Equal Opportunity Investigator and NY Title VI Coordinator

Job Summary

· Reports to the Assistant Vice President /Title IX Coordinator within the Office for University Equity and Compliance.

· The Equal Opportunity Investigator and Title VI Coordinator is primarily responsible for the prompt, impartial and thorough response to allegations of discrimination on the basis of protected characteristics race, color, religion, genetics, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, ancestry, veteran or disability status from faculty, staff, and/or students.

· Conduct intake meetings with Complainants, Respondents and Witnesses to gather information and provide clear, consistent information on rights, reporting options, available resources, supportive measures and applicable policies and procedures. 

· Responsible for collecting the relevant facts related to the reported discrimination allegation and, in collaboration with the AVP, assess the steps necessary to support compliance with University policy and applicable state and federal laws.

· Maintains a thorough and well-documented investigative process by gathering and documenting evidentiary material. Maintains accurate and thorough records and notes of the investigatory process.

· Develops professionally written, comprehensive, unbiased written reports that include a summary of facts and analysis, as appropriate.

· Serves as a point of contact for those seeking information or wanting to report allegations of discrimination.

· Acts as a neutral party through all aspects of an OUEC resolution process and promotes a fair and neutral process for all parties involved.

· Advises all parties of their rights, support resources and responsibilities.

· Promotes organizational compliance with University policy and applicable laws.

· Facilitates online and in-person training for students, faculty, and staff on the New York Campus to ensure awareness of rights, responsibilities, and reporting processes under Title VI and other University nondiscrimination policies.

· Assists in the maintenance of the database used to track discrimination allegations and resolutions.

· Establishes timely communication with all parties, including those university officials with a need to know to recommend/make appropriate and timely decisions.

· Maintains a high level of confidentiality and privacy on all office and investigation proceedings consistent with University policy and applicable law.

· Communicates and consults regularly with the AVP on updates regarding the status of allegations, complaints received and investigations in progress.

· Works collaboratively with key partners in the University community to resolve complaints filed under applicable University policies, including but not limited to, the Office of General Counsel, Office of the Provost, Office of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution, and the Northeastern University Police Department.

· Will keep apprised of new developments and best practices in the fields of discrimination investigations and other relevant federal and state legislation and regulations.

· Performing other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

· The employee will have demonstrated experience and ability in conducting investigations, composing clear, concise, timely and professionally written investigative reports, managing confidential information, and independently and efficiently managing a significant caseload.

· A minimum of two successive years of recent, substantive work experience and ability conducting investigations of discrimination in a higher education, non-profit or other relevant setting. Superior background and training in conducting sensitive and confidential investigations required.

· Demonstrated ability to determine and apply the appropriate legal standards in assessing and investigating allegations of discrimination.

· Extensive knowledge of the elements of proof for discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct and retaliation.

· Demonstrated ability to exercise discretion, superior judgment, analytical skills and neutrality in highly sensitive situations involving allegations of discrimination and Title IX policy violations, including investigations of alleged sexual assault, sexual harassment, stalking and relationship or domestic violence.

· 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), 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.

· Tact, discretion, professionalism, maturity and outstanding interpersonal, oral and written communication skills are required.

· Experience and ability to work successfully in a diverse community required.

· Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain positive, effective working relationships.

· Must be able to work independently, collaboratively across the organization, and under the supervision of the AVP.

· Bachelor’s Degree in higher education administration, law enforcement, criminology, social work, psychology, or related field required. Advanced degree in related fields preferred such as J.D.

· Ability to work weekends and evenings and travel (when necessary or assigned).

 Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities

· Equal Opportunity Resolutions, including Investigations and Informal options 

· Develop, plan and facilitate training and educational programs for faculty, staff and students; support and communicate EEO policies and procedures; promote compliance with University policies and applicable state and federal laws. 

· In consultation with the AVP, monitor policies and procedures that ensure compliance with federal and NY state civil rights requirements, including Title VI. 

Supervision

Provide the number of employees reporting directly to this job and the types of employees.