Salary Range: $105,177/year or higher, commensurate with experience and/or education
JOB SUMMARY
The Title IX/Equal Opportunity Officer reports to the University President and has ultimate compliance responsibility for Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and the Violence Against Women Act Re-authorization of 2012 (VAWA). The Title IX and Equal Opportunity Officer manages the day-to-day responsibilities associated with the University's Title IX compliance obligations and ensures the effectiveness and consistency of sexual harassment and sexual violence investigations. In addition, this position oversees ADA, Section 504 and Title VII for students, faculty and staff, and ensures awareness of options and resources with respect to reporting and filing complaints alleging sexual harassment, sexual assault, sexual misconduct, relationship violence and discrimination based on membership in a protected class. The Title IX/Equal Opportunity Officer is responsible for collecting the relevant facts related to incidents reported and assessing whether further review or investigation is necessary to guarantee the safety of the impacted party(ies) and the community. As a neutral party, the Title IX and Equal Opportunity Officer will ensure alleged discrimination is promptly and appropriately investigated, including notifying and interviewing complainants, respondents, and witnesses; obtaining and reviewing relevant documents and issuing factual findings and recommendations.
DUTIES
Serves as the primary compliance officer for state and federal laws relating to sexual harassment and violence prevention
Creates, modifies, and oversees programs as required by law, regulation, or agreement relating to sexual harassment and violence prevention
Identifies and integrates best practices in the Title IX investigation arena into knowledge base and practice
Effectively communicates services and training programs related to Title IX, sexual harassment, and other non-discrimination issues to the University community
Develops, revises, and oversees University policies, procedures, protocols, and practices ensuring compliance with Title IX regulations
Prepares annual statistical reports on the number, nature, and disposition of complaints. Identifies patterns and makes recommendations relating to sexual harassment and violence
Receives and processes inquiries pertaining to Title IX and Title VII violations. Responsible for formal and informal investigations of complaints based on race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or status, gender expression, and veteran status, including complaints of sexual harassment and/or sexual assault, as well as related grievance procedures
Maintains a case management database to organize, manage, and track Title IX and Title VII incidents. Writes comprehensive reports of investigations with findings of fact and recommendation(s)
Stays abreast of regulations and statutes relating to civil rights laws and gender-based violence, including but not limited to Title IX and VAWA as necessary
Informs and counsels campus leadership of requirements regarding Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity (AA/EEO) and non-discrimination issues
Collaborates with the UH System Assistant Vice Chancellor for Equal Opportunity Services in developing the University's Affirmative Action Plan (AAP)
Trains faculty and staff search committees and serves as a resource in matters of AA/EEO
MARGINAL DUTIES
Performs other related duties as required and deemed appropriate in support of the President
Serves as a member of the President's Extended Cabinet
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
Direct Reports:
Full-Time Employees
Delegation of Work:
Regularly assigns work to subordinate(s)
Supervision Given:
Makes final decisions on evaluating employee performance; hiring new employees; disciplinary actions
Makes final decision on scheduling employee work hours
Makes final decision on coaching and counseling; training; provides recommendations on handling employee grievances and complaints; and makes final decision on granting time off
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge:
Knowledge of state and federal civil rights laws and regulations, including Title IX, Title VI, VAWA, ADA
Knowledge of best practices as they relate to institutions of higher education compliance with Title IX and VAWA
Skills:
Skilled in trauma-informed communication, managing change, and building consensus with strong conflict resolution, de-escalation, and mediation expertise
Effective project management, organization, and analytical skills
Strong presentation and facilitation skills with an emphasis on education and training for a variety of constituencies
Strong written communication skills
Excellent attention to detail and strong problem-solving skills
Strong interpersonal skills
Abilities:
Demonstrated ability to use discretion and excellent judgment, maintain confidentiality, exercise patience, and work under multiple deadlines while maintaining strong attention to detail
Demonstrated ability to collaborate, identify opportunities, and take action to build effective cross-functional relationships in order to achieve institutional goals
Ability to work with a wide range of constituencies (staff, students, faculty, parents, administrators) with diplomacy and tact
Ability to manage multiple, ongoing, and complex caseloads of Title IX-related incidents and complaints
Ability to deal with confidential and sensitive information
Ability to build relationships and establish collaborative partnerships across the institution and peer institutions
Ability to remain a neutral party
Ability to act independently, take initiative, and exercise sound judgment
WORK LOCATION AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Primary Work Location:
Works in an office environment
Physical Demands:
Work is normally performed in a typical interior work environment which does not subject the employee to any unpleasant elements
The position is physically comfortable; the individual has discretion about walking, standing, etc
The work environment involves minimal exposure to physical risks
EEO/AA
Required Education:
J.D. degree
Required Experience:
Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in a related field
Experience in conducting investigations alleging discrimination in a higher education environment
Proven history of higher education inclusive excellence
License/Certification:
None required
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Experience in developing and presenting training workshops for faculty, staff, and students, particularly dealing with Title IX compliance and investigations
Experience managing a departmental budget
Supervisory experience
Experience communicating with diverse constituencies in individual and group settings