Deputy Director, MODTP

About the role

The Mayor’s Office of Deed Theft Prevention (MODTP) is located within the NYC Department of Finance (DOF) and reports directly to the Commissioner of Finance (DOF) and the NYC Mayor’s Office. The office is responsible for identifying emerging deed theft trends throughout New York City, coordinating outreach and education efforts, assisting residents with navigating available resources and facilitating referrals to appropriate legal and investigative partners.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Director in overseeing office operations, establishing strategic priorities, monitoring performance metrics, and coordinating legal and programmatic activities.
• Develop and implement legal protocols, internal operational procedures workflows, investigative standards and case management practices to support effective program administration.
• Assist in the development, review, and implementation of proposed legislation, policies, and recommendations and prepare recommendations for agency leadership.
• Conduct complex legal and policy research related to deed theft, fraud, title disputes and consumer protection laws.
• Prepare legal memoranda, briefing material, testimony, legal correspondence and executive recommendation concerning deed theft prevention and homeowner protection matters.
• Act as a liaison with elected officials, legislators, housing counselors, and legal services organizations on a regular basis concerning deed theft.
• Review, analyze, and investigate deed theft complaints, coordinate legal referrals and recommend, assist with case management and recommend appropriate enforcement or legal remedies.
• Coverage with the agencies, including the NYC Law Department, District Attorney’s Office of the NYS Attorney General Office, housing agencies, legal services providers and other stakeholders on matters involving significant legal and policy implications.
• Represent MODTP at interagency meetings, public forums, and working groups concerning deed theft prevention initiative.
• Conduct and participate in community outreach.
• Maintain and monitor data metrics and case trends to support strategic policy and procedures recommendations.
• Provide operational guidance and technical support to staff in program.
• Act on behalf of the Director when necessary.

Requirements

• Admission to the New York State Bar; and either "2" or "3" below.
• One year of satisfactory United States legal experience subsequent to admission to any state bar; or
• Six months of satisfactory service as an Agency Attorney Interne (30086).

Qualifications

• To be assigned to Assignment Level (AL) II, candidates must have one year of experience at Assignment Level I or two years of comparable legal experience subsequent to admission to the bar, in the areas of law related to the assignment.
• To be assigned to AL III candidates must have two years of experience in Assignment Levels I and/or II or three years of comparable legal experience subsequent to admission to the bar, in the areas of law related to the assignment.

Preferred Skills

• Proven work experience with deed theft, real estate, and foreclosure defense.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Excel, and Teams.
• Proficiency in case management software.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience exercising discretion and confidentiality with sensitive information.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to work proactively and prioritize work.
• Ability to comfortably and professionally engage with government officials and the public.