Chief Municipal Prosecutor

Chief Municipal Prosecutor

Department: Public Safety

Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt

Union/Management: Management

Full-Time/Part-Time/Seasonal: Full-Time

Workweek: M-F 8:30 AM-4:30 PM (40 hours), as needed

Salary: Up to $154,500. Based on qualifications and experience. Competitive Jersey City retirement and health benefits package available, including pension, dental, medical, prescription, FSA (flexible spending account), life insurance, and more.

The Office of Municipal Prosecutor of Jersey City is looking for a Chief Municipal Prosecutor to represent the State of New Jersey and the City of Jersey City in the prosecution of all criminal offenses, traffic violations, civil penalty enforcement, and quality of life ordinances before the municipal courts of Jersey City. The Chief Municipal Prosecutor leads the Office of the Municipal Prosecutor, including a team of Assistant Municipal Prosecutors, office management, discovery agents, other support staff, and more. The ideal candidate has a demonstrated belief in the power of prosecuting attorneys to be pro-active, progressive, and problem-solving members of the community with a positive effect on the disorder reduction and quality of life. The ideal candidate also has a deep understanding of Jersey City.

Job Duties:

• Manage the Office of the Municipal Prosecutor, including supervising and mentoring attorneys and support staff and overseeing the legal affairs of the Office.

• Oversee the litigation of all criminal offenses, traffic violations, civil penalty enforcement, and quality of life ordinances before the municipal courts of Jersey City filed by 18 local, county, and state enforcement agencies, as well as all violations before the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board.

• Work closely with the City’s various code enforcement offices to develop effective enforcement processes from receiving complaints through inspection and enforcement through prosecution and conviction, including developing effective communication, case tracking, and record-keeping practices.

• Advise the City’s various code enforcement offices on proper evidence development and collection and probable cause determinations.

• Work with municipal court and Administrative Office of the Courts leadership, to ensure the timely and uniform administration of justice before the municipal courts of Jersey City.

• Work with key stakeholders, including the office of the Chief of the Jersey City Police Department, various state and local enforcement agency heads, and various community leaders to address pressing issues of quality of life enhancement and disorder reduction in the community.

• Regularly apprise the Mayor, City Council, and Corporation Counsel of the state of municipal enforcement and prosecution efforts and challenges.

• Conduct trials and pretrial hearings.

• Prepare cases for trial and negotiate plea agreements.

• Review cases for negotiations, witnesses, and discovery.

• Participate in ongoing legal education to remain up to date on criminal law.

*Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Essential Skills:

• Knowledge of and ability to interpret state criminal statutes, state administrative code, municipal ordinances, court rules, and related case law.

• Demonstrated commitment to social and criminal justice and their current trends.

• Independent legal judgment, sound ethics, and professionalism.

• Demonstrated leadership and management skills, with the ability to work collaboratively.

• Excellent analytical and communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders.

• Excellent organizational skills, ability to manage multiple projects at once, follow through, and meet deadlines.

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with the general workings and activities of municipal government.

• Previous courtroom advocacy and trial experience.

• Previous New Jersey Public Sector experience.

• Previous public sector supervisory experience.

Required Educational Background: Juris Doctor Degree from a school of law accredited by the American Bar Association. Admission to the New Jersey Bar.

Required Experience: Minimum seven (7) years of experience with a corporate legal department, law firm, or governmental entity.

To apply for this job with the City of Jersey City, please fill out our Employment Application and also email your resume and a cover letter to SLevine@jcnj.org

Please note that this role is subject to the residency requirements set forth by the NJ First Act. Exemptions may apply.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $145,000.00 - $154,500.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person