Lead Civil Rights Investigator

Job Title: Lead Civil Rights Investigator

Department: Legal Affairs | Civil Rights Compliance Office

The Senior Civil Rights Investigator holds expertise in the subject matter and independently investigates the most complex complaints of discrimination, harassment, and sexual misconduct. The Lead Civil Rights Investigator consults independently with internal and external partners, assist in administrative tasks delegated by leadership, and is a resource for other civil rights investigators and partners. Further, the Lead Civil Rights Investigator may conduct Title VI case reviews, assign investigative casework, develop updated methods and procedures, and serve in a role of informal supervision, including the review of investigative materials produced by Civil Rights Investigators. Investigates complaints filed by students and employees involving protected-class discrimination and harassment; serves as a Title IX investigator for student and employee cases related to sex- and gender-based discrimination, including sexual harassment, sexual violence, relationship violence, stalking, sexual exploitation, and retaliation; acts as a neutral party through all aspects of investigation process and ensures equitable treatment of all parties; ensures prompt, impartial, well-documented, and trauma-informed investigation processes; maintain privacy of sensitive information; collaborates and consults with appropriate university offices in the course of investigations, including Student Conduct and Human Resources; maintains accurate, thorough and unbiased investigatory files; creates comprehensive written investigative reports; partners with other university offices and community resources throughout the investigative process to facilitate timely response, investigation, and resolution of complaints; understands and follows established university policies and procedures, as well as all state and federal guidance; may assist with adjudicating any reported allegation of student misconduct as necessary; attend trainings to maintain knowledge of non-discrimination laws and regulations and investigatory processes and practices; maintains privacy and ensures compliance with Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and other state, federal, and institutional student record policies.

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree and six (6) years of professional experience conducting investigations, or an equivalent combination of education and professional experience; experience in student conduct, human resources, criminal justice, law, law enforcement, or an office of discrimination and harassment; excellent judgment with the ability to manage highly sensitive and confidential information; strong skills in the areas of conflict resolution, problem solving techniques, interviewing and investigation; strong analytical skills and the ability to assess and negotiate complex, highly sensitive situations; exceptional critical thinking skills demonstrated by the ability to analyze information, evaluate results, and facilitate resolution of difficult challenges, including the ability to handle issues of complex and extreme sensitivity; skill in writing concise, logical analytical reports; ability to maintain neutrality and work under stress; demonstrated success in working with broad and varied constituencies; strong and effective interpersonal skills including the ability to listen well and demonstrate sensitivity to and respect for individual needs; ability to work as part of a university-wide community to resolve complaints in a neutral and sensitive manner; proficiency with Microsoft Office products and electronic databases.

Desired Qualifications:

A JD or Master's Degree and eight to twelve (8-12) years of relevant experience Title IX-related training or certification through a nationally recognized organization; experience conducting civil rights and/or Title IX investigations in a university or corporate setting; experience investigating cases of sexual and interpersonal violence; ability to interpret federal, state and local equal opportunity and nondiscrimination laws and regulations including Title IX, FERPA, the Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Action, Violence Against Women Act, and other applicable laws and regulations that prohibit discrimination, harassment, or retaliation.