Bernalillo County is 1,160 square miles and is New Mexico’s most populous county with more than 676,000 residents. Bernalillo County government provides a wide range of public services to residents who live in Albuquerque, Los Ranchos and Tijeras with approximately 106,000 residents living in unincorporated areas of the county. Bernalillo County employs approximately 2,500 people and has an annual operating budget, capital investments and other funds of more than $1 billion. Elected officials include five county commissioners, assessor, clerk, probate judge, sheriff and treasurer.

Bernalillo County

Department of Human Resources

Job Descriptions

What does the red Zia symbol mean? The Zia sun symbol represent the four cardinal directions, the four seasons of the year, the four period of each day (morning, noon, evening, and night), and the four seasons of life (childhood, youth, middle age, and old age). The centre of the sun symbol stands for life itself. The yellow field with red symbol pays recognition to the Aragon Realm of the conquistadors and their homeland in Spain.
JCM610: Chief Operating Officer (Commission Service Manager)

Chief Operating Officer (Commission Service Manager)

Job Code
Grade
Bargaining Unit
JCM610
11
None
       
       
ZDNU - Salary (DO NOT USE)
As Hourly
As Annual
101,192.00 - 127,109.00 - 159,786.00 USD Annual
$48.65 - $61.11 - $76.82
$101,192.00 - $127,109.00 - $159,786.00

POSITION SUMMARY

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is a key member of the County Manager’s Executive Staff with broad authority over strategic and operational initiatives. This role provides high-level oversight of projects, communications, and administrative functions supporting the County Manager, and frequently acts as a liaison with Deputy County Managers, Directors, and elected officials. The COO may represent the County Manager in meetings with Commissioners and other stakeholders. The role requires a high degree of discretion and the ability to manage sensitive and confidential information with integrity and professionalism.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Direct operations of the County Manager’s Office and Commission Services, managing the flow of communication and ensuring consistent, responsive messaging to executive leadership and stakeholders.
  • Identify and implement service delivery improvements; evaluate resource needs, recommend changes, and oversee execution in coordination with management.
  • Oversee legislative agenda processes including training, deadline enforcement, and procedural improvements. Supervise agenda staff, assign projects, monitor workflow, and resolve operational issues.
  • Participate in budget planning and administration for assigned areas; forecast staffing and resource needs; monitor and adjust expenditures as necessary.
  • Oversee performance measures and budget compliance for the County Manager’s Office and Commissioner Services.
  • Manage special projects and strategic assignments at the direction of the County Manager.
  • Collaborate with Deputy County Managers to coordinate cross-divisional activities and initiatives.
  • Serve as a liaison to ensure follow-up on directives and actions from County Manager meetings with Deputy County Managers.
  • Develop new County policies and Administrative Instructions aligned with strategic goals and regulatory requirements.
  • Represent the County Manager through presentations and public speaking engagements on critical issues.
  • Coordinate complex projects that span multiple departments and divisions.
  • Prepare data analysis and executive-level reports to support informed decision-making.
  • Cultivate effective working relationships across all levels of the organization and with external partners.
  • Promote a culture of accountability and performance through staff leadership and development.
  • Prioritize and manage multiple high-level initiatives concurrently.
  • Communicate effectively and confidently with senior officials, stakeholders, and the public.
  • Serve on internal and external committees, task forces, evaluation panels, and negotiating teams.
  • Maintain strict confidentiality regarding sensitive records, discussions, and decisions.
  • Perform related duties to advance the mission and goals of Bernalillo County.


*The above information is intended to outline the general nature and scope of the duties required for this position. It is not an exhaustive list and may vary depending on specific job assignments and responsibilities. 

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field.
  • Ten (10) years of work experience in general management or project management.
  • Four (4) years in a managerial position.

*Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience may be considered for the above requirements. 


SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

SCREENING AND COMPLIANCE



The offer of this Bernalillo County position requires compliance with the following:

  • Successful completion of a post-offer medical examination and background investigation.
  • Adherence to all Bernalillo County safety policies and procedures.
  • Completion of required FEMA trainings as assigned.
  • Completion of mandatory supervisor training, if applicable.
  • Possession of a valid New Mexico driver’s license by the date of hire, and maintenance of the license throughout employment.


WORKING CONDITIONS

  • Work is primarily performed indoors in a temperature-controlled environment.
  • Surfaces are typically dry and level, including carpet, tile, or concrete.
  • Employee may work independently or as part of a team and may occasionally engage with large groups.
  • Extended work hours may be required, including evenings or weekends.


EQUIPMENT, TOOLS, AND MATERIALS

  • Equipment typically used in the performance of office duties includes telephone, computer, printer, and copy machine.
  • Occasional operation of a County vehicle may be required.
Revision: 8/21/2025 1:40:29 PM