Director of Exemption Programs

Director of Exemption Programs

The NYC Department of Finance (DOF) is responsible for administering the tax revenue laws of the city fairly, efficiently, and transparently to instill public confidence and encourage compliance while providing exceptional customer service. The Property Exemptions Administration (PEA) oversees and executes property tax benefits for a diverse array of entities and individuals. PEA is committed to ensuring the accessibility of property tax benefits for all eligible constituents. PEA is seeking an experienced and mission-driven leader to join the division as a Director of Exemption Programs. This role will play a critical part in the administration of New York City's property tax benefit programs, overseeing personal exemption programs such as Senior & Disabled Homeowner Exemptions - SCHE / DHE.

The Director will lead a team of supervisors and processors, ensuring timely and accurate benefit delivery, policy implementation, and process optimization. The selected individual will also collaborate across teams including Legal, Technology, Compliance, Taxpayer Advocate and External Affairs to drive equitable service delivery and improve customer experience. Duties and responsibilities include, but not limited to :

• Lead a team of supervisors and staff responsible for processing property tax exemption for Homeowner Exemption Programs (e.g. for seniors and disabled homeowners) applications.
• Oversee daily operations to ensure accuracy, compliance, and timely delivery of property tax benefits.
• Align team operations with applicable laws, internal performance standards, and citywide processing deadlines.
• Interpret legislation and develop internal protocols to support successful program implementation.
• Partner with internal and external partners, and senior leadership to incorporate legal and procedural changes without service disruption.
• Recommend and implement policy and operational enhancements based on internal reviews and stakeholder feedback.
• Identify and implement operational efficiencies through data analysis, automation, and process mapping.
• Ensure strong internal controls are in place to mitigate errors and support compliance and audit readiness.
• Develop documentation that support consistent and accurate application processing.
• Monitor performance metrics and workflow forecasts to proactively manage staffing and resource allocation.
• Collaborate with the Data Analytics team to produce and enhance dashboards and reports for executive decision-making.
• Lead re-verification, quality assurance, and review cycles to ensure ongoing program integrity.
• Serve as a subject matter expert and public-facing liaison for the division interfacing with property owners, managing agents, elected officials, and advocacy organizations.
• Collaborate with internal Property Division teams including Customer Service, and Compliance, work with Finance Information Technology - Support agency-wide initiatives and working groups focused on customer service and service equity.
• Supervise, mentor, and develop supervisory and frontline staff; support cross-training and succession planning.
• Foster a respectful, inclusive, and solutions-oriented work environment rooted in accountability and professional development.

Additional Information : In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.