Special Investigator at Kutztown University of Pennsylvania in Kutztown, Pennsylvania

Job Description:

Job Summary

Under the direction of the Chief Counsel and the Supervisor of the Special Investigations Division, the Special Investigator serves as an investigator in the Office of Legal Counsel, Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Education (State System), serving ten Universities, and the Office of the Chancellor. The successful candidate for this position is responsible for conducting difficult and complex investigation work, in connection with unusual or highly sensitive cases. This role requires the ability to work with tight deadlines and balance a significant and varied caseload. The Special Investigator will utilize processes and methods of investigation in order to obtain information and evidence and produce a written report summarizing the allegations, investigation process, assessment of the evidence and appropriate findings. Work involves cases and matters with the potential to result in litigation, which are of a significant level of sensitivity, or have broad administrative or political implications in the State System. The selected candidate will be responsible for determining the course and scope of investigations and use independent judgment in carrying out assignments when in the field under the supervision of the Chief Counsel or designee. Work is performed independently or at the direction of the Supervisor of the Special Investigations Division or a State System attorney in anticipation of litigation and is reviewed through summary reports and periodic conferences by the Chief Counsel and/or designee. Successful candidate should be a resident of Pennsylvania as occasional travel to the office in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania as well as some overnight travel to State System Universities within Pennsylvania may be required.

The ideal candidate will have experience working in special assignments as part of a law enforcement agency, within an administrative agency, or in higher education. The individual selected must be able to work independently in a fast-paced environment, handle a large volume of work and have in-depth experience writing investigation reports. Ideal characteristics include excellent judgment and the ability to communicate with people at all levels of the organization including students, faculty and staff. The individual selected must also be cognizant of the confidential and sensitive nature of special investigations, and maintain strict confidentiality of matters relating to investigations.


Major Responsibilities:

Major duties include, but are not limited to:

• Handling assignments from the Chief Counsel or designee.


• Investigating allegations of sexual misconduct (Title IX or otherwise) at any of the 10 State System Universities or the Office of the Chancellor when circumstances warrant the utilization of the Special Investigator.


• Investigating the failure of an employee to adhere to legal advice that would prevent the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's ability to represent and indemnify in the event of a suit.


• Investigating allegations contained within any lawsuit or administrative action where the institution and/or executive level employee is named.


• Investigating alleged violations of discrimination, harassment and retaliation matters or other related policy violations when the allegations are of a significant nature or involve senior level or executive level personnel.


• Investigating allegations of violations of the Commonwealth's Adverse Interest or Ethics Acts or other pertinent statutes, regulations or policies concerning conflicts of interest or other ethical matters.


• Investigating allegations of misrepresentation of academic or professional credentials or other falsifications in employment and related matters.


• Investigating allegations pertaining to violations of the Commonwealth's Procurement Code including, but not limited to, bid-rigging or payment of funds absent appropriate procurement.


• Investigating any allegations that, if true, would violate a provision of the Commonwealth's Criminal Code, and assist with referral of such matters to the appropriate law enforcement entity.


• Investigating allegations of behavior that, if true, would constitute employees acting outside the scope of employment or in violation of applicable law or policy.


• Any other type of investigation deemed appropriate by the Chief Counsel or designee.


• Appear in court or administrative hearings and offer testimony as a witness, as necessary.


• Be responsible for drafting investigation reports, coordinating investigation deadlines with administrative personnel and compiling final investigation reports.


• Maintaining and completing trainings, as assigned.


• Perform related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Four years of experience in progressively responsible civil, administrative and/or criminal investigation work, and a bachelor's degree; or any equivalent combination of experience and training required, advanced degree preferred. Experience in state government, criminal investigation, and advanced degree or advanced certification preferred. Possession of a valid driver's license required.

Preferred Qualifications

Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of the principles and methods of investigatory and interview techniques.


• Knowledge of the rules of evidence, civil rights statutes, and general criminal and civil law.


• Knowledge of state government and business operations.


• Knowledge of the role and impact of collective bargaining agreements and personnel directives on conducting investigations.


• Skill in ascertaining facts by personal contact, observation, and the examination of records.


• Skills in the use of technical investigation equipment.


• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with client Universities, University personnel, and the public.


• Ability to organize and balance workload, priorities, assignments and maintain commitments in a timely manner.


• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite including Word, Access, Excel, OneDrive, SharePoint and Outlook and ability to use provided computer technology to enhance the quality of work and programs.


• Strong reasoning skills, demonstrated through verification and corroboration of noteworthy findings, identification of gaps and presentation of accurate, relevant and robust findings in written report form.


• Strong writing skills, demonstrated by the ability to quickly and effectively summarize information from multiple sources into concise analytical assessments.


• Ability to express ideas clearly, effectively, and accurately, both orally and in writing.


• Ability to handle sensitive issues and communications, maintaining confidentiality of employee and student records and information the investigator is made aware of during the course of duties.


• Strong behavioral competencies related to results orientation, customer service, continuous improvement, teamwork and collaboration, and valuing diversity.

Supplemental Information

This position will be based in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Applicants must submit an application, resume, three professional references (with contact information) and a writing sample. Application materials will be accepted until position is filled; however, to ensure full consideration, application materials should be received no later than end of day on March 31, 2025


Applicants interested in this position may apply to this online job board by clicking the "Apply" button above. This position is at the PA State System of Higher Education, Office of the Chancellor office,
not KU.



Successful interview, reference checks, background clearances (PA Criminal, Child Abuse Clearance & FBI Clearance), and demonstration of ability are requisite qualifications for all positions.


The State System is very interested in hiring employees who have had extensive experience with diverse populations.


We are an AA/EOE/member of the PA State System of Higher Education and actively solicits applications from women and minority candidates.

Non-Discrimination StatementThe Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education prohibits any form of discrimination or harassment on the basis of sex, race, color, age, religion, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, marital or family status, medical condition, genetic information, veteran status, or disability in any decision regarding admissions, employment, or participation in a University program or activity in accordance with the letter and spirit of federal, state, and local non-discrimination and equal opportunity laws, such as Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act and ADA Amendments Act, the Equal Pay Act, and the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act. For information regarding civil rights or grievance procedures and for inquiries concerning the application of Title IX and its implementing regulation, contact Christa Cobb, State System Title IX Coordinator, 2300 Vartan Way, Suite 207, Harrisburg, PA 17110; Phone: (717)720.4167; Email: CCobb@passhe.edu. Additionally, inquiries concerning Title IX and its implementing regulation can be made to the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Civil Rights, Region III, The Wanamaker Building, 100 Penn Square East - Suite 505, Philadelphia, PA 19107; Phone: (215) 656-6010; Fax: (215) 656-6020.

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