Lead Deputy Title VI Coordinator

Lead Deputy Title VI Coordinator

Located near Los Angeles, California, Pomona College is widely regarded as one of the nation's premier liberal arts colleges. Established in 1887, Pomona College is known for small classes, a challenging curriculum, close relationships between students and faculty, and a range of student research and leadership opportunities. Pomona is a member of The Claremont Colleges.

The Lead Deputy Title VI Coordinator ("Lead Deputy") at Pomona College has the primary responsibility of assisting the Title IX Coordinator in managing reports of discrimination and harassment, on the grounds of race, color, and national origin (and, by extension ethnic characteristics and shared ancestry), but may also involve other forms of harassment and discrimination under Pomona College's policies such as sex, religion, disability, retaliation, or other related policies, from receipt to resolution. The Lead Deputy is responsible for conducting thorough, impartial, fair, and timely investigations in compliance with the College's Non-Discrimination Policy (Workplace and Student-Related Matter), Discrimination and Harassment Investigation and Response Procedures and other relevant College policies/procedures/guidance.

This role will assist in educating the campus community about Title VI, assist in ensuring campus compliance with federal, state, and local regulations and guidance related to discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, and national origin including, but not limited to Title VI, the Unruh Civil Rights Act, and other local, state and federal legal requirements. The Lead Deputy works collaboratively with Student Affairs, Human Resources, Campus Safety, and legal counsel. The Deputy may also work directly with faculty, staff, and students, as well as with colleagues across The Claremont Colleges.

The ideal candidate for this position is someone with experience in creating a supportive and thoughtful intake environment, who can implement a strategic vision for educational efforts in relation to community care and compliance, and has a detail-oriented approach to investigations and case management. This position will work closely with the Associate Dean and Title IX Coordinator to create a team that is approachable and accessible to the Pomona College community.

Reporting directly to the Associate Dean/Title IX Coordinator, the Lead Deputy works independently and collaboratively to perform the following essential duties and responsibilities:

Intake, Support, & Case Management:

1. Conduct intake meetings with complainants and respondents regarding discrimination, harassment, and retaliation; address immediate safety needs; communicate information about support services and facilitate contact with internal and external resources; communicate information about reporting options both on and off-campus and ensure parties' full understanding of the College's investigation, resolution, and hearing procedures. In collaboration with other College offices, identify and implement appropriate interim measures and accommodations.

2. Where appropriate, the Lead Deputy may serve in an oversight capacity concerning investigations conducted by designated trained Title VI investigators, ensuring that such investigations are conducted in compliance with applicable College Policies and Procedures.

a. Case management: The Lead Deputy assists with the tracking and monitoring of Title VI complaints and investigations to meet prescribed deadlines; develops complaint/respondent management checklists, protocols and procedures; and assists in the coordination, tracking, and monitoring of Title VI compliance training.

Investigations:

1. Develop/maintain investigative protocols consistent with applicable College Non-Discrimination Policy, Discrimination and Harassment Investigation and Response Procedures and other relevant College policies/guidance (including but not limited to the Student Code and the Speech Code) and that promote timely, thorough, impartial, and legally sound investigations.

2. Conduct prompt, impartial investigations into allegations of discrimination or harassment under the Non-Discrimination Policy involving race, color, and national origin, as well as other applicable civil rights laws and related Pomona College policies, including the Discrimination and Harassment Investigation and Response Procedures.

3. Gather, review, and analyze relevant evidence including documents, digital records, physical evidence, and other materials in compliance with the Non-Discrimination Policy, as well as federal, state, and other legal requirements.

4. Conduct comprehensive, trauma-informed, and culturally competent interviews with complainants, respondents, witnesses, and other relevant parties.

5. Analyze complex fact patterns, synthesize evidence, and prepare clear, well-organized investigation reports that accurately reflect relevant evidence, credibility findings, and other information that supports fair, evidence-based resolutions.

