Director of Equal Opportunity Investigations

About UMass Amherst

UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.

Job Summary

Under the general direction of the Associate Vice Chancellor of Equal Opportunity and Access (EOA), the Director of Equal Opportunity Investigations leads a team of investigators in effectively investigating alleged violations of campus non-discrimination policies, including discrimination, harassment, and related retaliation. The Director of Equal Opportunity Investigations serves as a trusted campus resource on Title IX and other discrimination matters, develops and leads trainings on civil rights law and associated campus procedures, and serves as a liaison to state and federal offices. The Lead Investigator supervises a team of investigators, provides expertise on more complex cases, and manages workflow and internal processes to align with best practices.

Essential Functions

Investigations:

• Conducts intakes of informal and formal complaints and makes recommendations of necessary interim measures in collaboration with the Director of Equal Opportunity and Access, and Deputy Title IX Coordinator.
• Conducts fact-based investigations including scheduling, witness interviews, evidence reviews, and drafting of investigative reports.
• Maintains all records and case management associated with complaints and investigations.
• Partners effectively with university leadership, human resources, dean of students, and academic personnel to appropriately address matters brought to the EOA office.

Ongoing education and partnership:

• Creates and delivers training on civil rights laws and university policies & practices.
• Builds trusting and collaborative relationship with university constituencies.
• Represents EOA on university committees, task forces, etc.
• Prepares and/or edits educational materials including brochures, website, manuals, etc.
• Makes recommendations for policy changes as appropriate.

Supervision and workflow management:

• Makes decisions about the utilization of the office's resources in consultation with the Associate Vice Chancellor of EOA, Director of EOA, and Deputy Title IX Coordinator.
• Supervises team of investigators.
• Manages workflow and distribution of cases; sets and defines goals and priorities; and communicates objectives to team.
• Takes a collaborative approach to providing expertise, mutual support, sharing of best practices, and review of institutional consistency in investigations.

Other Functions

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Bachelor's degree and more than five (5) years of related investigatory experience.
• Knowledge of federal and state civil rights laws, including Title IX, ADA, Title VII, etc.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work in a confidential environment.
• Exceptional levels of professionalism and tact.
• Demonstrated skill and experience creating and delivering training on civil rights laws and university policies & practices to a diverse population.
• Mediation Skills.
• Ability to anticipate and identify problems, use sound judgment and fact-based analysis to develop effective and efficient solutions.
• Demonstrated application of judgment based on experience and knowledge.

Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Master's degree in related field or J.D.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed practices
• Experience supervising professional staff.
• Experience working with victims of sexual assault, sexual violence, interpersonal violence, etc.
• Experience in conducting investigations within higher education and/or a unionized environment.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

Typical office environment.

Work Schedule

Monday-Friday, 8:30 am - 5:00 pm.

Salary Information

• Level 29

Special Instructions to Applicants

Please apply online with your resume, cover letter, and contact information for three (3) professional references.

UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, age, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, military status, or genetic information in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University. To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans. It is the policy of the UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.