Director, Office of Tenant and Landlord Affairs

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

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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 :

• 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.
• 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.

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS

Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator’s license valid in the State of Maryland.

SELECTION PROCESS

Please provide sufficient information on your application to document that you meet the minimum qualifications for this recruitment.

Unofficial transcripts, certifications or diplomas to document educational or certification qualifications are required.

Educational credentials from foreign countries must be evaluated by an approved education review service. This evaluation must be submitted with your application.

Successful candidates will be placed on the employment (eligible) list for at least one year. Eligible list may be used to fill future vacancies of the same classification.

Successful candidates must document eligibility to work in the U.S. upon hire. Please note : The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development is not sponsoring new employees in application of the H-1B Visa at this time due to budgetary constraints.

All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States under the Immigration and Reform Control Act of 1986.

EXAMINATION PROCESS

The examination will consist of rating of your education, training, and experience related to the requirements of the position.

You may be required to complete a qualifications supplement, or the rating may be based on your application. Therefore, it is important that you provide complete and accurate information on your application.

Report all experience and education that is related to this position.

Job Type : Full-time

Pay : $84,229.00 - $109,856.00 per year

Schedule :

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Work Location : Hybrid remote in Lanham, MD 20706

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