The Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice (MOCJ) advises the Mayor of the City of New York on criminal justice policy. MOCJ develops and implements strategies, with partners inside and outside government, to reduce crime and incarceration and to promote fairness and legitimacy. MOCJ works with law enforcement, city agencies, non-profits, foundations, and others to implement data-driven strategies that address current crime conditions, prevent offending, and build the strong neighborhoods that ensure enduring safety.
JOB DESCRIPTION:
Reporting into the First Deputy Director and working closely with the General Counsel, the Deputy Director for Policy and Justice Operations (the “DD for Policy” as used herein) is responsible for developing and operationalizing the agency’s policy initiatives. Further, as a senior level advisor and unit head, the DD for Policy is given broad latitude for initiative and judgment in developing strategies for tackling the City’s public safety and criminal justice challenges, including criminal court operations and criminal case processing. The successful candidate must be a self-starter who is able to effectively manage projects from inception through operationalization. Further, they must be able to develop and maintain relationships with the many stakeholders in the agency’s criminal justice system, including the State, DOC, NYPD, the District Attorneys, the courts, and the indigent defense providers. The successful candidate must also have an interest in tackling public safety holistically and through a public health lens, working collaboratively with other City agencies and community-based organizations to develop a model for sustainable safe and healthy communities.
The DD for Policy’s responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Operational leadership over the Office’s crime reduction strategies, criminal justice system coordination, and the development and implementation of other policy projects and initiatives pursuant to the administration’s agenda;
- Project management and supervision of the agency attorneys and analysts assigned to work on the DD for Policy portfolio projects;
- Represent agency at high-level external meetings with other departments and agencies, as well as with public and elected officials, including public speaking and testifying;
- Develop and hold relationships at a high level with the criminal justice system stakeholders, including the NYPD, DOP, DOC, NY State DOCCS, the Courts, District Attorneys, and Indigent Defense Providers;
- Working closely with the General Counsel, manage the professional development of the agency’s attorneys and analysts, including regular feedback and creating opportunity for growth;
- Pursuant to the administration’s agenda, setting a cohesive policy agenda for the Office, and coordinating across the agency to ensure the policy projects are in furtherance of that agenda; and
- Other duties as delegated or needed.
Minimum Qualifications
Admission to the New York State Bar; and four years of recent full-time responsible, relevant, satisfactory legal experience subsequent to admission to any bar, eighteen months of which must have been in the supervision of other attorneys, in an administrative, managerial or executive capacity, or performing highly complex and significant legal work.
Incumbents must remain Members of the New York State Bar in good standing for the duration of this employment.
Preferred Skills
- A JD from an accredited educational institution and admission to the NY State Bar – A minimum of 10 years of professional experience as an attorney or the equivalent – Prior executive management or senior management experience preferred – A working knowledge of the key City criminal justice agencies, e.g., NYPD, DOC, DOP, strongly preferred – Experience as a prosecutor, defense attorney, or in criminal justice policy preferred – Excellent organizational, time-management, and multi-tasking skills, including the ability to take initiative, problem solve, balance competing priorities, pay close attention to detail, and work independently as well as with teams in a fast-paced/high-pressure environment – Attention to detail and the ability to give and receive clear direction/instruction – Effective and creative leadership ability with the capacity to work both independently and cooperatively to implement key strategies, evaluate new policies and analyze new legislation – Proven ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a wide range of entities (e.g., government agencies, prosecutorial or regulatory bodies, and community organizations) and – Experience supervising projects and working with a principal.
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. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website at https://studentaid.gov/pslf/.
Residency Requirement
New York City Residency is not required for this position.
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 that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual’s sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.
Salary: $64,142.00 – $170,000.00
