The Office for Dispute Resolution (ODR) operates under the Office of the Provost, working in partnership with the University's Office for Gender Equity, Title IX Resource Coordinators, and other School or unit leadership. ODR is a neutral body that impartially investigates complaints of sexual harassment and/or other sexual misconduct against students, staff, and, with most Schools, faculty.
Under the supervision of the ODR Associate Director and Investigator, the ODR Fellow assists with the overall operations of ODR. The ODR Fellow will work on cases with experienced professional Investigators, gaining knowledge and developing skills in the area of civil rights and other rules of conduct in both the education and employment arenas, with a primary focus on Title IX and allegations of other sexual misconduct. The ODR Fellow will have the opportunity for hands-on investigative experience and further develop their legal analytical and writing skills. Additionally, ODR has a proven track record of advancement for successful incumbents in this role.
Position Description
Duties and responsibilities include:
Assist the Investigators with case evaluation, investigative planning, conducting interviews, processing administrative closures and dismissals, fact-finding (such as review, identification, and analysis of evidence), timely communication with parties, conducting legally sufficient investigations, meeting established timelines, and drafting and issuing written reports.
Conduct documentation activities for investigations, including notetaking of witness and party interviews, redaction, and assembly of relevant supporting exhibits. Assist with drafting findings of fact and determinations and recommended findings of fact and determinations based on a well-considered analysis; ensure practices consistent with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and community expectations for the handling of sensitive information
Conduct legal research on questions relevant to the analysis required in the course of investigations
Assist with ensuring that investigative documents are properly processed, consistent with FERPA and community expectations for the handling of sensitive information
Assist with ODR, the Office for Gender Equity, and other trainings and outreach as assigned.
Conduct informational meetings with community members regarding the policies and procedures under ODR's purview as assigned.
Basic Qualifications
Candidates MUST meet the following basic qualifications to be considered for this role:
J.D. required.
At least three years of related professional work experience (need not be legal experience). Clinical and/or other relevant legal work completed in law school may count towards this requirement.
Additional Qualifications and Skills
Excellent legal research, analytical, and writing skills. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail; ability to communicate effectively with complainants, respondents, witnesses, and others within the University community. Ability to use utmost discretion while working with confidential and sensitive information. Ability to manage diverse and changing priorities and work effectively in a team environment.
Familiarity with federal statutes important to postsecondary education (e.g., Title IX, VAWA, Title VI, Clery Act, FERPA), experience in the higher education environment, and/or fluency in different languages a plus.
Additional Information
This is a one-year term appointment with the potential to be extended for a second year.
This position has a 3-month orientation and review period.
Harvard University does not provide visa sponsorship.
The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up to date on CDC-recommended vaccines.
Benefits
We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:
Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.
LinkedIn Recruiter Tag (for internal use only)
#LI-KP1
Department Office Location: USA - MA - Cambridge
Job Code: 358057 Admin Pro/Indiv Contrib
Job Function: General Administration
Work Format: Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)
Sub Unit: Office of the President and Provost
Salary Grade: 057
Department: ODR
Union: 00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary
Time Status: Full-time
Pre-Employment Screening: Education, Identity
Schedule: Full time. Monday through Friday. 35 hours per week.
Commitment to Equity Diversity Inclusion and Belonging: Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.
EOE Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.
