NMLEA Lead Compliance Officer

NMLEA Senior Compliance Officer (DPS #10116072) The New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy (NMLEA) is the cornerstone of public safety training in the state. As the central hub for certifying and developing law enforcement officers and telecommunicators, NMLEA sets the standard for excellence, accountability, and service. Through a statewide network of nine satellite academies and a robust curriculum, staff prepare the next generation of public safety professionals to serve with integrity, skill, and resilience. The work at the Academy is grounded in the New Mexico Law Enforcement Training Act, but the mission goes far beyond compliance. The NMLEA is building a culture of continuous learning, ethical leadership, and operational readiness powered by the Acadis® software suite, which enables staff to track, audit, and elevate training outcomes across every jurisdiction in New Mexico. Why does the job exist? The Lead Compliance Officer provides centralized oversight, advanced regulatory analysis, and program coordination for the department's compliance-driven operations. As the Academy's programs have expanded in complexity and statutory impact, this role ensures that certification, admissions, accreditation, instructor credentialing, and training functions are consistently aligned with NMSA 1978, the Law Enforcement Training Act, and Title 10, Chapter 29 NMAC. The position serves as the operational link between executive leadership and frontline compliance staff by translating statutory and regulatory requirements into standardized procedures, overseeing cross-program compliance alignment, and providing quality control across certification, accreditation, and training programs. The Compliance Coordinator also coordinates with systems and data personnel to ensure the integrity of certification and training records and supports reporting and compliance metrics used for executive decision‑making and audits. In addition, the role serves as the compliance liaison for all regional and satellite academies operating under the authority of the New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy, providing guidance on academy accreditation, class accreditation, admissions review, and instructor credential verification to ensure uniform application of statewide training and certification standards. Through regulatory oversight, program coordination, and stakeholder consultation, the Compliance Coordinator strengthens governance, improves consistency in regulatory application, and supports the integrity and sustainability of the department's statewide compliance framework. How does it get done? Compliance Oversight, Regulatory Interpretation & Program Alignment Provides advanced analysis and interpretation of NMSA 1978, the Law Enforcement Training Act, and Title 10, Chapter 29 NMAC. Ensures consistent application of compliance standards across certification, training, accreditation, in‑service training, and instructor programs. Reviews complex or high‑risk compliance cases, establishes standardized procedures, and mitigates statutory and operational risk. Program Coordination, Quality Control & Special Projects Serves as the coordinating authority for cross‑program compliance functions. Leads special compliance initiatives, audit follow‑ups, and process improvement efforts. Provides quality assurance and oversight of work performed by Compliance Officers to ensure accuracy, consistency, and audit readiness. Satellite Academy Coordination & Accreditation Liaison Serves as the compliance liaison between the New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy and all regional and satellite academies operating under its authority. Provides regulatory guidance and technical assistance regarding academy accreditation, class/course accreditation, admissions review, and instructor credential verification for satellite academies. Reviews and advises on compliance with instructor certification requirements, curriculum approval, and training standards established under Title 10, Chapter 29 NMAC. Assists satellite academies in ensuring that admissions packets, instructor credentials, and course documentation meet NMLEA compliance requirements prior to program delivery. Promotes uniform application of training, certification, and accreditation standards statewide while supporting satellite academies in maintaining regulatory compliance and operational readiness. Systems Coordination, Data Integrity & Reporting Coordinates with computer systems and data personnel to ensure accuracy and integrity of certification and training records. Supports reporting, compliance metrics, and data analysis used for executive decision‑making, audits, and statewide oversight. Consultation, Training & Stakeholder Engagement Serves as compliance subject‑matter expert for internal staff, satellite academies, local agencies, and external partners. Provides guidance, training, and consultation on regulatory requirements, compliance processes, and program expectations. Who are the customers? Work is performed for the New Mexico Department of Public Safety employees, local law enforcement agencies, dispatch centers, satellite law enforcement academies, and executive and legislative agencies throughout the state. Ideal Candidate Education & Experience Bachelor's degree in criminal justice, public administration, business administration, or a related field; equivalent experience in compliance, regulatory analysis, or program coordination may substitute. Seven (7) to nine (9) years of progressively responsible experience in compliance monitoring, regulatory review, auditing, or program evaluation within a government, public safety, or similarly structured environment. Experience interpreting statutes, administrative rules, and regulatory standards, and applying them to complex or high‑risk cases. Experience coordinating cross‑program workflows, quality control processes, or multi‑unit compliance functions. Experience providing guidance, consultation, or technical assistance to agencies, program staff, or external partners on compliance requirements. Experience working with training management systems, data platforms, or certification systems is preferred. Technical Skills Advanced ability to interpret and apply statutory and regulatory requirements, including NMSA 1978, the Law Enforcement Training Act, and Title 10, Chapter 29 NMAC. Skilled in reviewing complex compliance cases, identifying discrepancies, and developing standardized procedures or corrective actions. Proficiency in extracting, analyzing, and validating data from training management systems (e.g., Acadis®) to support compliance metrics, reporting, and audit readiness. Ability to develop tracking tools, dashboards, and quality‑control mechanisms to ensure consistency across certification, accreditation, and training programs. Competence in managing documentation systems, version control, and regulatory records for audit and oversight purposes. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint) and comfort working with structured templates, forms, and data summaries. Professional Skills Strong analytical and critical‑thinking skills, with the ability to interpret complex rules, assess risk, and make consistent, defensible determinations. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain regulatory requirements to satellite academies, agencies, and internal staff. Demonstrated ability to provide guidance, training, and subject‑matter expertise to support consistent statewide compliance. High attention to detail, accuracy, and documentation integrity, with the ability to maintain audit‑ready records across multiple program areas. Ability to coordinate cross‑program workflows, ensure quality control, and support process improvement initiatives. Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with satellite academies, instructors, agency partners, and leadership. Ability to work independently on complex assignments requiring discretion, judgment, and interpretation of policy. Commitment to neutrality, consistency, and professionalism when handling sensitive or high‑impact compliance matters. Bachelor's degree in any field of study from an accredited college or university and two (2) years of experience in investigations, regulation, policy, statutory, and/or contract compliance. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling six (6) years may substitute for the required education and experience. Employment Requirements Must possess and maintain a valid Driver's License, a current Defensive Driving Certificate from the State of New Mexico or must pass and receive Defensive Driving Course Certification as a condition of employment within six (6) months of date of hire. Continued employment is subject to a National fingerprint‑based records check within 30 days of assignment and contingent upon remaining felony‑free, per Section 5.12.1.1 of the Criminal Justice Information System Security Policy. Local, in‑state and out‑of‑state travel may be required. Overtime may be required to meet deadlines, peak performance periods, time‑sensitive information requests, and other projects. Working Conditions Work is performed in a fast‑paced law enforcement office setting with exposure to armed law enforcement personnel and confidential information. Extensive use of desktop/laptop computer with multiple visual/video display terminals (VDT). Extensive use of agency‑issued cell phone. Ability to operate multipurpose copier/scanner/fax machines. Must be able to lift and carry up to 25 pounds. Bargaining Unit Position This position is not covered by a collective bargaining agreement. #J-18808-Ljbffr