Assistant Director, Equal Opportunity and Access

Vanderbilt University•Nashville, TN

About The Position

The Assistant Director of Equal Opportunity and Access (EOA) is a key leader responsible for supporting the effective administration of the EOA office within the Office for Equal Access. The Office for Equal Access includes the work of the Equal Opportunity and Access, Student Access, and Title IX offices. Through these offices, Equal Access leads Vanderbilt’s effort to assure the university is a community free from barriers to participation in its programs and activities. EOA responds to reports of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation, as well as providing accommodations necessary to assure access for community members. The Assistant Director supports EOA’s response to reports of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation by conducting confidential and impartial investigations and supporting consistent application of applicable policies and processes. The Assistant Director serves as the initial reviewer of investigation reports drafted by EOA investigators, helping assure reports are thorough, clear, timely, and aligned with EOA policies and processes. The Assistant Director also maintains case information and departmental data, advises campus constituents, provides training, supports continuous improvement of EOA policies and processes, and partners with university offices on complex and sensitive matters. The Assistant Director reports to the Director of Equal Opportunity and Access and serves as the Director’s designee in the Director’s absence.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 60 months of relevant experience.
Knowledge of workplace and higher education non-discrimination laws, programs, and efforts.
Demonstrated ability to professionally, timely, and effectively conduct complex discrimination and harassment investigations and to evaluate fact patterns in light of applicable policies, identifying issues and determining responsibility.
Demonstrated exceptional report-writing skills.
Ability to represent the Director in highly sensitive matters.
Ability to maintain the highest level of confidentiality and exercise discretion.
Demonstrated problem-solving and mediation skills.
Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
Demonstrated ability to adhere to deadlines.

Nice To Haves

A graduate degree in a related field (law, higher education administration, human resources) is preferred.

Responsibilities

In consultation with EOA Director, responsible for assignment, oversight, and initial management of caseload for investigators.
Responsible for conducting investigations of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in accordance with applicable policies and processes.
Serve as the initial reviewer of investigation reports drafted by EOA staff, reviewing for thoroughness, clarity, consistency, and alignment with applicable policies and processes before further review or finalization.
Maintains the EOA internal case management system and captures case data in partnership with Equal Access staff.
Responsible for tracking and reporting departmental data trends for reports, complaints, and investigations.
Serves as the EOA Director’s designee in the Director’s absence.
In coordination with the EOA Director, analyzes and proposes solutions to highly sensitive issues requiring heightened political acumen and conflict resolution skills.
Reviews policies and processes to support continuous improvement and alignment with best practices.
Partners closely with the Title IX Office; Student Access Office; Student Affairs; Division of People, Culture and Belonging; Office of Faculty Affairs; and Office of General Counsel.
Assists the EOA Director in developing team goals, including long-term strategic planning.
Coaches and advises faculty and staff concerning Vanderbilt non-discrimination and related policies.
Provides training for students, staff, and faculty on EOA-related matters, and assists Equal Access staff in developing EOA-related training content.
Interacts with and advises campus constituents on employment-related EOA compliance matters.
Other duties as assigned.