Executive Director (State Resources)

C&Es Office of State Resources (OSTR) primary goal and purpose is to maximize the economic value of Louisianas natural resources through responsible leasing transparent royalty management and strategic resource development that supports long-term returns while promoting environmental stewardship and energy diversification. This office is comprised of four Divisions: Income Land Administration Resource Analytics and Water Administration. Together these divisions administer and oversee contracts for use and development of state-owned property for energy-related purposes including mineral leases gas storage and sequestration alternative energy development and rights-of-way.

The Executive Director position is the chief executive of the Office of State Resource a division of the Louisiana Department of Conservation and Energy and one of the most economically significant administrative offices in the State of Louisiana. The Office of State Resources is charged with the stewardship administration and strategic development of Louisianas publicly owned land mineral water and subsurface resources. It functions in conjunction with the State Mineral and Energy Board as the states fiduciary resource manageroperating at the intersection of public land management economic development energy regulation contract negotiation and fiscal administration. Revenues generated by contracts executed by the Office of State Resources and the Board make up a considerable portion of annual revenues for parishes the state general fund and the Department.

The Executive Director oversees and manages the Office of State Resources internal Executive Division and the Office of State Resources four operating divisions: Land Administration Resources Analytics Income and Water Administration. Together these offices manage and oversee the use and production of State-owned energy resources from start to finish including negotiation and preparation of initial contracts; supervision and monitoring of operators to ensure compliance with their terms; and collection audit and allocation of resulting revenues.

The incumbent is expected to create operational goals for the Officeand performance metrics to monitor themand tailor all staffing practices functional strategies and operational policies to achieve satisfactory performance levels.

As Executive Director the incumbent serves as the ex officio secretary of the State Mineral and Energy Board and thus maintains ultimate responsibility for Board communications policy and coordination of the agenda recommendations and programming for the Boards monthly meetings. The Executive Director also serves as a liaison between the Office of State Resources and the Secretary Undersecretary and other divisions within the Department promoting cross-departmental communication and collaborative solutions in the interest of efficiency and continuity.

The Executive Directors role demands active engagement and decision-making across a broad spectrum of subject areas including Louisianas mineral energy and water resource governance; energy project development fundamentals and economics; the legislative and regulatory process; complex contract negotiation and drafting; geologic and engineering principles; and sound fiscal management practices. Success in this role requires a well-rounded skill set that includes strategic planning high-level communication personnel and time management effective task delegation and the ability to synthesize legal technical and financial considerations into clear and actionable decisions.

Preferred Qualifications

• A bachelors degree in engineering environmental science finance geology public administration or a related field. An advanced degree in one of these areas is strongly preferred.
• At least 3 years of demonstrated professional-level experience in mineral surface or water resource management or
• A Juris Doctorate (JD) from an accredited institution and experience as a practicing attorney preferably in areas related to natural resources contracts or public law.
• Familiarity with Louisianas Mineral Code public fiduciary standards and water governance frameworks is essential.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills particularly with executive audiences legal counsel and external stakeholders.

The Executive Directors primary responsibility will be to provide executive leadership strategic direction and operational oversight for the Office of State Resources (OSTR) and its four divisionsLand Administration Resource Analytics Income and Water Administration. The Executive Director will serve as ex officio Secretary of the State Mineral and Energy Board and will be responsible for ensuring the effective management and development of Louisianas state-owned mineral surface and water resources. Responsibilities may include the following:

• Provide executive leadership policy direction and operational oversight for OSTR ensuring the Offices functions are carried out efficiently legally and in alignment with its mission and strategic priorities.
• Serve as ex officio Secretary of the State Mineral and Energy Board overseeing Board communications requests correspondence action items meeting programming and materials to support timely and informed decision-making.
• Maintain executive decision-making authority over significant administrative operational contractual and enforcement matters while promoting effective delegation accountability and timely completion of critical action items.
• Develop and monitor performance metrics organizational structures and operating proceduresto improve efficiency eliminate redundancy strengthen accountability and optimize workflows across OSTR.
• Recruit develop and lead a high-performing executive team fostering a culture of collaboration accountability employee development performance management engagement and retention.
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with Department leadership the State Mineral and Energy Board the Louisiana Legislature state agencies political subdivisions and external partners to promote information sharing coordinated initiatives and effective use of public resources.
• Participate in legislative regulatory and policy development affecting OSTR including reviewing proposed legislation and rules preparing testimony and policy positions and supporting efforts to modernize Louisianas natural resource governance framework.
• Lead strategic and special initiatives involving emerging resource opportunities including carbon capture and sequestration hydrogen wind leasing water market frameworks and orphaned well remediation while aligning OSTR priorities with evolving state needs and resource markets.
• Provide fiscal and strategic oversightof OSTRs revenue generation budgeting and financial accountability including monitoring revenue performance forecasting collections and evaluating the economic impact of leasing auditing and compliance activities.
• Oversee pricing fee and valuation policies and other resource management strategies designed to maximize fair market return and the long-term economic value of Louisianas natural resources while supporting responsible resource development and fiscal stewardship.

Appointment Type: Unclassified

Work Schedule: Work hours are flexible.

Compensation:$120000 - $165000 annually

The final salary will be determined based on the selected candidates qualifications and experience.

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

How to Apply:

To apply for this vacancy click on the Apply link above and complete an electronic application which can be used for this vacancy as well as future job opportunities. Applicants are responsible for checking the status of their application to determine where they are in the recruitment process. Further status message information is located under the Information section of the Current Job Opportunities page.

For further information about this vacancy contact:

Human Resources

Department of Conservation and Energy

PO Box 94396

Baton Rouge LA 70804-9396

Email:

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Early submission is encouraged.

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