Institutional Equity Officer & Title IX Coordinator

SUNY Upstate Medical University•Syracuse, NY

34d

About The Position

The Institutional Equity Officer and Title IX Coordinator will be the leader of the Office of Institutional Equity and will supervise all investigators and staff within that office. Reporting to the President of SUNY Upstate Medical University, the Institutional Equity Officer and Title IX Coordinator has primary responsibility for the prompt, impartial and thorough investigation of allegations of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in violation of University policy, including claims of discrimination and/or harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, sex, gender, pregnancy, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, transgender status, predisposing genetic characteristics, citizenship, marital status, familial status, veteran status, military status, domestic violence victim status, criminal conviction record, or any other class protected under state, federal, and local law, as well as complaints of retaliation. The Institutional Equity Officer and Title IX Coordinator is also responsible for making recommendations as to appropriate actions that SUNY Upstate should take to ensure a work, patient care, and educational environment that is free from discrimination, harassment and/or retaliation. The Institutional Equity Officer and Title IX Coordinator is responsible for implementing and updating SUNY Upstate’s policies and procedures to be in compliance federal and state anti-discrimination laws, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the New York State Human Rights Law, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972, the Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization of 2022 (VAWA), the Jeanne Clery Act of 1990 (Clery Act), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), and other federal and state anti-discrimination laws, regulations, and requirements. The Institutional Equity Office and Title IX Coordinator is also responsible for ensuring compliance with mandatory training requirements for students, staff, and faculty in the areas of sexual harassment prevention; providing training across campus as needed in the areas of discrimination and harassment prevention; staying up to date on changes in laws/regulations pertaining to discrimination and harassment and updating University partners as appropriate; ensuring compliance with relevant annual federal and state reporting requirements; among other related duties.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree with seven or more years of relevant experience required.
Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to communicate directly with and make recommendations to Upper Management/ Leadership, a record of accomplishment of progressively increasing supervisory duties over lower level staff and/or investigatory staff, experience handling all stages of investigations, from intake, to assessing preliminary obligations, to issuing findings, in a prompt, effective, and unbiased manner, and working knowledge of current federal, state, and local civil rights, anti-discrimination and harassment laws.
Ability to manage multiple projects and/or investigations simultaneously in a timely and efficient manner; ability to work independently and make decisions with little or no oversight; ability to work collaboratively with departments across the University while maintaining positive, effective working relationships; and the ability to maintain confidentiality/privacy and have discretion in information sharing.
Excellent written and verbal communications skills, as well as attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and the demonstrated ability to exercise discretion, superior judgment and analytical skills and neutrality in highly sensitive situations, such as those involving allegations of discrimination and Title IX policy violations, including investigations of alleged sexual assault, sexual harassment, stalking and relationship or domestic violence.

Nice To Haves

Experience overseeing investigations.
Experience managing, developing, and implementing training programs on harassment or discrimination in employment or education.
Experience in overseeing and managing timely implementation of training and actions in response to findings of harassment and discrimination.
Experience in creating and/or updating policies relating to harassment and/or discrimination.
Experience with trauma informed interview techniques.
Experience in Title IX and Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) compliance.
Experience working in a University, Academic Medical Center, or hospital setting.

Responsibilities

Oversees the Office of Institutional Equity, to which reports of discrimination, harassment and retaliation are brought at the University, including supervision of investigatory and other staff members.
Oversees the University's investigations of and response to complaints of discrimination, harassment and retaliation, ensuring their prompt and equitable resolution and a fair and impartial process for all University community members.
Provides information to the University community about University policies and procedures applicable to Institutional Equity and Title IX. Also provides information to University community about campus and community resources available.
Assists University hospital in its efforts to ensure appropriate access, equity and treatment for all patients, family members and visitors.
Fosters a climate that is supportive and respectful of all students.
Addresses student issues and facilitates supportive measures for victims, complainants, and respondents so that academic and professional pursuits may continue unimpeded.
Collaborates with University partners to develop and implement interim measures and final resolutions in response to discrimination, harassment and retaliation complaints, which balance the needs of the individuals involved with those of the larger University community.
Writes and oversees the work of others with respect to the writing of investigative reports.
Maintains a thorough and well-documented investigative process by gathering and documenting evidentiary material in accordance with Upstate's Internal Complaint Process and Procedure.
Oversees a database (Maxient) that maintains records to ensure that patterns of behavior are identified.
Ensures investigation findings are communicated appropriately to leadership, supervisors, and other entities when necessary to prevent further discrimination from occurring.
Coordinates and conducts training to educate University community on what the Office of Institutional Equity is and does, and the need for internal complaints to be made to that Office.
Keeps University EO and anti-discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment prevention/Title IX, and related policies up to date, and consult on other Upstate policies as appropriate.
Attends University meetings as needed.
Assists in ensuring compliance with all applicable laws, rules, regulations, collective bargaining agreements, policies relating to discrimination and harassment and assists in advising as to necessary steps supervisors and managers can take to minimize the University’s risk of liability under relevant laws in this area.
Keeps apprised of changes in applicable laws, rules, regulations, collective bargaining agreements, policies, as well as new developments and best practices, relating to discrimination, harassment and investigations of claims in those areas.