Deputy Director, Investigations and Compliance Unit

City of New York•New York City, NY

About The Position

The New York City Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) is seeking a dynamic and collaborative professional with EEO investigative and supervisory experience to serve as Deputy Director for Investigations and Compliance within Citywide Equity and Inclusion (CEI). CEI provides guidance and support to city agencies on implementing federal, state, and city workplace nondiscrimination policies and procedures. Its mission is to advance equitable, diverse, and inclusive employment practices across more than 80 mayoral and non-mayoral agencies. The Investigation and Compliance Unit updates and guides agency EEO Officers on investigative and reasonable accommodation processes, develops and presents legally mandated nondiscrimination training, and conducts time-sensitive, high-level discrimination complaint investigations when an agency EEO Officer or agency head is a party. The Deputy Director provides oversight and guidance to multiple city agencies on investigations and compliance matters and reports directly to the Executive Director, Citywide EEO Investigations and Compliance. The position manages complaint intake and investigations, helps ensure investigations and reports are thorough and consistent with City policy, supports agency EEO personnel, and develops strategies and practices to promote consistent application of EEO requirements. The role also analyzes citywide trends, contributes to training and compliance initiatives, and assists with day-to-day oversight of subordinate attorneys, college aides, interns, and CEI support staff as necessary.

Requirements

Admission to the New York State Bar.
Four years of recent, full-time, responsible, relevant, satisfactory legal experience after admission to any bar.
At least 18 months of experience supervising other attorneys in an administrative, managerial, or executive capacity, or performing highly complex and significant legal work.
Must remain a member of the New York State Bar in good standing for the duration of employment.

Nice To Haves

EEO investigative experience.
Supervisory experience.

Responsibilities

Manage intake of EEO complaints, assess CEI jurisdiction, and determine whether complaints should be investigated or referred to another agency or department.
Conduct and oversee third-party investigations into workplace discrimination and harassment complaints.
Coordinate with the Executive Director to assign investigations to attorneys and provide guidance on investigative strategies.
Ensure investigations are thorough, timely, and consistent with City policies and best practices.
Draft and review clear, well-reasoned investigative reports supported by facts, including findings under the EEO Policy.
Manage relationships with agency EEO personnel and advise them on EEO Policy, investigative practices, and reasonable accommodation requests.
Serve as a subject matter expert in developing, enhancing, and implementing investigative and complaint procedures and processes, including a comprehensive strategy for aligning the City's investigative process.
Manage case practice reviews of agencies' closed EEO complaints and reasonable accommodation files to promote consistent application of the EEO Policy and strengthen best-practice guidance.
Analyze citywide inquiry and complaint data and provide guidance to agencies on workplace culture shifts and systemic concerns.
Formulate, create, and monitor enforcement strategies and ensure compliance with new legislation, executive orders, and EEO-related legal mandates.
Provide input on the design and content of discrimination and harassment prevention training for the City's workforce.
Develop and provide practicum training for agency EEO professionals on investigative protocols and procedures, complaint filing and tracking, and other EEO-related topics.
Assist the Executive Director with day-to-day management of subordinate attorneys, college aides, interns, and CEI support staff as necessary.
Communicate difficult and sensitive messages with discretion, tact, and diplomacy.
Advise the Executive Director on important initiatives and trends.