Director of Consumer Protection - Deputy Attorney General

Delaware's Attorney General, the State's chief law enforcement officer, has a broad responsibility to combat crime, uphold civil rights, safeguard families, fight fraud, and protect consumers in the First State. In meeting this mission, Attorney General Kathy Jennings is supported by teams of talented lawyers and staff in the Criminal, Civil, Family, Fraud and Consumer Protection, and Civil Rights and Public Trust Divisions. Each of the more than 500 staff who work in the Office of the Attorney General are dedicated to serving all Delawareans with integrity and passion. Deputy Attorneys General, with critical support from criminal special investigators, victim service specialists, paraprofessionals, and administrative staff, prosecute criminal cases, enforce consumer laws, provide counsel to state agencies, ensure the public's access to open government, protect the abused, and much more. Summary Statement The Delaware Department of Justice is looking for an exceptional attorney and leader to head the Consumer Protection Unit (CPU) as its next Director. The CPU Director leads a talented team of attorneys, investigators, paralegals, and staff to protect Delawareans from deceptive and unfair practices. The Director will investigate and litigate major cases (both local and national in scope), shape enforcement priorities alongside the Attorney General, craft legislative priorities to bring before the General Assembly, and innovate strategic ways to make Delaware a safer place for consumers. The CPU has enforcement authority over more than 40 state and federal laws, focusing on the Consumer Fraud Act and the Deceptive Trade Practices Act, and prosecutes civil and administrative cases and conducts multistate investigations in coordination with other states’ attorney general offices. If you are a seasoned litigator with a passion for public service and the desire to lead a dynamic team, please consider applying. Essential Functions The Director of CPU is responsible for strategically leading, managing, and directing all functions of CPU, a statewide unit consisting of Deputy Attorneys General, paralegals, special investigators, a technologist, and administrative staff. This is a significant leadership opportunity within the Department of Justice that offers an opportunity to work closely with DOJ senior leadership on major policy priorities for the Attorney General and help shape the consumer protection landscape in Delaware. Enforcement Oversee local and national consumer protection enforcement through investigative and prosecution phases, while maintaining an active personal caseload. Approve and direct major investigations, determine when to elevate to formal proceedings, and authorize and lead consumer protection litigation. Ensure that complaint patterns surfaced through mediation are appropriately escalated to enforcement review. Coordinate with multistate enforcement coalitions, including NAAG task forces, and with federal partners. Management Lead a statewide unit of Deputy Attorneys General, paralegals, special investigators, a technologist, and administrative staff. Work closely with the Chief Special Investigator and Assistant Unit Head on legal, administrative, and HR matters. Set performance expectations, conduct evaluations, and drive accountability across the Unit. Manage hiring, performance management, and employee relations in collaboration with Human Resources. Oversee the Consumer Protection Fund. Build and sustain a unit culture that is professional, mission-driven, equitable, and responsive. Policy Serve as DOJ's primary liaison to the Delaware General Assembly on consumer protection legislation. Advise the Attorney General on legislative priorities and provide testimony before legislative committees. Ensure that enforcement priorities align with the Attorney General’s consumer protection agenda and DOJ’s strategic priorities. Alert executive leadership to emerging issues and trends. Communications & Outreach Draft and review press releases, public statements, and consumer publications. Handle and assign media inquiries, public speaking requests, and consumer education initiatives. The Director also performs related duties and responsibilities as assigned. Deputy Attorneys General in CPU, including the Director, are responsible for all phases of litigation and other enforcement actions, including working with special investigators, drafting and filing pleadings, conducting discovery, negotiating settlements, and trying cases in all Delaware courts before juries, judges, and administrative hearing officers. CPU DAGs also provide consumer education to the public and work with other state and governmental agencies to address consumer protection issues. Job Requirements Candidates must have very strong organizational skills, be able to work independently and meet deadlines, and possess a solid understanding of all facets of complex civil litigation. The strongest candidates will have significant management experience, at least five years of complex civil litigation experience, strong writing and presentation skills, and at least basic familiarity with financial reporting and accounting. A strong commitment to working in the public interest is required. Delaware Bar admission or willingness to sit for the next Delaware Bar exam is required. Benefits Loan forgiveness (State and Federal). State of Delaware healthcare plan. State of Delaware pension plan. Over 4 weeks of vacation per year. 3 weeks of paid sick leave per year. 12 weeks of paid parental leave. To learn more about the comprehensive benefit package, please visit our website at Accommodations Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities in all phases of the application and employment process. To request an auxiliary aid or service please call View phone number on click.appcast.io. TDD users should call the Delaware Relay Service Number View phone number on click.appcast.io for assistance. The State of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce. We strongly encourage and seek out a workforce representative of Delaware including race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression. #J-18808-Ljbffr DelDOT