"Director of Institutional Equity and Compliance"

Job Details

Job Title: Director of Institutional Equity and Compliance

Classification: First/Mid-Level Officials and Managers

Division: Legal Affairs

Department: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Compliance

Reports To: Vice President, General Counsel, & Secretary to the Board of Trustees

FLSA Status: Salaried, Exempt

Job Type: Regular Full-Time/12 months

Location: Lincoln University, PA (near Oxford, PA)

Campus: Main Campus

JOB SUMMARY

Reporting to the Vice President & General Counsel, the Director of Institutional Equity, Access and Title IX Compliance will lead inclusive excellence, Title IX, and ADA compliance initiatives and serve in the capacity to help ensure that equity and inclusion is met at the University.

Lincoln University embraces shared values that support our mission and guide our practices which includes a commitment to building a community that values diversity among social identities such as race, religion, gender, ethnicity, national origin, socio-economic status, military status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, ability or disability.

The Director of Institutional Equity, Access and Title IX Compliance leads a dedicated team to responsibly uphold the University’s commitment to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and safe campus culture. The Director ensures that all students, faculty, and staff feel welcome, respected, supported, and protected from prejudice and discrimination.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Title IX Leadership:

• Serve as the Title IX Coordinator and manage the University's Title IX compliance.
• Maintain a high level of confidentiality.
• Receive and adjudicate Title IX reports and complaints under the University's Title IX Grievance Policy and Procedures for students, faculty and staff; identify and address patterns or systemic inequities, if any, during the review of Title IX reports and complaints.
• Manage Case Management, Dispute Resolution, and Investigations.
• Oversee student complaints, analyze incident reports, coordinate prompt responses; develop thorough resolution/investigative plans, conduct preliminary inquiry, coordinate supportive measures, implement any interim measures, assign investigation team, identify and collect relevant information and documentation, and issue reports of findings of fact and determination for review and case resolution.
• Serve as the primary Title IX administrator for student cases going through or likely to go through the Student Conduct process.
• Investigate complaints of sexual misconduct/discrimination, as well as related Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) claims/complaints.
• Supervise administrative Title IX investigator(s) in handling complaints of sexual misconduct under University policies and procedures prohibiting sexual misconduct, including complaints of retaliation.
• Oversee other Title IX inquiries as they arise including, but not limited to, coordinating investigations of any resulting complaints filed with the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights.
• Ensure individuals impacted by sexual misconduct receive information about resources, reporting and supportive measures.
• Function as an investigator, when necessary, for cases involving both students and employees.
• Review University policies, procedures and codes pertaining to sex discrimination and sexual misconduct for consistency and compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Oversee the quality, content, and documentation of campus Title IX education and training, as well as documenting the distribution and delivery of all prevention and awareness campaigns such as literature, brochures, website, etc.
• Develop, revise, and send Title IX nondiscrimination notices to all students and employees in the fall and spring academic semesters.
• Coordinate the administration of Title IX campus climate surveys.
• Remain current on Title IX trends, best practices to improve university processes and policies.

Compliance:

• Assists the Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary to the Board of Trustees by applying a thorough knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and guidelines in the investigation, analysis, and resolution of grievances, appeals, and complaints related to one or more of the following areas: civil rights, gender equity, sexual harassment, equal employment opportunity, Title IX, and accommodation of individuals with disabilities and related policies, procedures, and practices of the University.
• Set strategic direction, design, and implement effective compliance policies and programs with the VP.
• Oversee the ADA compliance administrative team that assists in determining reasonable accommodations for students, employees and visitors.
• Perceive and react responsibly to the needs of a workforce, student population, and public that is ethnically, socially, and economically diverse.
• Establish, monitor, and maintain comprehensive compliance metrics and case-management data; prepare and deliver regular reports on performance, trends, and compliance benchmarks to the Vice President and President to support informed decision-making and institutional accountability.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Maintain a high level of confidentiality.

