Equal Opportunity Associate

Please note, this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program.

The Equal Opportunity & Title IX Office is seeking a highly qualified, motivated, and skilled individual to respond to complaints of discrimination, sexual misconduct, nepotism, and related retaliation through investigation and informal problem-solving and to counsel University community members on equal opportunity issues.

The Associate position offers complex, fast-moving, and fascinating work in a supportive work environment. Associates have significant discretion to craft appropriate investigative and informal responses to complaints. Associates also have the opportunity to collaborate frequently with colleagues in the Office and broader University to resolve case-related challenges. The Office's work has a significant impact on the individuals and units involved in its cases. Associates' thoughtfulness, attention to detail, and commitment to equity and diversity is critical.

The Associate position is a full-time, year-round, professional/administrative position. The Office offers flexibility, hybrid remote and in-office work, and excellent work-life balance. The position offers a competitive compensation package, commensurate with experience and background, and excellent benefits.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Investigation and Complaint Resolution 85%

Investigate complaints of discrimination, sexual misconduct, nepotism, and related retaliation to determine whether University policy violations occurred.

Draft clear and accurate investigation reports and make recommendations for responsive action.

Engage in informal problem-solving methods to address concerns.

Manage cases in timely and effective ways, exercising good judgment.

Counsel members of the University community (senior leaders, staff, faculty, and students) on complex equal opportunity issues.

Other Duties as Assigned 15%

Participate in new initiatives to improve services.

Develop and present educational programs about discrimination, sexual misconduct, equal opportunity, diversity, and other related topics.

Participate in policy development and oversight of the University's approach to preventing, and responding to, discrimination, sexual misconduct, nepotism, and related retaliation concerns.

Participate in committees serving the broader University.

Qualifications

Essential Qualifications:

• JD from an accredited law school.
• Experience conducting investigations or analyses of legal or policy violations.
• Exceptional writing and analytical skills.
• Exceptional communication, interpersonal skills, and emotional intelligence.
• Ability to focus on all aspects of a task or process, including small details, to ensure accuracy and thoroughness.
• Ability to manage and work with conflict.
• Ability to work independently and efficiently and balance workload.
• Ability and desire to work actively, collaboratively, and creatively as part of a team.
• Demonstrated commitment to the principles of equal opportunity, equity, inclusion, and diversity.
• Demonstrated experience in, and an ongoing commitment to, working effectively with and across diverse communities, including: people of color, underrepresented groups and new immigrant populations; American Indians; people with both visible and invisible disabilities; women; people of various gender and sexual identities and expressions; and first-generation students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience applying discrimination laws.
• Knowledge of discrimination, sexual misconduct, and equal opportunity laws.
• Experience investigating employee and/or student misconduct.
• Experience developing and presenting educational programs on discrimination, sexual misconduct, equal opportunity, or related topics.
• Experience using alternative dispute resolution techniques.

About the Department

The Office for Equity and Diversity (OED) is responsible for the University of Minnesota's system-wide equity and diversity initiatives and programs, and for infusing the core values of equity and diversity into all aspects of teaching, learning, research, service, and outreach at the University. OED includes the following units: the Office for Supplier Diversity; the Office for Conflict Resolution; the Disability Resource Center; the Equal Opportunity and Title IX Office; the Gender and Sexuality Center for Queer and Trans Life; the Multicultural Center for Academic Excellence; and the Women's Center.

The Equal Opportunity & Title IX Office is responsible for responding to complaints of discrimination, sexual misconduct, nepotism, and related retaliation through investigation and informal problem-solving processes. The Office oversees the University's anti-discrimination policies, and counsels University members on the application of these policies. Equal Opportunity & Title IX is a systemwide office that reports to the Vice President of the Office for Equity and Diversity.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $110,000 to $120,000 annually ; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointm ent: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the
time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures
that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while
maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and
equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates
will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and will be accepted until the posting is closed. Application must be made electronically through the University of Minnesota's Online Employment System at https://employment.umn.edu/.

Please submit the following documents online: a cover letter setting out how your background qualifies you for this position and a current resume. You may be asked for additional materials, including references, at a later time. If you have questions regarding the position, please contact Gabrielle Mead at gdmead@umn.edu (Phone: 612-626-8112). If you have difficulty negotiating the electronic application process, please contact Human Resources at 612-624-8647.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail jobcentr@umn.edu.