The Civil Rights serves as the lead investigator where assigned and provides support for reports of alleged University policy violations. The Investigator interviews complainants, respondents and all witnesses and prepares a report of evidence and investigation findings. Coordinates outreach and educational programming opportunities related to Title VII, Title IX, VAWA, sex- and gender-based misconduct, bystander intervention. Reports to the Director for the Civil Compliance & Title IX Coordinator.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities1. Employee Relations & Leader Consultation - 30%- Provide advanced consultation to leaders regarding employee relations, performance management, corrective action, workplace conflict, employee complaints, policy application, and other workplace matters.
- Independently assess complex employee concerns and recommend appropriate courses of action consistent with University policies and practices.
- Coach leaders on effective issue resolution, documentation, performance expectations, and employee communication.
- Support employee relations matters associated with organizational and workforce changes.
- Identify recurring trends, organizational risks, and opportunities for proactive intervention.
2. Civil Rights Compliance & Workplace Investigations - 25%- Conduct prompt, thorough, impartial, and appropriately documented investigations involving discrimination, harassment, retaliation, sexual misconduct, workplace misconduct, and other policy concerns.
- Conduct investigative planning; complainant, respondent, and witness interviews; gathering testimonial, documentary and electronic evidence; trauma-informed investigative practices; and preparation of comprehensive investigative reports.
- Support matters arising under Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, and other applicable civil rights and employment requirements.
- Maintain appropriate neutrality, discretion, confidentiality, and professional judgment when handling sensitive matters.
- Escalate complex or significant institutional risks to the Director/Title IX Coordinator.
3. ADA & Workplace Accommodations - 20%- Administer assigned workplace accommodation matters, including intake, documentation, interactive process discussions, case management, and follow-up.
- Consult with employees and leaders regarding essential job functions, workplace limitations, potential accommodations, and operational considerations.
- Develop accommodation recommendations consistent with established University procedures and applicable requirements.
- Maintain appropriate confidentiality of medical and accommodation information.
- Escalate complex, high-risk, disputed, or potentially precedent-setting accommodation matters to the Director.
4. Case Management, Compliance & Risk - 15%- Manage assigned employee relations, civil rights, investigation, and accommodation cases from intake through resolution.
- Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential case documentation and monitor applicable deadlines and follow-up requirements.
- Apply established employment and institutional policies consistently and identify matters requiring policy interpretation or escalation.
- Analyze case trends and data to identify systemic concerns, emerging risks, and opportunities for process improvement.
- Support compliance assessments, reporting, audits, and other institutional risk-management activities as assigned.
5. Education & Institutional Partnership - 10%- Develop and deliver training and guidance related to employee relations, civil rights, workplace conduct, investigations, accommodations, reporting responsibilities, and related compliance matters.
- Build effective partnerships across Human Resources, Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, Legal Affairs, Public Safety, and other University functions.
- Participate in institutional committees, working groups, and initiatives related to employee relations, civil rights, compliance, and workplace effectiveness.
- Support policy review, process improvement, and prevention initiatives.
- Perform other duties consistent with the scope and level of the position.
Requisite Experience- Seven to ten years of progressively responsible experience in employee relations, workplace investigations, civil rights compliance, Title IX, Human Resources, employment compliance, or a related field.
- Demonstrated experience independently managing complex civil rights investigations and sensitive employee relations investigations.
- Experience advising leaders on performance management, corrective action, workplace conflict, policy interpretation, and employee concerns.
- Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Legal Studies, Organizational Leadership, Higher Education Administration, Psychology, or a related field required.
Functional & Professional Competencies- Advanced employee relations consultation and problem-solving.
- Workplace and civil rights investigation expertise.
- Working knowledge of Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, ADA, FMLA, and related employment and civil rights requirements.
- Strong case management and documentation capabilities.
- Ability to assess complex situations, identify risks, and develop practical recommendations.
- Strong consultation, facilitation, conflict-resolution, and relationship-management skills.
- Ability to influence leaders and stakeholders without formal authority.
- Strong written, verbal, analytical, and organizational skills.
- Demonstrated judgment, impartiality, discretion, and professionalism when handling sensitive matters.
- Ability to recognize matters requiring escalation based on legal, institutional, reputational, or operational risk
