FEMA PA Southern Operations Lead (NM)

Plexos Group is currently seeking a Southern Operations Lead to oversee Public Assistance (PA) operations across southern New Mexico under active FEMA disaster declarations. The Southern Operations Lead will manage teams supporting state and local applicants in Lincoln, Chaves, Otero, Doña Ana, and other counties within the southern PA operations portfolio. This position is responsible for ensuring consistent delivery of high-quality technical assistance to applicants throughout all phases of the Public Assistance program, including project formulation, obligation, reimbursement, and closeout, while maintaining compliance with federal and state requirements. The role requires strong leadership, program management, and stakeholder coordination skills to drive timely recovery outcomes. Candidates must be local to the State of New Mexico or willing to deploy up to 75% of the time to Santa Fe, NM, and surrounding counties.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead day-to-day Public Assistance operations for assigned northern New Mexico counties, serving as the primary management point of contact for client and federal counterparts on project and staffing needs.

• Establish and maintain detailed tracking and reporting of performance targets and all northern Public Assistance project statuses, and respond to time-sensitive information and related requests from senior state officials.

• Prepare regular reporting for project leadership and client oversight.

• Supervise and coordinate teams of State Applicant Liaisons, Project Specialists, and Technical Advisors engaged in project formulation, validation, and closeout activities.

• Provide mentorship and technical guidance to junior staff, promoting professional development and adherence to program standards.

• Oversee project development and financial tracking for disaster recovery projects under the FEMA Public Assistance program, ensuring accurate documentation, eligibility determinations, and adherence to program timelines.

• Review and approve project deliverables including Damage Inventories, Site Inspection Reports, and Project Worksheets to ensure completeness and alignment with federal guidance and state objectives.

• Coordinate with senior state officials and FEMA counterparts, to address policy interpretation, project prioritization, and workflow management.

• Monitor regional project portfolios to identify bottlenecks, forecast staffing and workload needs, and develop strategies to ensure timely obligation and reimbursement.

• Support applicant and subrecipient communications, including responding to Requests for Information (RFIs), coordinating applicant briefings, and facilitating problem resolution between FEMA, the State, and local partners.

• Oversee internal quality assurance reviews to ensure consistency with FEMA’s Public Assistance Program and Policy Guide (PAPPG), Stafford Act authorities, and 2 CFR Part 200 requirements.

• Coordinate closely with other Plexos task leads across finance, grants, and hazard mitigation teams to ensure cohesive statewide program delivery; and ensure consistent coordination of the reimbursement and Public Assistance staff.

• Support audit readiness by ensuring complete and accurate documentation is retained for each project consistent with state and federal records management requirements.

• Represent the PA Program at interagency meetings, briefings, and community recovery events to maintain transparency and stakeholder engagement.

• Maintain a regular work schedule and work extended hours when needed to meet operational deadlines.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• 5+ years of progressive experience in project management, grants management, or public assistance operations, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or team lead capacity. Strong understanding of FEMA Public Assistance program requirements, including eligibility, documentation, and cost principles under 2 CFR Part 200. Demonstrated experience in managing teams and coordinating across multiple jurisdictions or large-scale disaster recovery programs. Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in emergency management, public administration, construction management, business, or a related field.

PREFERRED:

Master’s degree in a related field or equivalent experience managing FEMA-funded recovery operations. Prior experience supporting state or local governments in disaster recovery or infrastructure projects.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• In-depth knowledge of government organizations, operations, and emergency management programs at the federal, state, and local levels.

• Skilled in leading teams, setting priorities, and coordinating simultaneous projects in a fast-paced and evolving environment.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; able to engage effectively with diverse partners and maintain professionalism in high-pressure settings.

• Exceptional organizational and analytical abilities with keen attention to detail and accuracy.

• Proficient in interpreting and applying federal regulations and program guidance, including the Stafford Act, PAPPG, and associated policy updates.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and ability to learn program-specific systems (e.g., Grants Portal, WebEOC, or similar platforms).

• Must exemplify the firm’s values of integrity, teamwork, accountability, and excellence.

Plexos Group LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment based on individual merit, skills, and performance, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by law. Plexos Group is committed to providing a workplace environment free from discrimination and ensuring equal opportunity for all employees.