Senior Compliance Officer, Office of Equal Opportunity and Accessibility

University of Tennessee•Chattanooga, TN

About The Position

The Senior Compliance Officer performs duties of a complex and confidential nature in support of equal opportunity, affirmative action, federal, and system policy compliance. The purpose of this position is to address complaints of policy violations and allegations of discrimination and harassment through internal inquiry; serve as a resource and consultant on institutional policy, Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, ADA/Section 504, ADEA, PWFA, and sexual harassment; safeguard and disseminate highly confidential information both orally and through written reports; develop and deliver training and educational programs to promote institutional compliance; and work proactively to foster equitable practices and an inclusive campus climate. The Senior Compliance Officer provides guidance and support for investigations, reviews, consultations, and other compliance functions within the Office of Equal Opportunity and Accessibility.

Requirements

Master’s degree in HR, Law, Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Higher Education Policy and Leadership, Public Administration, or related field; with minimum of three (3) years’ progressively responsible experience in EEO, civil rights, human resources, compliance investigations, or related field. A bachelor’s degree with 5 or more years’ of directly relevant experience may substitute for Master’s degree.
Demonstrated knowledge and experience in dispute resolution, and conducting independent investigations including interviews, evidence analysis, report writing and compliance training and education.
Ability to handle confidential information
Ability to communicate effectively in written and verbal form
Ability to work collaboratively with others and build consensus
Ability to analyze, research, and interpret data
Ability to manage competing priorities
Ability to work independently
Ability to work with various computer/data technologies
Experience conducting civil rights and/or HR investigations

Nice To Haves

JD or terminal degree with relevant applied experience.
5 or more years of investigative or compliance experience in higher education, experience as a lead investigator on complex matters, demonstrated experience identifying systemic issues and advising leadership, and experience developing and delivering compliance training programs.
Rule 31 Mediation, formal investigator training (e.g., EEO, Title IX, ATIXA, SHRM, or equivalent) preferred.

Responsibilities

Manages process for handling internal allegations from students, employees, and external parties of possible violations of University policies, higher education and labor laws, and state/federal laws and statutes under the purview of the Office of Equal Opportunity and Accessibility
Provides supervision and guidance to Compliance Officer and Compliance and Administrative Coordinator as it pertains to complaint management and investigations, and delegates duties as necessary
Ensures the accurate and timely maintenance of EOA's complaint and investigation database, and provides oversight of electronic case management systems and digital compliance tools
Collaborates with Executive Director in compiling periodic impact and production reports
Maintains and regularly updates standard operating procedures (SOP’s) for handling complaints
Participates in conflict resolution through alternative dispute resolution (including mediation) and partners with managers to address systemic issues to reduce or eliminate root causes of concerns
Develops and implements training and educational programs for campus constituent groups (academic administrators, managers, faculty, student employees, etc.)
Collaborates on planning, development, and delivery of formal training on EEO compliance, discrimination, and harassment prevention
Presents information about university policies, procedures, and organizational culture at new faculty/employee orientation and onboarding sessions
Plans and executes harassment prevention and education programs for the UTC community
Provides consultative advice, information, and training to campus constituents on handling discrimination, sexual harassment, and other policy violations
Maintains contact and follow-up communication with departments/individuals to provide post-resolution support and education
Participates in the review of practices relating to hiring, training, transfer, and promotion of faculty and staff, and recommends corrective action when required
Provides individual and group consultation, guidance, and professional support regarding interpretation and application of applicable policies, practices, and procedures
Reviews allegations to determine appropriate outcomes and decide if preliminary findings support further investigation
Manages investigation processes to resolve equal employment opportunity and affirmative action complaints and grievances filed by employees, applicants, or other constituents alleging discrimination or harassment
Develops investigation plans, including timelines, key issues, witnesses, and evidence to be reviewed
Conducts in-person and virtual intake and investigatory interviews to address complaints and concerns related to alleged harassment or discrimination
Gathers, analyzes, and preserves documentary, digital, and physical evidence in accordance with legal and institutional requirements
Evaluates credibility, reliability, and consistency of witness statements and evidence
Maintains strict neutrality and confidentiality while conducting investigations and managing sensitive information
Applies knowledge of federal and state EEO, Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, ADA, ADEA, and other nondiscrimination laws when evaluating complaints
Performs case preparation duties, including review of records, assembling necessary information, and updating progress in case folders
Meets with appropriate administrators to review allegations and investigative findings, and provides additional insight, context, and relevant precedent to support informed decision-making
Prepares written reports and summaries of investigative activities, fact-finding results, and recommendations
Coordinates with HR, Legal Counsel, Academic Affairs, Student Affairs or Public Safety when investigations overlap with other processes or legal obligations
Tracks and monitors timelines to ensure investigations are completed in a fair, consistent, and timely manner
Provides regular status updates to complainants, respondents, and leadership to maintain transparency in the investigative process
Identifies patterns or repeat behaviors discovered through investigations and escalate systemic issues when appropriate
Conducts post-investigation follow-ups with parties involved to assess compliance with corrective measures and prevent retaliation
Maintains open lines of communication and positive relationships with campus administration, employee groups, and internal/external constituents to promote reciprocal communication and remove barriers in compliance processes
Periodically reviews the department's website to address equal opportunity, discrimination, and compliance matters
Supports digitization and electronic storage of permanent records by updating documents related to complaints, communication, and training
Responsible for compliance enforcement activities (e.g., posting state/federal notices, drafting campus compliance communications)
Assists with data analysis and reporting to UT System, state, or federal monitoring agencies related to Equal Opportunity and Accessibility
Regularly analyzes complaint and compliance data to identify systemic issues, recurring patterns, and opportunities for proactive intervention
Periodically audits and reviews campus practices, monitors changes in law, and recommends proactive compliance or training measures
Leads or serves on institutional committees, task forces, or advisory groups related to compliance initiatives
Participates in synthesis and evaluation of information (departmental listings, tenure reports, salary listings, etc.) in collaboration with Academic Affairs, HR, and Institutional Research
Perform other duties as assigned