Executive Director, Office of Equity, Civil Rights & Title IX Compliance

Western Washington University•Bellingham, WA

2d•$147,764 - $192,094•Onsite

About The Position

Provide strategic direction and operational oversight for the Office of Equity and the Title IX and Civil Rights Compliance unit. The Executive Director fosters a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and accessible learning and working environment while ensuring institutional compliance with civil rights mandates. The Executive Director will also lead the Civil Rights and Title IX office and is responsible for overseeing compliance with civil rights and equal employment opportunity laws, regulations and policies related to race, ethnicity, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, genetic status, marital status, disability, veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. The Office of Equity is the institutional point of contact for federal and state agencies for civil rights and equal opportunity compliance inquiries and compliance confirmation and is responsible for responding to related external agency complaints and investigations.

Requirements

JD and a minimum of (8) years of progressive experience addressing the legal, education, administrative and/or management responsibilities of a university, or an equivalent combination of education and professional work experience.
Administrative experience in higher education.
Advanced knowledge and experience interpreting and applying civil rights, equal employment opportunity, and Title IX laws and regulations.
Experience leading trauma-informed and culturally appropriate investigations
Knowledge of higher education policies and practices and experience in promoting principles and practices of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Understanding of, sensitivity to, and respect for the diverse academic, socio-economic, racial, ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds, disabilities, gender identities, and sexual orientations of students, faculty, and staff.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including demonstrated ability to build trusting working relationships with people from a wide range of constituencies in a diverse university community to ensure successful outcomes.
Strong presentation, training, and facilitation skills with the ability to engage students, faculty, staff, and administrators with varying degrees of experience in examining and addressing issues of civil rights, equity, and justice.
Excellent project and time management skills.
Flexibility, adaptability, and capacity to work in a dynamic work environment.
Demonstrated experience in effectively supervising assigned staff.
Experience with alternative dispute resolution and mediations

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated knowledge of/experience in Title IX regulations as they apply to NCAA rules, policies, and practices regarding gender equity in intercollegiate athletics.
Experience working within collective bargaining environments and shared governance structures.

Responsibilities

Administer and oversee the University’s Equal Opportunity policies and procedures in all aspects of employment and education, ensuring compliance across the University with federal and state civil rights and equal employment opportunity laws and regulations, including Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the Washington Law Against Discrimination.
Manage the Office of Equity and serve as institutional subject matter expert for civil rights and Title IX complaints, including interpretation of laws and agency guidance. Provide oversight and direction for investigations into alleged discrimination and harassment, and allegations of sexual misconduct. Lead responses to external agency complaints, including EEOC, OCR, Dept. of Education, and Washington State agency complaints. Research, implement, and evaluate activities, procedures, and practices which support the university in achieving equitable and inclusive recruitment, hiring, and employment practices. Collaborate with Human Resource and academic departments to establish best practices within the University. Implement and ensure compliance requirements are met for all Title IX and anti-discrimination training for university students, staff and faculty. Develop and facilitate requested climate assessment tools for university stakeholders.
Administer Title IX guidance and grievance procedures to the university community in a trauma-informed way and coordinate provision of resources and support for individuals who experience sexual harassment, sexual assault, relationship violence, and sex discrimination. Lead the work of deputy Title IX Coordinators as needed.
Oversee the institution’s ADA program, serving as the lead ADA Coordinator and/or supervising the ADA and Deputy coordinator(s) as needed. Oversee policies, procedures, and responses to complaints. Provide technical guidance to the university about obligations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and grievance procedures for individuals who experience discrimination on the basis of disability. Mediate and resolve disputes that arise as a result of the implementation of ADA accommodations.
Oversee office personnel and budget. Maintain office climate of inclusion, integrity, impartiality, and care for staff and clients. Represent the unit and/or the University on committees, task forces, and other local and state bodies.