Associate Director of EO Investigations and Deputy Title IX Coordinator for the School of Medicine and Dentistry
Rochester, NY
GENERAL PURPOSE:
Under the direction of the Office of Equity and Inclusion’s Director of Investigations, and exercising independent judgment and initiative informed by knowledge of relevant University policies, laws and regulations, the Associate Director position is responsible for serving as the primary point of contact from the OEI Compliance team for the University’s Medical Center. The Associate Director will guide the office’s EO/Title IX Investigators and Lead EO/Title IX Investigators with respect to their investigations and resolutions under the University’s Policy Against Discrimination and Harassment (PADH), the University’s Title IX Policy and the University’s Student Sexual Misconduct Policy (SSMP). The Associate Director will also serve the University's interest in conducting fair and impartial investigations in ways that build trust in the University community and meet the University's legal obligations to address claims of discrimination and harassment. The Associate Director will also facilitate prompt alternative resolutions of complaints of discrimination and harassment where appropriate.
The Associate Director will support the University’s Title IX coordinator by coordinating sexual misconduct prevention training for students within SMD as required by state and federal law. The Associate Director will also serve as a primary point of contact for all University community members within SMD who bring forward concerns of sexual misconduct that may fall under the University’s Title IX Policy or SSMP.
The Associate Director will stand in for the Director of Investigations or the AVP for Civil Rights Compliance and oversee the daily protocols and processes of the OEI Civil Rights Compliance Team as requested. The Associate Director will meet with University stakeholders to present data, provide education regarding the work of the OEI Civil Rights Compliance Team, and build trust in the work of the OEI Civil Rights Compliance Team.
SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:
Leadership
Serve as a point of contact between the OEI Civil Rights Compliance Team and the URMC Office of Equity and Inclusion, other diversity and inclusion offices or officers within the medical center or the School of Medicine and Dentistry, and other offices within the medical center that receive complaints that may fall under the PADH, Title IX or SSMP.
Serve as the primary Title IX contact for SMD including coordinating all sexual misconduct prevention trainings for students, conducting disclosure meetings with potential complainants, and providing resources to all SMD students, employees, and others with concerns about potential sexual misconduct.
Build and maintain relationships with URMC offices, diversity and inclusion officers, and leaders to facilitate PADH, Title IX and SSMP compliance, to encourage the sharing of information relating to potential complaints of violations of those policies, and to facilitate resolutions to complaints of discrimination or harassment. This shall include liaising with and providing relevant data and updates to groups and offices including by not limited to: URMC OEI, Medical Center Diversity & Inclusion Officers, Patient Relations, Quality Assurance, Faculty Professionalism Council, and other individuals and offices specifically dedicated to Medical Center learners and trainees.
Review and recommend changes to University policies to ensure strategic alignment with the work of the OEI Civil Rights Compliance Team.
Provide feedback and guidance to Lead Investigators and Investigators in the course of conducting intake, developing and implementing investigation plans and preparing investigative reports.
EO/Title IX/SSMP Investigation Assessment
Receive complaints from all members of the University community and visitors, asserting violations by, faculty, staff and others of the University's Policy against Discrimination and Harassment, Title IX or SSMP.
Review complaints to assess potential violations of PADH Title IX, or SSMP and/or applicable laws and regulations.
Assess content of complaints in light of the relevant policy to determine need for investigation versus other potential responses.
EO/Title IX/SSMP Investigation Interviews
Create plan for conducting interviews and reviewing documents, taking into account the issues raised in the complaint, and which witnesses and other sources of information may have information relevant to the legal and policy issues raised.
Apply professional judgment and experience in questioning witnesses and reviewing other information sources.
Make appropriate judgments about which sources of information to consult and what questions to ask.
Communicate with witnesses, complainants, respondents and others with discretion, impartiality, professionalism and confidentiality appropriate to the context.
Communicate with complainants, respondents and/or others regarding the plan and timeline for completion.
