ODR Fellow

Harvard University • Cambridge, MA

4d • Hybrid

About The Position

The ODR Fellow assists with the overall operations of Harvard University's Office for Dispute Resolution (ODR), a neutral body that impartially investigates formal complaints involving sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, discrimination, bullying, and other rights and responsibilities. ODR works under the Office of the Provost and in partnership with the Office for Community Support, Non-Discrimination, Rights and Responsibilities (CSNDR), Title IX Resource Coordinators, Local Designated Resources, and other School or unit leaders.

Under the supervision of the ODR Associate Director and Investigator, the Fellow works on cases alongside experienced professional Investigators. The role provides hands-on investigative experience and opportunities to develop knowledge of civil rights and conduct rules in education and employment, particularly Title IX, Title VI, and related state and federal civil rights laws. The Fellow also develops legal analytical and writing skills. This is a one-year term appointment, with the potential to be extended for a second year, and includes a three-month orientation and review period.

Requirements

• J.D. required.
• At least three years of related professional work experience; the experience need not be legal. Clinical or other relevant legal work completed in law school may count toward this requirement.
• Excellent analytical and writing skills.
• Strong organizational skills and superb attention to detail.
• Ability to communicate effectively in writing and orally with complainants, respondents, witnesses, and others in the University community.
• Use the utmost discretion when handling confidential and sensitive information.
• Ability to manage diverse and changing priorities.
• Ability to work effectively on a team in a hybrid work environment.

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with federal statutes important to postsecondary education, such as Title IX, VAWA, Title VI, the Clery Act, and FERPA.
• Experience in a higher education environment.
• Fluency in different languages.

Responsibilities

• Assist Investigators with case evaluation, investigative planning, interview preparation and conducting interviews, administrative closures and dismissals, evidence review and analysis, timely communication with parties, conducting legally sufficient investigations, meeting established timelines, and drafting and issuing written letters and reports.
• Document investigations, including taking interview notes, redacting materials, checking quotations and grammar in letters and reports, assembling exhibits, and maintaining case files.
• Conduct legal research and prepare internal memoranda on questions relevant to investigative analysis.
• Help ensure investigative documents are properly processed in accordance with FERPA and community expectations for handling sensitive information.
• Assist with ODR, CSNDR, and other trainings and outreach as assigned.
• Conduct informational meetings with community members about policies and procedures under ODR's purview as assigned.

Benefits

• Generous paid time off, including parental leave.
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one.
• Retirement plans with university contributions.
• Wellbeing and mental health resources.
• Support for families and caregivers.
• Professional development opportunities, including tuition assistance and reimbursement.
• Commuter benefits, discounts, and campus perks.

What This Job Offers

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