Fort Worth, Texas
Richmond, California
Sacramento , California
Posted: 06-Nov-24
Location: Ithaca, New York
Salary: $80,657 - $85,000
Employment Type:
Organization Type:
JOB SUMMARY:
The Equity and Title IX Investigator conducts fair and impartial investigations into allegations of protected class harassment and discrimination and sex-based harassment, including gender-based discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual assault, intimate partner and dating violence, and stalking for students and employees. The investigator serves as a neutral and impartial investigator who independently plans, conducts, and documents investigations concerning complaints of sexual harassment, sexual assault, stalking, dating and domestic violence, and protected class discrimination and harassment involving students and employees. The investigator also assists with alternative resolutions, supportive measures and adjudicative processes as appropriate, as well as with the development of policies, procedures, and practices. This role supports and provides compliance training and education sessions and programs, community engagement, outreach, and communication projects. This role coordinates closely with the Director of Title IX Compliance and ADA 504 Coordinator and Director of Staff Equity, Inclusion and Belonging to ensure strategic alignment of work and forward movement of process and procedures including supporting compliance training, education, and programming such as discrimination complaint review board and sexual misconduct grievance process training. This role is also responsible for assisting supervisors and employees with employee relations issues, providing guidance, resources, and remediation strategies in response to employee discipline, and in assessing, developing and managing employee relations related policies and procedures.
SUPERVISION:
This position reports to the Associate Vice President for Human Resources and Chief Human Resources Officer and takes day to day guidance from the Director of Title IX Compliance and ADA/504 Coordinator and Director for Staff Equity, Inclusion and Belonging.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Investigations
Under the direction of the Director for Staff Equity, Inclusion and Belonging and Director of Title IX Compliance and ADA/504 Coordinator:
- Receive complaints asserting violations by faculty, staff, students, and others of the College regarding violation of College’s policies including, but not limited to:
- Review complaints to assess potential violations of College policies prohibiting Harassment and Discrimination and Sexual Misconduct and/or applicable federal and state laws and regulations.
- Assess content of complaint to determine the need for investigation versus other potential responses, resource referrals, or informal resolutions.
- Discuss with administrators, supervisors, and others in leadership, as appropriate, informal responses to complaints that may not require investigation.
- 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
- 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. Document findings and maintain evidence.
- Prepare reports that synthesize complex facts that are clearly written, succinct, and focused on the issues relevant to the complaint.
- Make findings of fact where appropriate 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 as needed upon request.
- Help connect complainants, respondents and witnesses, with College resources that may provide alternative or additional support, interim and protective measures, guidance and assistance.
- Review the investigative process for consistency and make recommendations for process enhancements as needed.
- Coordinate closely with the Director of Title IX Compliance and ADA 504 Coordinator and Director of Staff Equity, Inclusion and Belonging to ensure strategic alignment of work and forward movement of process and procedures including supporting compliance training, education, and programming such as discrimination complaint review board and sexual misconduct grievance process training.
Employee Relations
- Assist supervisors and employees with employee relations issues.
- Provide guidance on Human Resources policies and practices including, but not limited to, non-discrimination, attendance, standards of conduct, and disciplinary actions. Provide resources and intervention plans.
- Participate in the development and management of employee relations related policies and procedures, including progressive discipline policies.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Required:
- Bachelor’s degree and 3+ years of related experience conducting investigations, or equivalent combination of degree and experience.
- Extensive knowledge of relevant laws (Title IX, Title VI, Title VII, ADA).
- Demonstrated ability to effectively work and interact respectfully within a diverse and inclusive environment.
- Demonstrated sensitivity and respect for diverse, academic, socio-economic, ethnic, religious, cultural backgrounds, disability and sexual orientation of students, faculty and staff.
- Strong organizational skills and ability to meet deadlines with a workload that can be unpredictable.
- Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
- The ability to handle sensitive information with tact, diplomacy and confidentiality.
- Ability to work independently, and as part of a team.
- Ability to work with faculty, staff, and student populations.
Desired:
- Certification in conducting internal Title IX and/or civil rights investigations.
- Employment law and/or HR experience.
- Higher education experience, particularly in a student conduct, Title IX, or civil rights/equal opportunity role.