Training and Education:

• Work with campus partners such as Student Success, Human Resources, Academic Affairs and the Department of Public Safety to ensure that appropriate and adequate education, training and resources are available to the campus community; coordinate and develop Title IX education and training.
• Develop, coordinate, and implement training and educational sessions as required under Title IX and the PA State Policy Prohibiting Discrimination in the Workplace.
• Identify gaps and opportunities to increase/enhance current Title IX training and programming, particularly for continuing, graduate, part-time non-traditional students, and employees.
• Intake and manage investigation caseloads to include fact-based investigations into complaints alleging sexual misconduct, Title IX and related VAWA claims such as dating, domestic violence, stalking, and workplace misconduct.
• Manage case management system (Maxient tracking all discrimination, Title IX and sexual misconduct cases).
• Keep leadership informed about gaps in the process; make recommendations for continuous process improvement; participate in the hiring and performance evaluations of direct reports.
• Review and provide input to content of new hire orientations regarding discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, and ethics obligations, including notification of required training.
• Complete special projects/assignments and assume responsibility for contributing to the development and completion of strategic goals and objectives within the scope of the role.
• Work with relevant campus partners to ensure that relevant policies and procedures are up-to-date and adhered to consistently; establish and maintain close and cooperative relationships with Human Resources, Public Safety, Student Conduct, Counseling Services and other University and community stakeholders to ensure effective communication and coordination of response and services.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree in higher education administration, criminal justice, social work, public administration, psychology, or a closely related field.
• Five (5) or more years of relevant professional experience, at least two of which are in Title IX compliance or sexual violence investigation and prevention, legal issues, federal/state compliance and regulatory interpretation, or student conduct.
• Two (2) or more years in leadership or supervisory roles, where you directed others’ work, monitored performance, and ensured accountability.
• Demonstrated knowledge of relevant state and federal laws including Title IX, Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), the Jeanne Clery Act, Americans with Disabilities Act and FERPA.
• Professional experience conducting investigations.
• Strong skills in policy development, training program implementation, and stakeholder engagement, emphasizing collaboration in a complex environment.
• Demonstrated ability to prepare well-written, organized and detailed analyses of complaints; organize and conduct prompt, effective, neutral, and trauma-informed investigations; communicate with and ensure support to reporting parties, responding parties and witnesses; mediate and resolve conflicts when appropriate; make effective recommendations for management action or additional adjudication; and present information to senior administrators.
• Ability to problem-solve and make independent decisions and judgments in keeping with the level of the position.
• Ability to cultivate effective working relationships within a diverse community and maintain a positive and collaborative work environment. Commitment to an organization that is diverse, equitable and inclusive.
• Ability to design, develop, and present effective training and ongoing educational programs to a variety of audiences.
• Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word).

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Juris Doctorate (J.D.) degree preferred but not required.
• Two (2) or more years of Compliance, specifically Title IX and/or ADA experience.
• Professional experience conducting investigations in an institution of higher education.
• Proficient in the use of Maxient software and databases.
• Title IX related training or certification through a nationally recognized organization.

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES AND TRAITS:

• Demonstrates understanding of diversity, equity and inclusion concepts and practices.
• Collaborates effectively in complex environments, balancing diverse priorities and stakeholder needs with diplomacy.
• Coordinates with cross-functional teams and stakeholders to drive projects to successful, timely completion.
• Demonstrates strong communication across written, verbal, and presentation contexts.
• Listen attentively and with impartiality, ensuring clear and accurate interpretation of others' communications.
• Maintains composure and demonstrates sound judgment during crises, consistently appearing calm, rational, and in control.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is primarily performed in a university campus environment and requires flexible scheduling including evening and weekend work. Travel for administrative work is expected. The employee is subject to inside environmental conditions, protection from weather changes, but not necessarily temperature conditions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Moderate lifting up to 20 pounds as frequently as needed to move objects; dexterity to write and manipulate computer keyboard and mouse; ability to hear and speak clearly; and body mobility to stoop, kneel, and bend and reach.

Interested candidates will be prompted to: Complete an application, Submit a cover letter & CV. Review of applications will commence immediately and continue until the position is filled.

DISCLAIMER: The incumbent must perform the essential duties and responsibilities with or without reasonable accommodation. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and /or skills required. This job description is not an employment agreement and /or an expressed or implied contract. Management has the right to alter this job description at any time without notice.

Lincoln University values diversity and seeks talented faculty, staff, and students from diverse backgrounds. Lincoln University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected class status in the administration of its employment practices, admissions, financial aid, educational or athletic programs, or other University-administered programs.