLR). The position provides strategic and administrative leadership to executive and program directors and other staff across multiple licensing agencies, ensuring effective and efficient service delivery and compliance with applicable laws, rules, and policies. It supports implementation of licensing requirements, application processing, complaint investigations, board meetings, administrative rulemaking, and program financial activities to protect the public’s health, safety, and welfare. The Director guides legislative and administrative rulemaking activities, advises the Cabinet Secretary, and maintains knowledge of national issues affecting professional licensing. The role builds relationships with stakeholders and responds to concerns from customers and board members. It also coordinates with educational and training institutions, professional associations, other states, and national organizations; supports clear public guidance; and works with staff to manage budgets, contracted services, internal controls, goals, performance measures, and operational modernization. This is a full-time position. Most work is performed in an office. Pierre is the preferred location, though placement at a DLR Job Service Office elsewhere in the state may be considered, with at least five days per month at the Pierre Central Office. Travel to events across South Dakota and occasional out-of-state travel are required.

Requirements

A bachelor's degree in public administration, business, or a related field, or a related advanced degree, is preferred.
Preferred five years of experience in drafting legislation, rules, and policies; lobbying legislative and government bodies; project and change management; relationship building; government affairs; and managing and leading a team.
Knowledge of South Dakota laws and rules pertaining to professional licensing, open meetings, public records and retention, supervisory and office procedures, continuing education, examination techniques, licensing processes and best practices, investigative methods and standards, legislative processes, and administrative rulemaking.
Knowledge of general office computer applications, including Microsoft Office, licensing case management systems, and office databases.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with a diverse public; draft legislation, rules, contracts, and policies; lobby and testify; negotiate; handle emotionally charged incidents tactfully; and build effective stakeholder relationships.
Ability to budget and make sound financial decisions; assess, review, and implement technology; make sound management decisions; and speak before large groups.
Ability to manage staff and projects; provide supervisory guidance and problem-solving support; handle customer complaints with discretion, empathy, and fairness; recruit, develop, and retain talent; and promote accountability and continuous improvement.
Ability to develop annual budgets and monitor expenditures; prepare meeting notices and materials; conduct research and establish standards of conduct; interpret statutes and rules; carry out disciplinary action; and ensure compliance and complaint resolution.
Ability to maintain and update office procedures and policies, implement agency directives, and review, evaluate, recommend, and implement office technology.
Must apply online; emailed resumes or submissions will not be accepted.
Applicants must verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete Form I-9. The State uses E-Verify and does not sponsor work visas for new or existing employees.

Nice To Haves

A bachelor's degree in public administration, business, or a related field, or a related advanced degree.
Five years of experience in drafting legislation, rules, and policies; lobbying legislative and government bodies; project and change management; relationship building; government affairs; and managing and leading a team.
A National Career Readiness Certificate may be submitted with the application but is not required.

Responsibilities

Support and guide legislation and administrative rulemaking for DLR professional licensing agencies, including drafting, testifying, lobbying, and education.
Provide accurate information, opinions, and guidance to the Cabinet Secretary on issues affecting the professions, and work with the Secretary on assigned topics.
Maintain knowledge of national issues and topics affecting professional licensing.
Build and maintain stakeholder relationships and engage stakeholders about policy changes and statewide issues affecting programs.
Address program-related customer service and board member concerns that program staff cannot resolve.
Communicate with applicants, licensees, board members, school owners, professional associations, and the public to answer questions, interpret rules, and receive complaints.
Coordinate with universities, training programs, licensing associations, other states, and national organizations to share best practices and monitor emerging trends.
Ensure programs publish clear, plain-language guidance, newsletters, and FAQs.
Consult with relevant staff to ensure licensing agencies are appropriately budgeted and financially sustainable.
Work with program staff to procure and review contracted resources and services.
Ensure programs maintain appropriate financial and data internal controls in compliance with laws and policies.
Lead professional licensing agencies and their executive directors and staff, promoting commitment to DLR and agency values and missions.
Supervise executive and program directors and ensure compliance with DLR and BHRA policies.
Work with board executive and program directors to ensure compliance with DLR procedures and program licensing standards, set goals, and develop success metrics.
Ensure programs pursue efficient and effective operations, including modernization through available technologies.
Ensure effective implementation of laws and rules, processing of licensure applications, and investigation of complaints.
Coordinate licensing agency meetings and administrative rulemaking, oversee financial activities, and stay informed about issues affecting regulated professions.
Work with stakeholders and staff in other DLR divisions to support the success of professional licensing agencies.