Senior Investigator, Office of Civil Rights and Equal

Senior Investigator, Office of Civil Rights and Equal Opportunity

Job no: 498569 Work type: Staff Full-Time Location: Denver, CO Categories: Business Operations / Services, Community Engagement Division: Enterprise Risk Management

The Office of Civil Rights and Equal Opportunity (CREO) supports the University of Denver's commitment to a work and academic environment free of harassment or discrimination. CREO is responsible for implementing and monitoring federal and state EEO policies and programs, including Title VII and Title IX compliance, and handling prompt, effective and remedial investigations of complaints.

Position Summary

The Sr. Investigator will conduct initial reviews and complete investigations of allegations of discrimination or harassment (including gender-based violence) involving faculty, staff, and students. Investigations include preliminary review, determining the necessity of formal investigations, interviewing relevant individuals, and reviewing documents or evidence. Investigators determine what issues can be resolved independently and what should be referred to the Associate Vice Chancellor for Civil Rights and Equal Opportunity/Title IX Coordinator.

Investigators assess, investigate, and resolve discrimination and/or harassment complaints based on sex, gender, marital status, pregnancy, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, genetic information, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or veteran status. This includes investigating violations of Title IX, including sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking.

Investigators promote DU's compliance with federal, state, and local equal opportunity law. The work requires sound judgment and skill in applying equal opportunity principles and legal standards to solve complex problems with decisive action.

This position is eligible for full remote work.

Essential Functions

• Intake complaints and assess the appropriate resolution process and procedural protocol to be followed.
• Investigate complaints of discrimination and harassment filed by students, staff, faculty, or other individuals in compliance with federal, state or local laws, executive orders and University policies and procedures.
  
  Duties include:
  
  developing an investigation plan, analyzing the complaint to identify allegations, interviewing complainants and respondents, identifying and interviewing witnesses, collecting relevant documentation, documenting interviews and other findings, and analyzing information to determine findings.
• Conduct thorough, impartial investigations with attention to detail and accuracy in facts, relevance, and documentation.
• Provide consultation and education to students, faculty, and/or staff on discriminatory practices, equity matters, policies, procedures, and resolution options.
• Draft Investigation Reports with detailed analysis and findings in accordance with applicable laws, policies, procedures, and CREO requirements.
• Provide regular updates to the Associate Vice Chancellor for Civil Rights and Equal Opportunity, Deputy Title IX Coordinator, and CREO team members on case management, status, and progress.
• Maintain accurate investigatory records and reports of findings.
• Prepare materials for, assist with, and participate in appeals, as necessary.
• Facilitate informal resolution of discrimination, harassment, and gender-based violence complaints within time constraints where appropriate; document efforts and conclusions of informal resolutions.
• Collaborate with University Counsel and Human Resources and Inclusive Communities (HRIC) on investigations involving external agencies (e.g., EEOC, OCR) and related constituencies.
• Review and participate in updates to University policies and procedures concerning discrimination, harassment, and gender-based violence to promote compliance with equal opportunity laws and regulations.
• Provide education and training to students, faculty, and staff on issues of prohibited harassment or discrimination, including sexual harassment and sexual violence, as assigned.
• Demonstrate a commitment to the University's Inclusive Excellence Principles.
• Provide other services as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge and experience with EO principles in Title VI, VII, IX, VAWA/SaVE, ADA, ADEA, and other anti-discrimination laws relevant to higher education, including FERPA and the Clery Act.
• Working knowledge of HR functions and ability to refer participants to appropriate resources.
• Ability to respond effectively to and interact with all levels of organizational staff.
• Basic knowledge of trauma-informed investigation practices.
• Basic knowledge of gender-based violence dynamics including sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking.
• Ability to present findings and support the decision-making process with objective reporting.
• Ability to balance a demanding caseload while managing time effectively.
• Unquestionable integrity, confidentiality, and professionalism in a wide…