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Director, Office of Equal Opportunity (R0006225)

The Office of Equal Opportunity (OEO) is part of the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Brandeis University.  At Brandeis University, our mission and history are rooted in the pursuit of social justice, thus we aim to include this value in all that we do. We are seeking candidates with a variety of social identities, including those that have been underrepresented in higher education, who possess skills that spark innovation and who are committed to building, engaging with, and sustaining a pluralistic, unified, and just campus community.
The OEO is primarily responsible for maintaining the University’s compliance with Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, ADA, Rehabilitation Act Section 504, Massachusetts 151B, AWA and other state and federal laws relating to discrimination, harassment and sexual misconduct. The OEO is responsible for addressing issues of discrimination, harassment and sexual misconduct in all of the protected categories for students, staff and faculty. The OEO responds to concerns regarding this conduct through formal and informal resolutions, educational conversations and training. This position reports to the Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

The Opportunity:

The Director will be responsible for supervising and conducting intake of reports of this conduct, supervising investigations by internal and external investigators and creating and maintaining a database of case and report data for student and employees matters.
The Director will be responsible for developing training curriculums for topics of discrimination, harassment and sexual misconduct to be provided to students, staff and faculty. The Director will be responsible for developing and maintaining policies and processes relating to issues of discrimination, harassment and sexual misconduct within the Brandeis community for students, staff and faculty. The Director will be responsible for developing and guiding the vision and priorities of OEO within the Brandeis community. The Director will act as the primary compliance officer for the institution relating to all civil rights issues, including acting as the Title IX Coordinator and ADA/Section 504 Coordinator for the University. The Director will also hire and supervise staff within OEO. This position reports to the Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
Intake (10%)

  • Intake reports of discrimination, harassment and/or sexual misconduct, providing information about support resources and options for
  • addressing conduct
  • Maintain detailed records of all intake information in case management system
  • Continued follow up as needed to provide support, updates and determine next steps
  • Prepare documentation as needed to initiate resolution process and provide appropriate notice to all parties
  • Conduct informal resolutions as appropriate for students, staff and faculty
Investigation (10%)

  • Act as a neutral, independent investigator to conduct prompt, thorough, unbiased investigations of reported incidents by interviewing all
  • parties and relevant witnesses
  • and by identifying and gathering other information and documents relevant to the resolution of the complaint
  • Prepare detailed investigative reports analyzing factual findings and making credibility assessments
  • Communicate with parties regarding process status and complaint outcomes
Case Data Management (10%)

  • Maintain detailed records of all investigations and communications within relevant OEO and campus data systems
  • Provide analysis of statistical case data for annual reports related to incidents of discrimination, harassment and sexual misconduct. Assist in Clery reporting.
Training (20%)

  • Primarily responsible for developing, managing, and updating the university-wide training curriculum for Titles VI, VII, and IX and ADA/504 Training
  • Conduct and coordinate training and facilitated conversations for faculty, staff, and students on issues of discrimination, harassment and sexual misconduct
  • Maintain records regarding participant training in OEO data management system.
Collaboration/Policy Development (30%)

  • Serve as a resource to community members with questions or concerns related to issues of discrimination, harassment and sexual misconduct.
  • Collaborate with various offices and departments (including the General Counsel) across the institution to improve University response to issues of discrimination, harassment and sexual misconduct
  • Review current policies and process to insure continued compliance with relevant laws and regulations.
  • Develop new policies and process as necessary to address identified deficiencies in the institutional policies and practices
  • Participate in professional development as needed to maintain up-to-date knowledge of best practices and compliance obligations
  • Collaborate closely with the Dean of Student Offices, Human Resources, and another other offices involved in management, supervision and discipline of students, staff and faculty.
ADA/Section 504 Compliance (10%)

  • Responsible for reviewing the University’s overall compliance with the ADA/Section 504.
  • Collaborate with various offices and communities across the institution to discuss, inform and improve upon accessibility issues that arise
  • Develop policies and practices as require to maintain compliance with accessibility requirements
Department Management (10%)

  • Hire, train and supervise within OEO, including internal investigators, trainers and administrative support personnel
  • Supervise internal and external investigators and develop investigation protocols and practices for all investigators
  • Manage the professional development of investigators to ensure they are using best practices in all investigations.
  • Delegate cases to internal and external investigator for the resolution of complaints
  • Manage department budget and expenditures relating to OEO functions
Position Requirements:
Juris Doctorate or other advanced degree preferred plus 5 to 10 years of experience conducting investigations/complaint resolutions on issues of discrimination, harassment and sexual misconduct in human resources, higher education or other civil rights-based positions.
Knowledge of Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, ADA, Rehabilitation Act Section 504, Massachusetts General Laws c. 151B, VAWA, Clery Act and other state and federal laws relating to discrimination, harassment and sexual misconduct
Experience is addressing concern and investigating matters involving students, staff and faculty
Strong training skills. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; strong analytical and writing skills
Demonstrated ability to be neutral and maintain professionalism when addressing complex and sensitive matters
Strong collaboration skills and proven ability to navigate complex matters
Experience with Maxient and/or Ethicspoint a plus
Demonstrated ability to manage staff
Additional Qualifications:

  • Ability to conduct prompt and thorough investigations under relevant campus policies and to act as an independent, neutral third-party for all parties.
  • Ability to assess and negotiate highly complex, confidential and sensitive matters, while maintaining objectivity and neutrality.
  • Ability to manage multiple, complex matters with competing priorities simultaneously;
  • Ability to adjust quickly to changing needs and priorities on a daily basis
  • Superior analytical abilities, excellent attention to detail and strong problem-solving skills
  • Strong organizational skills and a demonstrated ability to maintain detailed and thorough records of reports, investigations and resolutions.
  • Exceptional skills in interviewing and investigation techniques; Understanding of the complexities surrounding investigations in an educational setting; Superior writing skills.
  • Understanding of the sensitivity and thoughtfulness required when handling matters of discrimination, harassment and sexual misconduct;
  • Success in working with diverse communities and a demonstrated commitment to diversity
  • Demonstrated ability to collaborate well with others, including students, staff, and faculty; Ability to facilitate difficult conversations
  • Strong presentation and training experience. Ability to facilitate productive conversations on difficult topics with various constituencies
  • Ability to manage a staff; strong leadership and management experience

Closing Statement
Brandeis University is committed to providing its students, faculty and staff with an environment conducive to learning and working and where all people are treated with respect and dignity. We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, ethnicity, caste, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, including transgender identity, religion, disability, age, genetics, active military or veteran status and any other characteristics protected under applicable federal or Massachusetts law.