New Mexico Statutes Chapter 9. Executive Department § 9-29-6. Secretary; duties and general powers

(1) except as otherwise provided by the Early Childhood Education and Care Department Act, exercise general supervisory and appointing power over all department employees in accordance with personnel laws;

(2) delegate power to department employees as necessary and appropriate and, in doing so, clearly delineate the limits of the delegated power;

(3) employ and fix the compensation of employees as necessary to perform the duties imposed by law on the secretary and the department;

(4) issue administrative orders and instructions to ensure implementation of and compliance with laws the secretary is charged with administering and enforce those orders and instructions through the courts;

(5) conduct research and studies to improve the department's operations and its delivery of programs;

(6) improve department operations and efficiency and promote the delivery of comprehensive, coordinated, culturally sensitive programs that address overall child well-being and early learning;

(7) provide courses of instruction and practical training for department employees and others involved in administering department programs; and

(8) prepare an annual budget for the department.