Director of Investigations - UCLA

Another Source • Los Angeles, CA

1d • $175,000 - $185,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

This is an inaugural leadership position created as part of a broader organizational transformation within UCLA's Civil Rights Office. Reporting directly to the Assistant Vice Chancellor and Chief Civil Rights Officer, Leora Freedman, the Director of Investigations will have the opportunity to help shape and build systems, processes, and standards that will define the future of civil rights investigations at UCLA. This role is ideal for a seasoned investigations leader who thrives in complex environments, can balance empathy with accountability, and is excited by the opportunity to build while operating. The Director will oversee a team of approximately 10-15 investigators and compliance professionals while serving as a trusted advisor to campus leadership on highly sensitive matters involving discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and equal employment opportunity concerns. Success in this role requires exceptional judgment, emotional intelligence, strong writing skills, and the ability to effectively partner with stakeholders across a large and decentralized institution.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree.
• Five or more years of management experience, including supervising, mentoring, and developing professional staff.
• Significant experience conducting and overseeing investigations involving Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, ADA, disability accommodations, and/or equal employment opportunity matters.
• Expert knowledge of federal and state laws, regulations, case law, and policies related to discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and civil rights compliance.
• Demonstrated experience managing sensitive, complex investigations involving multiple stakeholders.
• Exceptional written communication skills, including experience drafting investigation reports and communicating complex findings.
• Strong interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence, with the ability to navigate difficult conversations and high-conflict situations with professionalism and empathy.
• Experience developing and delivering training, education, and outreach programs.
• Demonstrated ability to design and manage effective administrative processes, case management practices, and compliance operations.
• Understanding of trauma-informed approaches and their application within investigation settings.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and lead teams through evolving and complex workloads.

Nice To Haves

• Experience leading investigations within higher education, academic medical centers, or similarly complex institutions.
• Experience overseeing large-scale civil rights, compliance, or equal opportunity programs.
• Familiarity with University of California policies and procedures.
• Experience implementing or enhancing case management and document management systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead the intake, assessment, investigation, and resolution of complaints involving discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and related civil rights concerns across UCLA and UCLA Health.
• Provide strategic oversight of investigations governed by University of California anti-discrimination policies, Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, ADA, Section 504, and related regulations.
• Ensure investigation reports are thorough, well-written, legally sound, and completed in a timely manner.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to campus leaders, Human Resources, Academic Personnel, Student Conduct, Campus Counsel, and other stakeholders on sensitive matters.
• Identify trends and patterns in reports and investigations and recommend remediation strategies and preventative measures.
• Provide support, consultation, and problem-solving assistance to individuals navigating complaint processes.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of 10-15 investigators and compliance professionals.
• Oversee day-to-day office operations related to investigations, case management, reporting, and documentation.
• Partner with leadership to develop and refine policies, procedures, and guidance related to investigations and civil rights compliance.
• Support institutional compliance efforts related to Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, ADA, and related federal and state requirements.
• Help strengthen case management systems, data practices, and operational processes that support effective investigations.
• Collect, analyze, and present investigation and compliance data to inform leadership decisions and organizational strategy.
• Oversee the development and delivery of training programs related to equal employment opportunity, discrimination prevention, harassment prevention, and civil rights compliance.
• Assess campus-wide training needs and identify opportunities to strengthen awareness and risk mitigation efforts.
• Advise senior leaders on legal developments, policy changes, and emerging best practices.
• Foster productive relationships across campus and UCLA Health to promote accountability, education, and prevention.
• Support outreach initiatives designed to strengthen UCLA's culture of respect, safety, and inclusion.

Benefits

• Robust medical, dental, and vision coverage from day one
• Generous retirement benefits including pension and voluntary savings plans
• Paid vacation and holidays
• Professional development resources
• Wellness programs
• Educational assistance
• Access to the exceptional cultural, recreational, and academic resources of the nation's #1 public university
• Hybrid work arrangement (2 days onsite, 3 days remote)
• Relocation assistance available

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree