Investigator

With the vision of supporting the values and mission of the Office of Civil Rights & Title IX, the Civil Rights & Title IX Investigator will support a centralized civil rights function that will be a leading model in higher education. The Office of Civil Rights & Title IX is on a mission to create an environment where all people are treated with dignity and respect and have an equal opportunity to learn and work at a university free from discrimination, harassment, and sexual misconduct. In partnership with and reporting to the Director of Investigations and Resolutions, the Civil Rights and Title IX Investigator provides support to the university by enacting the university policies against discrimination, harassment, and sexual misconduct as well as helping ensure compliance with local, state, and federal laws. The Investigator’s primary responsibilities will be to assess and investigate allegations pertaining to discrimination, harassment, and sexual misconduct, which promotes expectations consistent with civil rights laws such as Title IX, Title VI, and Title VII. The Investigator will be expected to work independently, adhere to policies and procedures, and conduct thorough and impartial investigations.

Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience:

• Requires a bachelor’s degree in a job related field and 3 or more years of job related experience, which may be substituted by an equivalent combination of job related certification, training, education, and/or experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prefer JD. Experience conducting investigations alleging discrimination.
• Experience with or knowledge of trauma-informed investigation practices.
• Experience working in higher education.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Demonstrated ability to handle difficult and sensitive employee situations with refined judgment while maintaining confidentiality and adhering to data privacy laws and policies.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple, ongoing cases and a complex caseload.
• Demonstrated ability to write concise organized, logical, and analytical reports to convey complex issues.
• Strong written and oral communication and interpersonal skills to work collaboratively with staff, faculty and students in academic and administrative departments and offices.
• Knowledge of and experience with Maxient case management system.

Job Duty: Coordinate and Conduct Investigations

• Conduct thorough and impartial investigations of reports of violations through the development of an investigative plan to include interviews of complainants, respondents, witnesses, and others, and identification and collection of other available and relevant evidence.
• Strategically and sensitively ask appropriate questions during interviews using trauma informed methodology to gather information about alleged incidents of harassment and discrimination.
• Prepare comprehensive written reports of information gathered during an investigation.
• Assist in maintaining database records, assist in the development of reports, trend assessments, and identify areas of concern in the campus environment and beyond.
• Review investigative reports with the Director of Investigations and Resolutions and/or Assistant Vice President for Civil Rights and Title IX.

Essential Function: Yes

Percentage of Time: 45

Job Duty: Investigative Resolution

• Conduct prompt, equitable, thorough and impartial investigations into complaints of discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct, and related retaliation. Investigative steps include but are not limited to: identifying and interviewing parties; identifying, gathering, and assessing information relevant to the investigation; applying relevant policies and procedures; maintaining accurate and thorough records and notes of the investigative process; and writing comprehensive investigative reports.
• Review policy and procedures with all involved in the resolution process and answer questions as appropriate.
• Provide testimony to, and answer questions from, a decision maker/resolution officer about investigations.
• Collaborate and consult with the Director of Investigations and Resolutions to monitor and manage investigations of discrimination, harassment, and sexual misconduct and related retaliation ensure an efficient and effective process.
• Conduct prompt, equitable, thorough, and impartial investigations into complaints of discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct, and related retaliation. Investigative steps include but are not limited to: analyzing the reported conduct under applicable university policies, identifying parties, drafting and sending correspondence to parties, conducting interviews with parties, reviewing policy and procedures and answering questions about investigative process as appropriate with parties, identifying, gathering, and assessing relevant information, documentation, and evidence related to the reported conduct.

Essential Function: Yes

Percentage of Time: 30

Job Duty: Knowledge Refinement and Compliance

• Assist with the review of policies and procedures to ensure compliance with the law and alignment with best practices.
• Monitor developments in law, policy, and practice related to Title IX and harassment.
• Provide insights to office colleagues to inform education and training for the broader community.

Essential Function: Yes

Percentage of Time: 5

Job Duty: Report Writing
Draft thorough, concise, accurate, comprehensive investigative reports to share with parties that: fairly summarizes the relevant information and evidence gathered during an investigation; identifies the potential policy violations; and outlines the investigative steps taken in an investigation.

Essential Function: Yes

Percentage of Time: 20