Director of Tenant and Landlord Affairs

This is a management service position with full State of Maryland Benefits
 

Work that Matters. The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) is a national leader in the financing of affordable housing, revitalizing communities, addressing homelessness and housing instability, and creating economic mobility and homeownership opportunities.

DHCD’s newly established Office of Tenant and Landlord Affairs (OTLA) develops resources for renter applicants and tenants to know and exercise their legal rights under the law. OTLA is responsible for creating and updating annually a tenant bill of rights to be included as an addendum to all Maryland rental lease agreements, adopting regulations for right of first refusal legislation and accepting notices as required by law from landlords, maintaining a website to host all tenant resources, and implementing a strategic communications and outreach effort to educate tenants and landlords on their rights and responsibilities. 

POSITION DUTIES

The Director will lead strategic vision for and oversee all operations of the Office of Tenant and Landlord Affairs. Responsibilities include developing all OTLA policy, regulations, and public resources in compliance with federal, state, and local laws governing rental housing. Specifically, this includes developing the Maryland Tenants’ Bill of Rights and regulations for the Right of First Refusal process. The Director oversees all day to day operations of the office, including hiring and evaluation of staff, creating staff procedures and policies, overseeing the office budget and expenditures. The Director supervises the work of two positions, an Outreach and Communications Manager and a Tenant Liaison. The Director establishes strategic relationships and coordinates activities with local governments, legal aid organizations, and other service providers to ensure tenants are connected to appropriate resources for their needs. 

Additionally, the Director coordinates with landlord and property manager associations, renter advocates, District Courts, and other key stakeholders to implement a robust and equitable outreach and engagement strategy on tenant rights. OTLA may also implement fair housing testing and identify and refer landlords who violate tenancy laws to relevant law enforcement. OTLA navigates and refers eligible tenants to legal services, financial and housing counseling, and financial assistance programs. DHCD offers a flexible work schedule, telework options; training, advancement and career path opportunities; and a competitive salary. The Department of Housing and Community Development Headquarters is located in Prince George's County across from the New Carrollton Metro stop.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education:  A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
Experience: Five years of experience, including two years of management responsibilities, in developing or implementing policies and/or programs within the legal services, civil justice, housing, tenant rights and advocacy fields, or as a practicing attorney.  
 

Notes:

1. Candidates may substitute the possession of a Juris Doctor degree or Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in law, management, policy, or administration, for up to three years of the required experience 
2. Candidates may substitute additional administrative or professional experience developing or applying policies and regulations in legal services, housing, tenant rights, federal or State entitlement programs or in a health or human service program on a year-for-year basis for the required education.

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience as a practicing attorney
• Experience developing policy, regulations, or legal guidance
• Experience with researching, writing, and oral advocacy skills
• Experience facilitating stakeholder engagements and partnerships with community-based organizations
• Experience communicating effectively with people of different backgrounds and lived experiences. 

To apply, visit: https://www.jobapscloud.com/MD/sup/BulPreview.asp?R1=24&R2=005478&R3=0038