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Virginia Commonwealth University

Civil Rights Investigator

Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States, 23214


Civil Rights Investigator

Benefits of working at VCU

All full-time university staff are eligible for VCU's robust benefits package that includes: comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave granted up front, generous tuition benefit, retirement planning and savings options, tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs, employee discounts, well-being resources, abundant opportunities for career development and advancement, and more. Learn more about VCU's benefits here.

Job Code25232

Recruitment PoolAll Applicants

Posting Numberreq6137

UnitEquity and Access Services

Department

Department Website Link

LocationVCU

Address912 West Grace Street, Richmond, VA 23284 USA

Duties & Responsibilities

Summary The VCU's Equity and Access Services seeks to hire two Civil Rights Investigators.

VCU Mission

At VCU, we are Uncommon in learning, research, creativity, service, and discovery - thehallmarks of the VCU experience. A premier, urban, public research university nationallyrecognized as one of the best employers for diversity, VCU is a great place to work. It's a placeof opportunity, where your success is supported and your career can thrive. VCU offersemployees a generous leave package, career paths for advancement, competitive pay, and anopportunity to do mission-driven work.

Goal of the Unit Equity and Access Services (EAS) advances VCU's commitment to the success and wellbeingof its faculty, staff, students, team members, patients, and surrounding communities. From itswork in the areas of civil rights, access, and equal opportunity and outreach, EAS translates civilrights policies into practice and delivers impactful and data-informed strategies, promoting civilrights, equity, and access for all.

Position Overview

The Civil Rights Investigator conducts impartial investigations into discrimination andharassment complaints reported to the University, including complaints related to discriminationon the basis of protected identity and sexual harassment/misconduct. They will adhere to andexceed regulatory requirements, including Title VI, Title VII, ADA, OFCCP, and Title IXmandates, as well as other federal and/or state civil rights laws. Equity and Access Servicesadvances VCU's commitment to fostering a more diverse, inclusive, and equitable learning andwork environment.

EAS is hiring two investigators: each reports to a Director in EAS. Applicants are invited toexpress their preference for working within either the Equal Opportunity or Title IX areas.Investigators will report to either the Director for Equal Opportunity and Affirmative ActionPrograms or the Title IX Coordinator/Director of Outreach and Support.

Typical DutiesPlan, conduct, and document all aspects of investigations, as assigned by the Director.Duties include, but are not limited to intake processing, evidence gathering, interviews, hearings, document preparation, and appropriate follow-up.Ensure cases proceed through grievance processes in a timely manner, consistent with the applicable policies.Follow internal protocols and procedures to ensure compliance and equity in dealing with complaints and reports.Ensure compliance with legal and institutional requirements, including those initiated by the state, federal, and accreditation policymakers.Prepare progress updates, reports, and compliance-related documentation.Effectively interface with students, faculty, staff, administrators, and other stakeholders.As necessary, recommend and develop new processes, procedures, and policies.Contribute to the team's efforts in education & outreach for the VCU community, data analysis and reporting, and other related tasks.Collaborate with university partners and stakeholders to increase civil rights and non-discrimination awareness.Complete other assigned duties to support the investigation function and assigned team.Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

A Bachelor's degree.Experience conducting investigations in at least one job-relevant area.Knowledge of laws and regulations related to Title IX of the Education Amendments of1972, the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) amendments to the Clery Act, FERPA, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act (asamended), Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and the Age Discrimination Act of 1975.Organization, planning, and problem resolution abilities.Excellent report writing skills.Familiarity with current best practices and a working knowledge of emerging issues in equity and compliance.Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to effectively convey complex information to a wide array of audiences with appropriate sensitivity.Excellent judgment with the ability to securely manage highly sensitive, confidential data and information, in an impartial and equitable manner.Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to prioritize and complete work with firm deadlines.Excellent interpersonal skills, including demonstrated ability to listen well and demonstrate empathy for people and a deep appreciation for VCU's mission and values.Demonstrated experience working in and fostering a diverse faculty staff, and student environment or commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU.Preferred Qualifications

A Juris Doctor or Master's degree.Experience conducting investigations in a university or government agency.Investigation training and certification.Knowledge of the complexities involved in working with parties who have experienced trauma, discrimination, harassment, and sexual misconduct.•Familiarity with applicable investigation models and best practices in the field.Experience using a case tracking/management database.

"Virginia Commonwealth University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action university providing access to education and employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, political affiliation, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or disability."

FLSAUniversity Employee

Job FTE

Exemption StatusExempt

Restricted PositionNo

E-ClassUF - University Employee FT

Job CategoryUniversity Employee

ORP Eligible

Salary Range$65,000 - $72,000

Compensation TypeSalaried

Target Hire Date10/10/2024

Contact Information for Candidates

Documents Needed to ApplyCover letter, resume, diversity statement