Deputy Director and DeputyTitle IX Officer (onsite)

About the Job

The Office for the Prevention of Harassment and Discrimination (OPHD) is responsible for ensuring the University provides an environment free from discrimination and harassment (including sexual harassment and violence) based on all protected categories. OPHD's work emphasizes commitment to campus safety, fairness, due process, and trauma-informed practices. In collaboration with campus partners, OPHD's mission is to educate the UC Merced community on these issues, assist with prevention efforts, help campus departments pursue best practices for fostering a discrimination-free environment, and provide prompt and effective resolution of all complaints. OPHD provides analysis and guidance on all matters related to UC Merced's compliance with relevant federal and state laws and applicable University of California policies.

The Deputy Director and DeputyTitle IX Officer reports to the OPHD Director/Title IX Officer (Director). Under the Director's general direction, the incumbent is responsible for implementing and managing the complaint resolution processes in response to reports of harassment and discrimination (including sexual harassment and sexual violence) across all protected categories. The incumbent provides mentorship and support for members of the OPHD team and assists with developing local policies, procedures, protocols, and guidelines.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Case Management and Supervision: Lead the Response Team Coordinator (RTC), provide individualized coaching and support, and ensure the timeliness, quality, and integrity of work product. Mentors, train, and serve as a resource for the OPHD team. Together with the RTC, triage all incoming reports of harassment and discrimination (including sexual harassment and sexual violence), conduct intakes, address immediate safety needs and implement supportive measures, assess potential risk areas, determine avenues for resolving reports, conduct preventative education sessions, and assign reports to the Complaint Resolution Officers (CROs). Manage and audit the case management system, identify best practices to improve process efficiency, and identify high-risk areas on campus. Monitor the OPHD caseload to ensure an even distribution of work and to ensure cases are assigned to the CRO's specialty areas and personally work on the most complex and sensitive reports. Implement supportive, interim, and remedial measures as appropriate. Provide consultations to campus partners. Chair standing work groups and co-chair bi-weekly Case Management Team meetings with the RTC. Respond to inquiries and requests for information from state and federal agencies, when necessary.
2. Campus-wide Training and Outreach: Together with the RTC, monitor compliance with mandatory OPHD-related training, and take the lead in developing and presenting training for the campus community on policies and procedures under OPHD's purview.
3. Policies and Procedures: Assist with developing local OPHD policies, procedures, protocols, and guidelines. Review and advise on the content of the OPHD and associated websites. Represent OPHD on various campus and systemwide committees.
4. Performs other duties as assigned.