Civil Rights and Title IX Investigator

As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive.

Job Location (Full Address):

220 Hutchison Rd, Rochester, New York, United States of America, 14627

Opening:

Worker Subtype:
Regular

Time Type:
Full time

Scheduled Weekly Hours:
40

Department:
100993 HR Civil Rights

Work Shift:
UR - Day (United States of America)

Range:
UR URG 114

Compensation Range:
$86,482.00 - $129,723.00

The referenced pay range represents the minimum and maximum compensation for this job. Individual annual salaries/hourly rates will be set within the job's compensation range, and will be determined by considering factors including, but not limited to, market data, education, experience, qualifications, expertise of the individual, and internal equity considerations.

Responsibilities:

The Civil Rights and Title IX Investigator (Investigator) serves as part of a team investigating and resolving complaints of protected characteristic harassment and discrimination, sexual misconduct, gender-based discrimination, intimate partner violence, and stalking for students and staff. As part of the team, the Investigator serves the University's interest in conducting fair and impartial investigations into complaints in ways that build trust in the University community and meet the University's legal obligations to address discrimination and harassment claims and sexual misconduct. The Investigator documents findings as the basis for significant personnel decisions and potential evidence in administrative agency investigations and lawsuits.

Under the direction of the Associate Vice President for Civil Rights Compliance & Title IX Coordinator and Director of Civil Rights Investigations, the Investigator will report to the Associate Director of Civil Rights Investigations. The Investigator will also receive some direction from the Title IX Coordinator and Director.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Under the direction of and in cooperation with the Director, Associate Director of Civil Rights Investigations and Title IX Coordinator, as well as through the exercise of some independent judgment and initiatives informed by knowledge of relevant University policies, laws and regulations, the Investigator shall:

Civil Rights & Title IX Investigations

• Receive complaints from all university community members and visitors, asserting violations by faculty, staff, students, and others of the University community regarding violations of the Policy against Discrimination, Harassment, and Discriminatory Employment/Services Practices, and Sexual Misconduct as defined in Title IX and the Student Sexual Misconduct Policy.
• Review complaints to assess potential violations of University policies governing Harassment, Discrimination, Sexual Misconduct, and/or applicable federal and state laws and regulations.
• Assess content of complaint in light of University policies to determine the need for investigation versus other potential responses, resource referrals, alternative or informal resolutions.
• Inform administrators, supervisors, and others in leadership of alternative or informal responses to complaints that may not require investigation.

Investigation plans

• Follow through on the investigation processes for conducting interviews and reviewing documentation relevant to the reported concerns and to the legal and policy issues raised
• Identify other potential parties, witnesses, and/or sources of information taking into account the issues raised in the complaint and information gathered which may be relevant to the legal and policy issues raised
• Make appropriate judgments about which sources of information to consult and what questions to ask, and be able to communicate the reasoning for such judgements to leadership when necessary
• Communicate with complainants, respondents, and/or others regarding the plan and timeline for completion

Implement investigation plans

• Apply professional judgment and experience in questioning witnesses, requesting relevant documentation, and reviewing other information sources.
• Exercise flexibility and judgment to change the investigation plan as appropriate, depending on information gathered, new issues raised and as other circumstances may arise.
• Manage time, often while conducting multiple investigations simultaneously, to conduct comprehensive investigations 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.

Draft Investigation Reports and Memos

• Present investigative findings in written reports or memos to decision-makers, who may be high-level supervisors, deans, the University Provost, and Vice Presidents across the University.
• Prepare reports that synthesize complex facts that are clearly written, succinct, and focus on the issues relevant to the complaint.
• Make findings of fact 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 to University Trustees, senior leaders, state and federal governmental agencies and members of the University community.

Administrative Responsibilities

• In collaboration with the Associate Director, Director, and Title IX Coordinator, review the investigative process for consistency.
• Coordinate closely with the Associate Director, Director, Title IX Coordinator, and HR leadership to ensure strategic alignment of work and forward movement of process and procedures.
• Provide reports to the Associate Director, Director, and Title IX Coordinator, as requested and attend staff meetings with subordinates and leadership.
• Help connect complainants, respondents and witnesses, with other University resources that may provide alternative or additional support, interim and protective measures, guidance and assistance.

Other duties as assigned

MINIMUM EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Juris Doctorate degree required
• 2 years of experience in civil or criminal litigation required;
• Experience in conducting investigations into allegations of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation required
• Experience composing clear, concise, timely, and professionally written investigative reports, managing confidential information, and independently and efficiently managing a significant caseload required.
• Experience conducting investigations in a higher-education, non-profit or other relevant setting required.
• Experience conducting depositions and managing document review required
• Or equivalent combination of education and experience required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrated ability to determine and apply the appropriate legal standards in assessing and investigating allegations of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation required.
• Extensive knowledge of the elements of proof for discrimination, harassment, and retaliation required.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain positive, effective working relationships required.
• In depth knowledge of the federal and state laws pertaining to civil rights, discrimination, harassment and affirmative action, as they apply to colleges and universities including the Equal Employment Opportunity Act of 1972 (EEO) required.
• Familiarity with the Americans with Disabilities Act (Title II), Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI), Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII), Title IX of the Educational Amendments Act of 1972 (Title IX), the Jeanne Clery Act of 1990 (Clery Act), the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 (VAWA), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), all as amended where applicable, and other federal and state anti-discrimination laws and requirements required.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively across the organization required.
• Strong oral and written communication skills required.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and discretion required.

The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture to advance the University's Mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create - and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law (Protected Characteristics). This commitment extends to non-discrimination in the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates, for all persons consistent with our values and based on applicable law.