6. Analyze the evidence to make credibility recommendations as part of the investigation report.

7. Provide investigation reports to the Associate Dean/Title IX Coordinator, in accordance with the Non-Discrimination Policy and Discrimination and Harassment Investigation and Response Procedures.

8. In accordance with FERPA and other Pomona College privacy-related policies and procedures, provide ongoing investigation status updates to the involved parties, and to the Associate Dean/Title IX Coordinator.

Record Keeping:

1. Maintain institutional database for incident reports, investigation reports, notices, decisions and appeals to ensure complete incident case management records are maintained. Maintain records on active incident and case status/timelines.

a. Oversee monitoring of the case management database to organize, manage, and track all incidents reported to the Title IX and CARES Office.

b. Collect, maintain and analyze data and prepare related reports, as appropriate to contribute to the annual Clery Report.

2. Maintain current inventory of regulations and statutes relating to race, color, and national origin discrimination and harassment including, but not limited to Title VI, Title VII, the Unruh Civil Rights Act, Cal. Government Code Section 11135 and other relevant local, state and federal laws as well as any new legislation on the subject.

3. Remain knowledgeable of the current state and federal law, regulations, guidance, and trends in higher education related to harassment and other discriminatory practices that violate Title VI.

4. Assist in preparing and submitting internal and external reports, including the federally mandated annual Clery Report for the campus community on incidences of sexual harassment.

5. Assist the Title IX Coordinator in reviewing, writing, and/or revising College policies, procedures, and reports.

Community Education:

1. Prepare and disseminate educational materials, including brochures, posters, and web- based materials, to inform members of the campus community of Title VI rights and responsibilities, particularly for students, staff and faculty.

a. Education and Training

i. Responsible for working with internal and off-campus community partners to develop and present comprehensive Title VI policy and procedure training programs and workshops for students, faculty, and staff. The training will meet the requirements of the Executive Orders and will comply with applicable policies (including but not limited to the College's Speech Code), state and federal laws, as well as the College's ADL/Brandeis Center settlement and other specified College requirements.

ii. Assess institutional needs and identify trends to create and implement relevant educational programming and initiatives to the campus community.

Policy & Procedures:

2. Provide ongoing consultations and updates regarding Title VI requirements, compliance programs, and case-management approaches to the Title IX Coordinator. Monitors and provides oversight of Title VI compliance and the prevention of harassment and discrimination at the College, including but not limited to the associated grievance procedures for students.

3. Coordinates with the Chief Human Resources Officer on matters and investigations pertaining to faculty and staff.

4. Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Education: Master's degree, or advanced degree in a relevant discipline required.
• Licenses/Certificates: A valid driver's license or equivalent means of reliable transportation to off-site meetings and events is required.
• Experience: A minimum of 3 years of experience in the relevant fields of Title VI, Civil Rights, or Higher Education. Experience in student affairs including residence life, student support/behavioral intervention, and advising is strongly preferred.

Required Knowledge and Critical Skills: This position must possess the knowledge, skills and abilities to be able to successfully perform the essential functions of the job or must be able to demonstrate how the essential functions will be performed (with or without reasonable accommodation) using other knowledge, skills and abilities not listed below.

1. Knowledge of and the ability to interpret in the broadest sense federal, state and local equal opportunity and non?discrimination laws and regulations, including Title VI and others;

2. A sharp understanding of the ways in which the conversation around Title VI is rapidly evolving nationwide and an ability to anticipate potential issues before they arise, including free expression rights under California's Leonard Law;

3. Deep sensitivity to and a thorough understanding of the many experiences and expressions of trauma caused by discrimination and harassment;

4. Trauma-informed training;

5. A sophisticated and empathetic understanding of the needs and experiences of students, staff, and faculty who identify as part of various marginalized communities, particularly in relation to issues of discrimination and harassment;

6. A fundamental commitment to social justice, and a belief that the work of community building on a college campus is driven by this mission;