LABOR & LICENSING DIVISION DIRECTOR I

State of Arkansas•Little Rock, AR

14d

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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.
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.

Nice To Haves

Licensing experience perferred.

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.