Assistant Division Chief, Property Damage Claims Division

About the role

The New York City Comptroller’s Office promotes the financial health, integrity, and effectiveness of city government. Through the Bureau of Law and Adjustment (BLA), it negotiates and approves all monetary settlements of claims and lawsuits involving the City, investigates pre‑litigation claims, settles litigated cases, and administers disputes arising from City contracts. The Property Damage Division of BLA investigates and resolves pre‑litigation property‑damage claims and works closely with the NYC Law Department on litigation.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Division Chief in managing and directing all functions of the Property Damage Division, including overseeing day‑to‑day operations and performing the Division Chief’s duties in their absence.
• Manage and supervise Division staff to ensure work meets professional standards and complies with Bureau procedures, statutes, and laws.
• Provide direction and monitor productivity to ensure efficient and effective resolution of claims.
• Review staff‑submitted files for settlement or disallowance, including investigative reports, agency reports, and supporting documentation.
• Delegate monetary settlement authority to staff within independent authority and discretion.
• Approve or disapprove recommendations made by the Law Department and other City agencies within prescribed limits.
• Prepare employee performance evaluations and document instances of misconduct or performance issues as needed.
• Recommend, design, and implement new procedures for more effective and efficient Division processes.
• Act as the primary point of contact for Property Damage claims, processes, and policies.
• Communicate professionally with elected officials, agency personnel, attorneys, the public, and other stakeholders; collaborate with the Comptroller’s Engineering and Audit staff, the Bureau of Fiscal Services, the Central Imaging Facility, etc.
• Organize and manage special projects and perform related assignments as required.

Minimum Qualifications

• Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college.
• Four years of full‑time experience investigating and settling liability claims, with at least 18 months in an administrative, managerial, executive, or supervisory capacity overseeing staff performing claim investigation and settlement.
• Education and/or experience equivalent to the above, provided the 18‑month supervisory/managerial experience requirement is met.

Preferred Skills

• Comprehensive knowledge of the claims process, including investigation, adjustment, and disposition.
• Strong analytical and negotiation abilities.
• Experience preparing clear, concise, and accurate analytical reports with recommendations for policy and procedure creation or modification.
• Exceptional attention to detail, written and verbal communication skills, and ability to prioritize multiple tasks.
• Understanding of the relationship between the NYC Comptroller’s Office and the Law Department regarding lawsuit dispositions.
• Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills, proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, and ability to interact with all management levels.

55a Program

This position is open to qualified persons with a disability who are eligible for the 55‑a Program. Indicate at the top of your resume and cover letter that you would like to be considered through this program.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. More information is available at the U.S. Department of Education’s website: https://studentaid.gov/pslf/.

Residency Requirement

New York City residency is generally required within 90 days of appointment. Employees in certain titles who have worked for the City for two continuous years may also reside in Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Westchester, Rockland, or Orange County. Confirm applicability with the agency representative during the interview.

Additional Information

The City of New York is an inclusive equal‑opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment free from discrimination and harassment based on any legally protected status or characteristic.