POSITION DESCRIPTION
DEPUTY ADMINISTRATOR OF THE DRUG ENFORCEMENT
ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
OVERVIEW
Senate Committee
Judiciary
Agency Mission
To enforce the law and defend the interests of the United States
according to the law, ensure public safety against foreign and
domestic threats, provide federal leadership in preventing and
controlling crime, seek just punishment for those guilty of unlawful
behavior and ensure fair and impartial administration of justice for
all Americans.
Position Overview
The deputy administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration
(DEA) is responsible for enforcing the controlled substances laws
and regulations of the United States and bringing to the U.S.
criminal and civil justice system, or any other competent
jurisdiction, those organizations and principal members of
organizations involved in the growing, manufacture or distribution
of controlled substances in, or destined for, illicit traffic in the
United States.
Compensation
Level V $151,700 (5 U.S.C. § 5316)i
Position Reports to
DEA administratorii
RESPONSIBILITIES
Management Scope
In fiscal 2016, the DEA had a budget of $2.109 billion and 6,587
employees.iii The agency has an international aspect to it.
Primary Responsibilities
The DEA deputy administrator manages and oversees functions of
the department as directed by the DEA administrator. The deputy
administrator and administrator should work together to figure out
the specifics of each of their roles. In many cases, the deputy
administrator serves more as a chief operating officer for the
department. The department functions that the deputy
administrator may help manage include:
 Enforcing the controlled substances laws and regulations of
the United States and bringing to the U.S. criminal and civil
justice system—or any other competent jurisdiction—those
organizations and principal members of organizations involved
in the growing, manufacture or distribution of controlled
substances in, or destined for, illicit traffic in the United States
 Recommending and supporting non-enforcement programs
aimed at reducing the availability of illicit controlled substances
on the domestic and international markets
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Directing and supervising the investigation and preparation for
the prosecution of major violators of controlled substance laws
operating at interstate and international levels
Investigating and preparing for prosecution of criminals and
drug gangs that perpetrate violence in communities and
terrorize citizens through fear and intimidation
Managing a national drug intelligence program in cooperation
with federal, state, local and foreign officials to collect, analyze
and disseminate strategic and operational drug intelligence
information
Seizing and forfeiting assets derived from, traceable to or
intended to be used for illicit drug trafficking
Enforcing the provision of the Controlled Substances Act on
mutual drug enforcement efforts, in coordination and
cooperation with federal, state and local law enforcement
officials; and enhancing such efforts by exploiting potential
interstate and international investigations beyond local or
limited federal jurisdictions and resources
Coordinating and cooperating with federal, state and local
agencies, as well as with foreign governments, on programs
designed to reduce the availability of illicit, abuse-type drugs
on the U.S. market, through non-enforcement methods such
as crop eradication, crop substitution and training of foreign
officials
Overseeing, under the policy guidance of the secretary of state
and U.S. ambassadors, all programs associated with drug lawenforcement counterparts in foreign countries, and liaising with
the United Nations, Interpol and other organization on matters
relating to international drug control programsiv
Strategic Goals and
Priorities
[Depends on the policy priorities of the administration]
REQUIREMENTS AND COMPETENCIES
Requirements
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Law enforcement background, especially around drugs,
particularly if the DEA administrator lacks a strong background
in this area
Competencies
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Strong coordination skills given that the deputy administrator
works closely with other law enforcement agencies at the
federal, state and local levels, the Federal Bureau of
Investigation, and U.S. attorneys
Understanding of the organization’s culture, and ability to
figure out the best way to work together cooperatively with the
above actors
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The Partnership’s Center for Presidential Transition helps ensure the efficient transfer of power that our country deserves. The
Center’s Ready to Govern® initiative assists candidates with the transition, works with Congress to reform the transition process,
develops management recommendations to address our government’s operational challenges, and trains new political appointees.
For original transition documents and additional resources, templates and tools, visit presidentialtransition.org.
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Ability to represent the U.S. around the world, especially where
there are drug issues, and handle the international aspect of
this organization
Ability to handle sensitive matters
PAST APPOINTEES
Thomas M. Harrigan (2012 to 2015): Chief of Operations, DEA; Principal Deputy for the Chief
of Operations, DEA; Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Washington Field Division, DEAv
Michele M. Leonhart (2004 to 2007): Special Agent in Charge of the Los Angeles Field
Division, DEA; Special Agent in Charge of the San Francisco Field Division, DEA; Recruiter,
DEA Headquartersvi
John B. Brown, III (2002 to 2003): Special Agent in Charge of the Dallas Field Division, DEA;
Director, El Paso Intelligence Center; Deciding Official for Disciplinary Matters, DEA Office of
Professional Responsibilityvii
i
2017 data
https://www.dea.gov/about/orgchart.shtml
iii
Leadership Directories
iv
OPM
v
http://docs.house.gov/meetings/GO/GO24/20140304/101878/HHRG-113-GO24-Bio-HarriganT-20140304.pdf
vi
https://ballotpedia.org/Michele_Leonhart
vii
https://www.dea.gov/pubs/pressrel/pr013003.html
ii
The Partnership’s Center for Presidential Transition helps ensure the efficient transfer of power that our country deserves. The
Center’s Ready to Govern® initiative assists candidates with the transition, works with Congress to reform the transition process,
develops management recommendations to address our government’s operational challenges, and trains new political appointees.
For original transition documents and additional resources, templates and tools, visit presidentialtransition.org.