Help connect complainants, respondents and witnesses, with other University resources that may provide alternative or additional support, interim and protective measures, guidance and assistance.
EO/Title IX/SSMP Investigation Pans
Exercise flexibility and judgment to change investigation plan as appropriate, depending on information gathered, new issues raised.
Identify and recommend alternative resolutions to complaints pursuant to the PADH, Title IX or SSMP.
Develop investigation plans.
Analyze data received by the OEI Civil Rights Compliance Team to identify trends and recommend appropriate remedial measures.
Reports and Presentations
Meet with Department, Division or University leadership to develop strategies to respond to complaints of discrimination and harassment, to recommend training initiatives, or to further the University’s goal of fostering an inclusive learning and working environment.
Provide reports upon request and no less frequently than annually to the Director of Investigations and AVP for Civil Rights Compliance regarding PADH, SSMP, and Title IX concerns, complaints, investigations, staffing, resources, and training needs within the Medical Center.
Coordinate closely with the Director of Investigations and AVP for Civil Rights Compliance to ensure strategic alignment of the work of the OEI Civil Rights Compliance Team, and forward movement of policies, processes and procedures.
Present investigative findings in written and succinct PADH Investigative in a way that synthesizes complex facts.
Prepare reports that synthesize complex facts, and that are clearly written, succinct, and focused on the issues relevant to the complaint.
Make findings of fact and clearly analyze whether or not the specific allegations have been substantiated by the investigation. Maintain accurate records of complaints, assessments, investigations, outcomes, and communications.
Assist in producing periodic reports of complaints and resolutions to University Trustees, senior leaders, state and federal governmental agencies and members of the University community.
Maintain accurate records of complaints, assessments, investigations, outcomes, and communications.
Training
Provide education and assistance to the URMC Office of Equity and Inclusion, other diversity and inclusion offices or diversity and inclusion officers within the medical center or the School of Medicine and Dentistry, and other offices within the medical center that receive complaints that may fall under the PADH, Title IX or SSMP in complying with the PADH, Title IX, SSMP
Develop and/or present communications and training for students, faculty and staff across entire University community on issues relating to discrimination and harassment.
Other duties as assigned
REQUIREMENTS:
Bachelor’s degree in Higher Education Administration, Human Resources, law enforcement, social work, criminal justice, psychology, or related field required.
Juris Doctorate degree required; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Minimum of two to three years of professional experience in civil litigation and demonstrated experience and ability in conducting investigations into allegations of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation, composing clear, concise, timely and professionally written investigative reports, managing confidential information, and independently and efficiently managing a significant caseload required.
Professional experience conducting investigations in a higher-education, non-profit or other relevant setting required.
Demonstrated ability to determine and apply the appropriate legal standards in assessing and investigating allegations of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation required.
Extensive knowledge of the elements of proof for discrimination, harassment, and retaliation required.
In depth knowledge of the federal and state laws pertaining to civil rights, discrimination, harassment and affirmative action, as they apply to colleges and universities including the Equal Employment Opportunity Act of 1972 (EEO) required.
Strong working familiarity with the Americans with Disabilities Act (Title II), Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI), Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII), Title IX of the Educational Amendments Act of 1972 (Title IX), the Jeanne Clery Act of 1990 (Clery Act), the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 (VAWA), the Age of Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), all as amended where applicable, and other federal and state anti- discrimination laws and requirements required.
The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion to advance the University’s mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create – and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion/creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other status protected by law. This commitment extends to the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates from underrepresented populations, veterans, and persons with disabilities consistent with these values and government contractor Affirmative Action obligations.
How To Apply
All applicants must apply online.
EOE Minorities/Females/Protected Veterans/Disabled
Location: School of Medicine & Dentistry
Full/Part Time: Full-Time
Opening: Full Time 40 hours Grade 055 URMC Ofc of Equity & Inclusion
Schedule: 8 AM-5 PM