N.M. Stat. § 33-1-5
Director of corrections; employment.
The administrative head of the division is the "director of corrections" who shall be
employed by the secretary of the criminal justice department [secretary of corrections]
to serve at the pleasure of the secretary of the criminal justice department [secretary of
corrections]. The director shall possess a degree from an accredited university and a
minimum of five years' experience in the corrections field, including supervisory and
managerial experience; or a minimum of ten years' experience in the corrections field,
including a minimum of five years' supervisory and managerial experience. He shall
receive compensation as provided by law.