Equity Consultant and Investigator

Equity Consultant and Investigator University of Missouri in Columbia, MO Type: Full-Time Category: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Services Hiring Department Office of Institutional Equity Job Description Reporting to the Director, this position is responsible for conducting investigations of allegations of violations of the University's non‑discrimination policies, including the prohibition of discrimination on the basis of all protected classes as outlined by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and Missouri Commission on Human Rights, including discrimination‑based violence such as sexual misconduct, stalking, and intimate partner violence involving members of the University of Missouri community. The Equity Consultant will conduct prompt, thorough, and equitable investigations, which may include identifying and interviewing witnesses, gathering and securing relevant documentation, and analyzing and synthesizing information gained through the investigation process and composing a final report detailing the information obtained. The Equity Consultant will provide thorough information to complainants and respondents, including details regarding the policies and procedures; evaluate the nature and urgency of each situation and determine the appropriate course of action, notifying the Director, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Institutional Equity, and other stakeholders/administrators when appropriate; collect incident information in an efficient and unbiased manner, demonstrating sensitivity to the needs of all parties; refer parties to necessary resources and coordinate such referrals with relevant agencies and departments; establish and maintain case files and databases; and provide regular updates to the Director and proper notification to the Appropriate Administrative Officer. The Equity Consultant is also responsible for auditing each case file for compliance and required documentation, reporting problems to the Director, and may assist in audits and review of University policies, practices, and departments to ensure compliance with anti‑discrimination laws. Job Duties Conduct investigations into allegations of discrimination, harassment, sexual violence, and retaliation at MU, including student and employment matters. Manage the daily responsibilities associated with conducting equity investigations on campus. Develop a comprehensive investigation plan for each matter assigned. Assist in requesting and establishing interim remedies, including housing changes, changes to courses, course schedules or work schedules, interim suspensions and other academic or employment adjustments as necessary. Contact involved parties and advisors and effectively communicate information and updates concerning the investigation and resolution process; interview parties and potential witnesses. Gather and secure relevant documentation; keep accurate and thorough records and notes of investigatory process. Develop detailed, well‑written, comprehensive, unbiased investigative reports to be used as a primary source of evidence in informal and formal administrative hearings and present investigative reports to a hearing panel or the Appropriate Administrative Officer. Provide ongoing updates to the Director, the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Institutional Equity, the Provost, and/or the Vice Chancellor for Human Resources as necessary and appropriate. Advocate for improvements in the investigatory process. Collaborate and engage in discussions to improve office procedures/efficiency. Continuously identify and integrate advances in the equity and non‑discrimination field into practice; assist with the University's mission to stop, investigate, and prevent the reoccurrence of discrimination at MU, as well as developing plans to remedy the effects of discrimination and related retaliation at MU. Interact with numerous on‑ and off‑campus resources, such as the Relationship and Sexual Violence Prevention Center (RSVP), the Disability Center, Office of Student Health and Well‑Being, the Office of Accessibility and ADA, the University of Missouri Police Department, the Office of Student Accountability & Support, Human Resource Services, and other student, faculty, and staff organizations, departments, and divisions. Shift: 8a‑5p, additional hours as needed. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least 3 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary. Preferred Qualifications A degree in a relevant field; a juris doctorate degree is preferred. One to three years of experience conducting investigations of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. Experience with investigations related to sexual violence or dating/intimate partner violence is preferred. Extensive professional training in the area of discrimination and harassment law (such as Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, the Violence Against Women Act, the Rehabilitation Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act), which can be gained by completion of an advanced course of study and/or specialized experience. Specialized skills in the areas of employment law and civil rights law and requires specialized training in conducting investigations and understanding and interpreting policies and related law; investigations are often complex and require a high level of analytical thinking. Superior critical‑thinking skills and regular exercise of professional judgment and decision‑making. Sophisticated logical reasoning and ability to provide strong written analysis, including advanced writing and research skills. Exceptional organization and record‑keeping skills. Ability to manage multiple tasks, pay attention to detail and meet deadlines while handling a demanding caseload. Ability to take initiative and work independently, as well as with a team. Ability to effectively apply newly learned skills and implement newly learned procedures and policies. Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to engage in various forms of conflict resolution, such as mediations, negotiated agreements and educational discussions involving students and employees. Extensive knowledge and understanding of the policies enforced and procedures utilized. Ability to assess many courses of action and determine the appropriate response. Position requires an individual who is immediately prepared to deal with a variety of complex issues and has experience dealing with difficult situations in a highly complex organization; must maintain a professional, calm, non‑judgmental attitude at all times. Position requires a nuanced understanding of the intricacies of discrimination and harassment laws and the legal requirements. The Title IX programs are largely based on state and federal laws and are compliance‑based programs, which means the individual occupying this position must possess the necessary knowledge to fulfill the job requirements and conduct a legally compliant investigation. Anticipated Hiring Range Salary Range: $65,000–80,000 annually Grade: GGS‑10 University Title: Compliance Investigator Benefit Eligibility This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short‑ and long‑term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at Equal Employment Opportunity The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr IMDiversity