Deputy Cabinet Secretary of Administration - New Mexico Environment Department
About the role
The Deputy Cabinet Secretary of Administration (DCS-A) is appointed by the Governor and serves at the pleasure of the Governor. This position works closely with the Cabinet Secretary, Deputy Cabinet Secretary of Operations (DCS-O), Division Directors, General Counsel, and other senior leaders at NMED and other state agencies.
Responsibilities
Overseeing the Environmental Protection Division (EPD), Resource Protection Division (RPD), Water Protection Division (WPD), and Environmental Health Division (EHD).
Managing budget coordination with the DCS-O for EPD, RPD, WPD, and EHD.
Supporting the Cabinet Secretary in directing OSI, managing legislative matters, constituent relations, community engagement, and scientific reviews of federal environmental actions and rulemaking activities.
Leading program administration priorities and initiatives including infrastructure investments, produced water, climate change, PFAS, recreational cannabis, and federal facility oversight.
Strengthening compliance and enforcement programs; advancing water and wastewater infrastructure; and performance reporting for programmatic metrics across EPD, RPD, WPD, and EHD.
Leading Tribal collaboration and consultation with the Department’s Tribal Liaison and maintaining and growing the Department’s environmental justice and equity program.
Serving as the Secretary’s designee to decide delegated docketed matters and providing coverage on Administration priorities including speaking engagements, inter-agency and legislative coordination, federal agency engagement, meetings with outside parties, and external communications on Governor initiatives and priorities.
Representing the Department on the New Mexico Water Policy and Infrastructure Task Force, the 30 by 30 Advisory Committee, National Governors Association Water Policy Committee, and multiple committees within the Environmental Council of the States.
Requirements
The ideal candidate must have:
Demonstrated leadership experience in business acumen, leading people, managing change, driving results, and building coalitions.
Exceptional customer service while working in structured and unstructured environments and managing multiple projects with competing deadlines.
Exceptional communication skills, both oral and written, knowing how to effectively communicate with a wide variety of stakeholders.
A passion for the protection of human health and New Mexico's natural environment.
Qualifications
The ideal candidate must have:
A minimum of a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as environmental science, public policy, or a related discipline.
At least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in environmental management, policy development, or a related field.
Experience in leading and managing large-scale projects and teams.
Strong knowledge of state and federal environmental laws and regulations.
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders, including tribal communities.
Experience with strategic planning and implementation.
Experience with budget management and financial reporting.
Skills
The ideal candidate must possess:
Strong leadership and management skills.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Experience with stakeholder engagement and coalition-building.
Knowledge of environmental policies and regulations.
Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
Experience with budget management and financial reporting.
Benefits
The salary for this position will be discussed with interested, qualified candidates.
Pay
The salary for this position will be discussed with interested, qualified candidates.
Schedule
The schedule for this position will be discussed with interested, qualified candidates.