ODR Fellow

Harvard University • Cambridge, MA

4d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Office for Dispute Resolution (ODR) operates under the Office of the Provost, working in partnership with the University’s Office for Community Support, Non-Discrimination, Rights and Responsibilities (CSNDR), Title IX Resource Coordinators, Local Designated Resources, and other School or unit leadership. ODR is a neutral body that impartially investigates formal complaints of sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, discrimination, bullying, and other rights and responsibilities involving students, staff, faculty, and third parties. Under the supervision of the ODR Associate Director and Investigator, the ODR Fellow assists with the overall operations of ODR. The ODR Fellow will work on cases with experienced professional Investigators, gaining knowledge and developing skills in the area of civil rights and other rules of conduct in both the education and employment arenas, with a primary focus on Title IX, Title VI, and related state and federal civil rights laws. The ODR Fellow will have the opportunity for hands-on investigative experience and further develop their legal analytical and writing skills. Additionally, ODR has a proven track record of advancement to a second term for successful incumbents in this role.

Requirements

• J.D. required.
• At least three years of related professional work experience (need not be legal experience). Clinical and/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 both in writing and orally, e.g., with complainants, respondents, witnesses, and others within the University community.
• Consistent use of the utmost discretion while working with confidential and sensitive information.
• Ability to manage diverse and changing priorities, and ability to work effectively on a team within a hybrid work environment.

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with federal statutes important to postsecondary education (e.g., Title IX, VAWA, Title VI, Clery Act, FERPA)
• experience in the higher education environment
• fluency in different languages a plus.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Investigators with case evaluation, investigative planning, preparing for and conducting interviews, processing administrative closures and dismissals, fact-finding (such as review, identification, and analysis of evidence), timely communication with parties, conducting legally sufficient investigations, meeting established timelines, and drafting and issuing written letters and reports.
• Conduct documentation activities for investigations, including notetaking during interviews, redaction, quote and grammar checking letters and reports, assembly of exhibits, and casefile maintenance.
• Conduct legal research and prepare internal memoranda on questions relevant to the analysis required in the course of investigations.
• Assist with ensuring that investigative documents are properly processed, consistent with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and community expectations for the handling of sensitive information.
• Assist with ODR, the CSNDR, and other trainings and outreach as assigned.
• Conduct informational meetings with community members regarding the 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: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree