Summary of Job:
Research title histories and help rectify any title defects to ensure insurable title to buyers and lenders. When called upon, operate as the department team leader and back up to the Director in their absence.
Essential Job Functions/Responsibilities:
1. Read and interpret real estate documents, legal documents, maps, and surveys to prepare title insurance policies. Operate in accordance with internal and external policies and regulations for residential and commercial real estate transactions to ensure continuity of title and minimal risk exposure.
2. Identify any restrictions that would limit the use of property, determine all matters which encumber the property, and create requirements for clearance of underwriting objections and insurability.
3. Work with parent underwriters and attend underwriter led continuing education courses to remain up to date and ensure compliance with underwriting guidelines.
4. Negotiate policy coverage and endorsement coverage in connection with the issuance of owners and loan title insurance policies.
5. Maintain an advanced working knowledge of New York State title insurance, underwriter guidelines, and real estate practices to include endorsement availability, policy availability, transfer tax, mortgage tax and forms of conveyance. Serve as a resource for clients when they have title insurance and/or real estate questions.
6. Provide representation of the title company at closing to ensure that all title issues are rectified; ensure that documents are properly prepared and executed while conforming to state and county regulations; ensure appropriate funds for recording fees, payoffs and liens are collected; ensure all title documentation is provided; guide the process overall to ensure that clear, marketable, and insurable titles are created.
7. Assist Director with procedural updates and implementation of any changes due to underwriter or regulatory changes.
8. Approve invoices, handle deposits and retain check signing authority for all OHRS transactions.
9. Assist as needed with month end reporting.
10. Assist Director in accounting and reconciliation questions and functions as needed including managing stale dated items and responding to accounting questions and concerns.
11. Work with Director, Finance, and Compliance to ensure all underwriter and state required filings are made in compliance with regulatory guidelines (Data call report, audits, cybersecurity, licensing, remittances etc.).
12. Partner with Director to handle escalated client issues including claims filed against any OHRS issued title policy and liaise with underwriting counsel through conclusion of issue.
13. Mentor department staff on all title related matters.
14. Other related duties or projects as assigned based on business needs.
Minimum Job Qualifications:
1. Bachelor's degree with a minimum of five (5) to seven (7) years of directly related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Legal training/experience (attorney or paralegal) preferred.
2. Computer Skills - must possess strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office software including Word, Excel, Power Point, and Outlook with proven ability to learn other software as needed. Proficient in title search and title insurance company system software.
3. Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
4. Strong change and time management capabilities with prior successful experience leading process improvement change efforts.
5. Acute attention to detail.
6. Must be able to sit or stand for extended periods of time with reasonable accommodation(s) if necessary.
7. Must maintain a focus on client confidentiality.
Compensation: $72,182 to $88,423, plus a competitive benefits package.
Bilingual individuals who are fluent in a second language in addition to English are highly encouraged to apply.
