Equity & Title IX Investigator

American University is a student-centered research institution located in Washington, DC, with highly-ranked schools and colleges, internationally-renowned faculty, and a reputation for creating meaningful change in the world. Learn more about American University

Department:

Equity & Title IX Operations

Time Type:

Full time

Job Type:

Regular

FLSA Status:

Exempt

Work Modality:

Hybrid 01 (On Campus 3-4 Days/Week)

Union:

Excluded

Job Description:

Summary:

The Investigator is responsible for managing the day-to-day responsibilities associated with the University's Equity and Title IX Office. Working under the overall supervision of the Assistant Vice President for Equity and Title IX Coordinator and directly for the Director for Equity and Deputy Title IX Coordinator, the Investigator will have primary responsibility for investigating and producing comprehensive reports regarding complaints of discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct and retaliation by students, faculty or staff. This includes interviewing parties and witnesses, collecting evidence, and drafting high-quality investigation reports and documents within established timelines, and making finding of facts to resolve complaints, in accordance with the University's discrimination policies. The Equity and Title IX Investigator will also participate in assessing incoming reports and complaints, making recommendations regarding supportive measures, and assist in implementing training and education focused on Title VII, Title VI, Title IX, Section 504, and other federal and/or local civil rights laws.

Essential Functions:

1.) Assessment and Investigation

• Initial assessment includes collaborating in reviewing reports and complaints in a timely manner to ensure a prompt response and evaluating the need for supportive measures, assistance and resources for individuals engaged in the process. Conduct prompt and thorough investigations, including development of an investigation plan, drafting notice of investigations and other essential correspondence, identifying and interviewing witnesses, gathering information and data, keeping accurate and thorough records and notes of the investigation process, applying the policy, and preparing a detailed report with an analysis, and a finding based on a preponderance of the evidence, where the policy calls for the investigator to make a finding. Responsible for managing all communications with parties, advisors and witnesses. Assures compliance with timelines, acts as an impartial party, maintains a high level of confidentiality and discretion, and ensures a prompt, fair and neutral process for all parties. As the assigned investigator in cases of complaints alleging all forms of discrimination as defined by federal and local law, and all forms of sexual misconduct, including sexual harassment, sexual violence and dating and domestic violence, the incumbent completes complex investigations with a great deal of independence with respect to the day-to-day tasks that must be completed.

2.) Training, Outreach and Education

• Assist in the development and implementation of educational materials and training for faculty, staff and students regarding compliance with Title VII, Title VI, Title IX, VAWA, the ADA and other federal and local laws and regulations, and assist in outreach activities designed to communicate the responsibilities of the Equity and Title IX Office. Collaborate with the Office of Inclusive Excellence to ensure University training and engagement efforts are implemented.

3.) Monitor Legal Developments and Best Practices

• Stay abreast of developments in law, policy and best practices related to employment and education discrimination and harassment and investigation processes. Engage in required trainings to ensure skills and knowledge are current. Other duties as assigned.

Competencies:

• Evaluating and Implementing Ideas.

• Making Accurate Judgments and Decisions.

• Building and Supporting Teams.

• Championing Customer Needs.

• Developing Plans.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

• Full-time.

• 35 hours per week.

• Hybrid work modality.

Salary Range:

• $93,771.00 - $100,000.00 annually.

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree.

• 5 or more years of related experience conducting prompt, thorough, and equitable investigations regarding allegations of harassment, discrimination, sexual misconduct, and sexual violence or the equivalent legal experience OR a Juris Doctor plus 2 or more years of related experience conducting prompt, thorough, and equitable investigations regarding allegations of harassment, discrimination, sexual misconduct, and sexual violence or the equivalent legal experience.

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Juris Doctor.

• 8 - 10 years of relevant experience.

• Requisite knowledge, training and experience related to federal and local discrimination laws and related regulations, such as Title VII, Title VI, Title IX, ADA and the ADEA, as well as VAWA, strongly preferred.

• Experience working in higher education preferred.

Travel Required:

• On campus or within the Washington, DC area.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications:

• Experience handling confidential information with tact, discretion, and sensitivity.

• Demonstrated strong skill in writing concise, logical analytical reports to convey complex issues.

• Strong interpersonal and presentation skills.

• Strong organizational and analytical skills.

• Cross-cultural competency.

• Must be comfortable with technology, including maintaining content on websites and identifying and vetting online training programs.

• Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills.

Other Duties:

• Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Benefits

AU offers a competitive benefits package. Click here to learn about American University's unique benefit options.

Other Details

• Hiring offers for this position are contingent on successful completion of a background check.

• Employees in staff positions at American University must deliver their services to the university from either the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, or perform work on-site at the university.

• Please note this job announcement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

• American University is an E-Verify employer.

Current American University Employees

American University current employees must apply through their employee Workday account. If you are a current employee at American University, please log into Workday and select the Find Jobs report which will take you to our internal career listings.

Contact Us

For more information or assistance with the American University careers site, email theworkline@american.edu.

American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual's genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively "Protected Bases") in its programs and activities.