Chief of External Partner Services
Date Posted: Mar 13, 2026
Requisition ID: 474290
Location:
Indianapolis, IN, US, 46204
Work for Indiana
Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.
Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM):
Our mission is to implement federal and state regulations to protect human health and the environment while allowing the environmentally sound operations of industrial, agricultural, commercial, and governmental activities vital to a prosperous economy. We issue air, water, and solid and hazardous waste permits that restrict discharges to environmentally safe levels. Staff members inspect and monitor regulated entities; provide compliance and technical assistance; monitor and assess air, land, and water quality; use enforcement actions as necessary to ensure compliance; and respond to incidents involving spills to soil or waters of the state.
Role Overview:
The Chief of External Partner Services provides strategic leadership and direction for the Office of Program Support. This position ensures that programs, processes, and services supporting public, governmental, and industry stakeholders are effectively developed, implemented, and continuously improved. The incumbent strengthens external engagement, enhances service delivery, and ensures clear, consistent communication across all external partner functions.
Salary Statement:
The salary for this position traditionally starts at $120,016.00 but may be commensurate with education or work experience.
Essential Duties/Responsibilities:
Lead the Office of Program Support by coaching and directing staff, recommending development opportunities, recognizing contributions, and fostering a collaborative, trust based team environment.
Facilitate communication and coordination with local, state, and federal partners on cross cutting issues, shared initiatives, and policy alignment.
Develop and implement a comprehensive strategy for engagement with public stakeholders, government partners, and industry representatives to strengthen relationships and promote transparency.
Lead efforts to modernize service delivery, streamline external partner interactions, and improve user experience for public, government, and industry customers.
Serve as primary or secondary point of contact for matters related to IDEM regional offices.
Oversee and continually improve customer-service standards for interactions with the public, government partners, and industry stakeholders.
Provide routine updates to the Commissioner and Chief of Staff regarding major projects, challenges, and accomplishments.
Serve as the primary point of escalation for complex external stakeholder issues, ensuring timely, coordinated, and consistent resolution across divisions.
Coordinate office activities with other agency offices and with other state agencies to support consistent and aligned operations.
Identify opportunities for process improvements and lead efforts to streamline workflows that affect external partner services.
Develop and maintain standard operating procedures for external engagement, communication protocols, and service workflows.
Ensure consistent messaging and alignment with agency priorities across all external-facing service areas.
Identify emerging issues across stakeholder groups and provide leadership in developing coordinated agency responses.
Participate in meetings with senior leadership, middle management, and frontline supervisors to discuss program direction, policy initiatives, and administrative matters.
Represent the office in meetings with the public, elected officials, and the regulated community.
Oversee key programs including cross-media grants, quality assurance, recycling, compliance and technical assistance, and environmental education.
Job Requirements:
Knowledge of environmental science, policy, and regulation.
Ten years or more of experience working in state, local, or federal environmental matters or for a regulatory agency or other related entity.
Knowledge of relevant federal and state laws, rules, regulations and policy guidelines as they relate to permitting, compliance and remediation.
Knowledge of the organization, functions, programs and goals IDEM and related program support and external partnership efforts
Knowledge of and ability to apply principles of management
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
Ability to effectively lead staff and work with agency officials, stakeholders, and organizations
Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:
Directly manages 2-4 senior positions and indirectly manages 50+ program staff.
Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:
The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes:
Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match
Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:
150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers
Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave
Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off
12 paid holidays, 14 on election years
Education Reimbursement Program
Group life insurance
Referral Bonus program
Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
Free Parking for most positions
Free LinkedIn Learning access
Equal Employment Opportunity:
The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at jobs@spd.IN.gov.
Current Employee? Click here (https://performancemanager8.successfactors.com/sf/careers/jobsearch?bplte_company=indianaoff) to apply.
