Location: Fort Worth,TX, USA
Job Summary:
The Office of Institutional Equity (OIE) Investigator is responsible for ensuring institutional compliance with applicable federal and state laws related to unlawful discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct and retaliation. The OIE Investigator will investigate reports and/or complaints regarding harassment, discrimination, sexual misconduct, and/or retaliation, as assigned by the Title IX Coordinator. Sexual misconduct investigations will also include sexual harassment, sexual assault, stalking, sexual exploitation, or relationship violence involving students, faculty, staff or third parties.
Duties & Essential Job Functions:
1. Investigates complaints of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation based on age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ethnic origin, disability, predisposing genetic information, covered veteran status, and any other basis protected by law. Responds to reports and conducts Initial Inquiry of aforementioned.
2. Responds to and investigates Title IX reports and complaints of sexual harassment, sexual assault, stalking, sexual exploitation, or relationship violence involving students, faculty, staff or third parties.
3. Investigates allegations of harassment, discrimination, sexual misconduct and retaliation from inception to findings. This includes creating an investigative plan, conducting and memorializing witness interviews, making credibility assessments, evaluating evidence, summarizing findings and making appropriate and necessary recommendations.
4. Drafts applicable correspondence related to Initial Inquiry, Voluntary Informal Resolution and Formal Investigation process including a comprehensive investigative report where appropriate and necessary.
5. Communicates outcomes of Formal Investigation and Initial Inquiry to relevant parties.
6. Provides timely reports and updates regarding the status of the OIE reports, assigned complaints, and investigations in process to the Title IX Coordinator and Director of Institutional Equity.
7. Engages with the Title IX Coordinator, other University offices and partners to identify and address any systemic problems, identify interim measures or any other relevant matters regarding an OIE complaint.
8. Collaborates and coordinates with other university stakeholders to ensure OIE policies are communicated to campus community.
9. Prepares and presents training materials regarding the work of OIE.
10. Assists with the preparation and maintenance of statistical, demographic, and subject matter data related to OIE complaints, reports and trends. This includes being responsible for keeping thorough, accurate, and comprehensive records related to all assigned OIE reports, complaints and investigations.
11. Assists in the creation and revision of campus policies and procedures regarding harassment, discrimination and retaliation.
12. Assists with the development, implementation and delivery of comprehensive training programs for students, faculty and staff related to relevant federal and state laws and TCU policies prohibiting harassment, discrimination and retaliation.
13. Participates and/or facilitates reports and complaints referred to Voluntary Informal Resolution and Restorative Justice program.
14. Remains abreast of any and all applicable federal and state laws and regulations including- Title VI, Title VII, and Title IX.
15. Performs other related duties as assigned.
Required Education & Experience:
* Advanced degree (M.A., J.D. or Ed.D. or Ph.D.) from an accredited institution in a related field and 5 years of demonstrated experience in positions investigating Title IX or EEO complaints with responsibilities in grievance processes, compliance reviews, equal opportunity compliance, sexual misconduct, report writing, and/or conflict resolution.
OR
* Bachelor's degree in a related field and 7 years of demonstrated experience in positions investigating Title IX or EEO complaints with responsibilities in grievance processes, compliance reviews, equal opportunity compliance, sexual misconduct, report writing, and/or conflict resolution.
Preferred Education & Experience:
* Higher Education experience; preferably in student conduct or an office of discrimination and harassment, working with employees and college students.
* 6+ years of demonstrated experience investigating Title IX complaints, incidents, and/or resolving such reports and complaints.
* 6+ years of demonstrated experience investigating Equal Employment Opportunity complaints, incidents and/or resolving such complaints.
* At least three (3) years of demonstrated experience using conflict resolution skills and/or restorative practices to resolve reports and complaints of harassment and discrimination.
* Juris Doctorate Degree
Required Licensure/Certification/Specialized Training:
* None
Preferred Licensure, Certification, and/or Specialized Training:
* Title IX related Training or certification through a nationally recognized organization
* EEOC Investigator Training
* Mediation/Conflict Resolution Training
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
* Knowledge of Civil Rights laws and regulations including Title VI, Title VII, ADA/Rehabilitation Act and EEO laws, policies and procedures.
* Knowledge of Title IX, Clery Act, and VAWA.
* Knowledge of gender/sexual violence issues and trauma informed approaches.
* Ability to use excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both orally and in writing, and the ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of constituents in a diverse community.
* Ability to be a highly effective and dedicated team player who enjoys working with and collaborating with others.
* Ability to weigh pros and cons in uncertain and ambiguous situations that require a high level of judgment and decision-making ability.
* Ability to use advanced problem-solving techniques, interviewing skills, investigative writing experience, and conflict resolution skills.
* Ability to use advanced organizational and analytical skills with attention to detail.
* Ability to display exceptional critical thinking demonstrated by the ability to analyze information, evaluate results, facilitate a variety of resolutions as well as make administrative and/or procedural decisions.
* Ability to write clear, concise and comprehensive written investigation reports. Exceptional ability to generate necessary correspondence for Initial Inquiry process and/or any other required documentation.
* Ability to manage multiple, on-going and complex caseloads of EEO and Title IX-related reports and complaints that ensures the prompt, effective, and equitable conclusion of matters.
* Ability to use computer applications, such as word processing, spreadsheets, and file management database.
* Ability to communicate effectively and facilitate difficult conversations within a university environment.
* Ability to work independently in a time-sensitive environment and adhere to necessary timelines.
* Ability to communicate effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds, survivors of sexual assault and/or relationship violence or other types of civil rights trauma.
* Ability to maintain emotional stability to cope with human suffering, emergencies, crisis situations, civil rights trauma, and other associated stresses.
* Ability to facilitate and/or mediate conversations or restorative circles related to reports and complaints.
* Ability to handle complex situations, particularly those which require a high level of confidentiality.
* Ability to help foster a cooperative and collaborative work environment as well as be a dedicated and effective team member.
TCU Core Competencies:
University Core Competencies definitions may be found on the Human Resources website and in the staff performance management system.
Physical Requirements (With or Without Accommodations):
* Visual acuity to read information from computer screens, forms and other printed materials and information.
* Able to speak (enunciate) clearly in conversation and general communication.
* Hearing ability for verbal communication/conversation/responses via telephone, telephone systems, and face-to-face interactions.
* Manual dexterity for typing, writing, standing and reaching, flexibility, body movement for bending, crouching, walking, kneeling and prolonged sitting.
* Lifting and moving objects and equipment up to 10 lbs.
Work Environment:
* Work is indoors and sedentary and is subject to schedule changes and/or variable work hours.
* This role is an on campus, in-person position.
* There are no harmful environmental conditions present for this job.
* The noise level in this work environment is usually moderate.
AA/EEO Statement:
As an AA/EEO employer, TCU recruits, hires, and promotes qualified persons in all job classifications without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ethnic origin, disability, genetic information, covered veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.