Opening
Full Time 40 hours Grade 054 Office for Equity & Inclusion
Responsibilities
GENERAL PURPOSE:
The Equal Employment Opportunity and Title IX Investigator (EEO/Title IX Investigator) serves as part of a team investigating and resolving complaints of protected class harassment and discrimination, sexual misconduct, gender-based discrimination, intimate partner violence, and stalking for students and staff. Serve the University's interest in conducting fair and impartial investigations into complaints in ways that build trust in the University community and meet the University's legal obligations to address discrimination and harassment claims and sexual misconduct. Document findings as to the basis for significant personnel decisions and potential evidence in administrative agency investigations and lawsuits.
Under the direction of the Vice President for Equity and Inclusion and Chief Diversity Officer and Associate VP for Equity & Inclusion and Sr. Associate Dean for Equity & Inclusion SMD, the EEO/Title IX Investigator will report to the Director of EEO Investigations. The EEO/Title IX Investigator will also receive some direction from the Title IX Coordinator.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Under the direction of the Director of EEO Investigations and Title IX Coordinator and exercise some independent judgment and initiatives informed by knowledge of relevant University policies, laws and regulations, the EEO/Title IX Investigator shall:
EEO & Title IX Investigations
- Receive complaints from all university community members and visitors, asserting violations by faculty, staff, students, and others of the University regarding violation of the Policy against Discrimination and Harassment, Policy 106, and Sexual Misconduct as defined in Title IX.
- Review complaints to assess potential violations of Harassment and Discrimination and Sexual Misconduct and/or applicable federal and state laws and regulations.
- Assess content of complaint in light of policy to determine the need for investigation versus other potential responses, resource referrals, or informal resolutions.
- Inform administrators, supervisors, and others in leadership of informal responses to complaints that may not require investigation.
Investigation plans
- Follow through on the investigation processes for conducting interviews and reviewing documents, taking into account the issues raised in the complaint, and which witnesses and other sources of information may have information relevant to the legal and policy issues raised.
- Make appropriate judgments about which sources of information to consult and what questions to ask.
- Communicate with complainants, respondents and/or others regarding the plan and timeline for completion
Implement investigation plans.
- Apply professional judgment and experience in questioning witnesses and reviewing other information sources.
- Exercise flexibility and judgment to change investigation plan as appropriate, depending on information gathered, new issues raised.
- Manage time, often while conducting multiple investigations simultaneously, to conduct comprehensive investigation within timelines required by policy, law, and best practices.
- Communicate with witnesses, complainants, respondents, and others with discretion, impartiality, professionalism, and confidentiality appropriate to the context.
- Present investigative findings in written reports to decision-makers, who may be high-level supervisors, deans, the University Provost, and Vice Presidents across the University.
- Prepare reports that synthesize complex facts that are clearly written, succinct, and focused on the issues relevant to the complaint.
- Make findings of fact and clearly analyze whether or not the specific allegations have been substantiated by the investigation.
Maintain accurate records of complaints, assessments, investigations, outcomes, and communications.
Assist in producing periodic reports of complaints and resolutions to University Trustees, senior leaders, state and federal governmental agencies and members of the University community.
Help connect complainants, respondents and witnesses, with other University resources that may provide alternative or additional support, interim and protective measures, guidance and assistance.
Administrative Responsibilities
- In collaboration with the Director of EO and Title IX Coordinator, review the investigative process for consistency.
- Coordinate closely with the Director of EO Investigations, Title IX Coordinator, and OEI/SMD leadership to ensure strategic alignment of work and forward movement of process and procedures.
- Provide reports to the Lead EO and Title IX Coordinator as requested and attend staff meetings with subordinates and leadership.
Other duties as assigned
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Juris Doctorate degree required
- Minimum of two to three years of professional experience in civil litigation and demonstrated experience and ability in conducting investigations into allegations of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation, composing clear, concise, timely and professionally written investigative reports, managing confidential information, and independently and efficiently managing a significant caseload required.
- Professional experience conducting investigations in a higher-education, non-profit or other relevant setting required.
- Demonstrated ability to determine and apply the appropriate legal standards in assessing and investigating allegations of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation required.
- Extensive knowledge of the elements of proof for discrimination, harassment, and retaliation required.
- Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain positive, effective working relationships required.
- In depth knowledge of the federal and state laws pertaining to civil rights, discrimination, harassment and affirmative action, as they apply to colleges and universities including the Equal Employment Opportunity Act of 1972 (EEO) required.
- Strong working familiarity with the Americans with Disabilities Act (Title II), Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI), Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII), Title IX of the Educational Amendments Act of 1972 (Title IX), the Jeanne Clery Act of 1990 (Clery Act), the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 (VAWA), the Age of Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), all as amended where applicable, and other federal and state anti- discrimination laws and requirements required.
- Must be able to work independently, collaboratively across the organization, and under the supervision of the Director of EO Investigations.
- Tact, discretion, professionalism, maturity and outstanding interpersonal, oral and written communication skills are required.
The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion to advance the University’s mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create – and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion/creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other status protected by law. This commitment extends to the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates from underrepresented populations, veterans, and persons with disabilities consistent with these values and government contractor Affirmative Action obligations.
How To Apply
All applicants must apply online.
EOE Minorities/Females/Protected Veterans/Disabled
Pay Range
Pay Range: $84,700 - $127,100 Annually
The referenced pay range represents the minimum and maximum compensation for this job. Individual annual salaries/hourly rates will be set within the job’s compensation range, and will be determined by considering factors including, but not limited to, market data, education, experience, qualifications, expertise of the individual, and internal equity considerations.