Investigator, The Office of Civil Rights and Equal Opportunity

University of Denver•Denver, CO

2d•$78,000 - $88,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Office of Civil Rights and Equal Opportunity is guided by the University of Denver's commitment to create and maintain an academic and work environment where its students, faculty and staff are able to thrive free of harassment or discrimination. CREO helps to realize the University's commitment to and aspirations for development, implementation, execution, and monitoring of the federal and state mandated EEO policies and programs. This also includes programmatic responsibilities such as supporting the University's Title VII and Title IX policies through prompt, effective and remedial investigative responses to complaints of harassment and discrimination brought by students, faculty, staff and third parties and set forth in various university policies and guidelines. Position Summary The Investigator will conduct initial review and complete investigations of allegations of discrimination or harassment (including allegations of gender-based violence) involving faculty, staff, and students at the University of Denver. Investigations will include conducting a preliminary review of the complaint, making determinations concerning the necessity for a formal investigation, interviewing relevant individuals, and reviewing documents or other evidence. Investigators are expected to understand which issues are appropriate for them to resolve on their own and which issues need to be referred to the Associate Vice Chancellor for Civil Rights and Equal Opportunity/Title IX Coordinator. Investigators provide professional and technical support to the Office of Civil Rights and Equal Opportunity by assessing, investigating, and resolving discrimination and/or harassment complaints on the basis of sex, gender, marital status, pregnancy, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, genetic information, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or veteran status. This includes investigating alleged violations of Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972, including sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. Investigators are a key partner in promoting DUs compliance with federal, state, and local law in the area of equal opportunity. The work requires sound judgment and skill in applying equal opportunity principles and prevailing legal standards to solve complex problems with decisive action. This position is based in Denver, but eligible for Telework as approved by supervisor.

Requirements

Knowledge and experience working with EO principles contained within Title VI, VII, IX, VAWA/SaVE, ADA, ADEA, and other relevant anti-discrimination laws and regulations specific to higher education, including FERPA and the Clery Act.
Working knowledge of HR functions and ability to properly refer participants to the appropriate resource(s).
Demonstrated ability to respond effectively to and interact with all levels of organizational staff.
Basic knowledge of trauma-informed investigation practices.
Basic knowledge of gender-based violence dynamics including sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking sexual assault, relationship violence and stalking.
Ability to present findings and support the decision-making process in an objective manner by producing comprehensive and critical reports.
Demonstrated ability to balance a demanding caseload while managing time effectively.
Unquestionable integrity, confidentiality, and professionalism in a wide variety of situations.
Outstanding oral and written communication skills, with training and/or experience in objective writing.
Proficient level computer skills, including use of database, word processing, spreadsheet and presentation applications.
1-2 years of experience
Bachelors degree

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree
Prior experience working in higher education.
Prior experience conducting civil rights investigations involving students and employees.

Responsibilities

Intake complaints and assess appropriate resolution process and procedural protocol to be followed.
Investigate complaints of discrimination and harassment filed by students, staff, faculty, or other individuals in compliance with federal, state or local laws, executive orders and University policies and procedures.
Investigation duties will include but are not limited to: developing an investigation plan, analyzing complaint to identify allegations, interviewing complainant and respondents, identifying and interviewing witnesses, identifying and collecting relevant documentation, appropriately documenting interviews and other investigation findings according to the CREO investigation process format, and analyzing information investigation to determine findings.
Conduct effective, efficient, thorough and impartial investigations while ensuring attention to detail and accuracy regarding facts, relevance and investigation documentation.
Provide consultation and education to students, faculty, and/or staff on discriminatory practices, equity matters, policies, procedures, and options for resolution of complaint matters.
Draft Investigation Reports that include detailed written analysis and findings from complaint investigation in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, University policies and procedures, and legal requirements and the CREO investigation requirements.
Provide regular updates to the Associate Vice Chancellor for Civil Rights and Equal Opportunity, Deputy Title IX Coordinator, and other CREO team members about case management approach, status and progress.
Maintain accurate and thorough investigatory records and reports of finding(s).
Prepare materials for, assist with, and participate in appeals, as necessary.
Facilitate, within specific time constraints, informal resolution of discrimination, harassment, and gender-based violence complaints, when appropriate.
Document efforts and conclusion of informal resolution.
Collaborate with University Counsel and Human Resources and Inclusive Communities (HRIC) with investigations involving the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights, as well as complaints raised by other applicable outside agencies, organizations and constituencies.
Review and participate in updates to University policies and procedures concerning discrimination, harassment, and gender-based violence to promote compliance with equal opportunity laws and regulations.
Provide education and training to students, faculty, and staff on issues of prohibited harassment or discrimination, including sexual harassment and sexual violence, as assigned.
Demonstrate a commitment to the University's Inclusive Excellence Principles.
Provide other services as assigned.