Director of Investigations

Salary: $110,000 - $120,000 (annual)

The Commission on Human Rights (the “Commission”) is the City agency charged with enforcing the New York City Human Rights Law (“City Human Rights Law”), one of the most expansive civil rights laws in the nation, prohibiting discrimination in housing, employment, and public accommodations. The Commission investigates, litigates, and adjudicates claims of discrimination brought by the public. Where the Commission finds unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation have occurred, it obtains compensation to victims, orders companies to take corrective action, and can assess civil penalties. The Commission also engages in training and education to ensure New Yorkers understand their rights and responsibilities under City law. CCHR seeks to hire a Director of Investigations who will be responsible for managing the investigation of complaints alleging violations of the New York City Human Rights Law filed by members of the public. The Director of Investigations will oversee and provide guidance to personnel responsible for investigating public complaints and work closely with the Office of Civil Rights Enforcement leadership, including the Deputy Commissioner and Associate Commissioner, to identify, develop, and advance affirmative litigation and Commission-initiated investigations. Responsibilities include: • Supervising investigators and interventionists in investigating, negotiating resolutions of claims of discrimination in all areas of the Commission's jurisdiction. • Maintaining a personal caseload of cases under investigation. • Working with investigators to ensure that investigations and recommendations on prosecutions are resolved in a timely manner. • Reviewing investigative work to promote thorough, timely, and consistent case handling and compliance with applicable Commission policies and procedures, • Working with OCRE leadership to ensure that information provided in the public complaint process is used to identify systemic discrimination and repeat violations that may warrant Commission- initiated investigations. • Monitoring compliance with OCRE policy and procedures including those relating to recordkeeping and filing. • Working with the Assistant Commissioner, Associate Commissioner, and the Deputy Commissioner on statistics and reports related to the agency’s reporting requirements as well as guidance on compliance with the NYCHRL. • Participating in regular staff meetings. • Participating in training programs, conferences, and other OCRE activities as requested. • Interviewing members of the public alleging claims of discrimination; engaging in pre-complaint interventions, and investigations. • Representing the Commission at community events, speaking engagements, and at bar associations. • Taking on other responsibilities assigned by the Associate Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner to help effectively and efficiently run OCRE.

Minimum Qualifications

A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university, and ten (10) years of satisfactory, full-time, paid experience in a progressively responsible administrative, supervisory or consultative capacity in such areas as social welfare, human relations, community relations, or other related fields; or A satisfactory equivalent

Preferred Skills

• At least four years of investigation experience in anti-discrimination law, EEO investigations, or housing law, or other civil rights related areas. • Demonstrated experience in supervising and mentoring a team of staff who manage a docket. • Organization ability to manage multiple cases and projects simultaneously. • Sound judgment and discretion in handling sensitive, confidential, and complex matters. • Strong investigative and analytical skills, including the ability to assess evidence, identify relevant issues, evaluate credibility and develop appropriate investigative strategies. • Demonstrated commitment to public service and strong work ethic. • Exceptional organization skills and attention to detail • Excellent written and oral communication skills • Strong people skills and leadership skills • Experience working as part of a team and ability to work collaboratively • Ability to engage with diverse members of the public in culturally competent manner. • Familiarity with the NYCHRL • Fluency in a language other than English, preferably one common in New York City.