Title IX/Equal Opportunity Officer

The Title IX/Equal Opportunity Officer reports to the University President and has ultimate compliance responsibility for Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and the Violence Against Women Act Re-authorization of 2012 (VAWA). The Title IX and Equal Opportunity Officer manages the day­ to-day responsibilities associated with the University's Title IX compliance obligations and ensures the effectiveness and consistency of sexual harassment and sexual violence investigations. In addition, this position oversees ADA, Section 504, Title VI and Title VII for students, faculty, staff, and visitors as applicable, and ensures awareness of options and resources with respect to reporting and filing complaints alleging sexual harassment, sexual assault, sexual misconduct, relationship violence and discrimination based on membership in a protected class. The Title IX/Equal Opportunity Officer is responsible for collecting the relevant facts related to incidents reported and assessing whether further review or investigation is necessary to guarantee the safety of the impacted party(ies) and the community. As a neutral party, the Title IX and Equal Opportunity Officer will ensure alleged discrimination is promptly and appropriately investigated, including notifying and interviewing complainants, respondents, and witnesses; obtaining and reviewing relevant documents and issuing factual findings and recommendations.

• Serves as the primary compliance officer for state and federal laws relating to sexual harassment and violence prevention
• Creates, modifies, and oversees programs as required by law, regulation or agreement relating to sexual harassment and violence prevention
• Identifies and integrates best practices in the Title IX investigation arena into knowledge base and practice, including training community members on reporting requirements
• Effectively communicates services and training programs related to Title IX, sexual harassment and other non-discrimination issues to the University community
• Develops, revises and oversees University policies, procedures, protocols and practices ensuring compliance with Title IX regulations including organizing hearings and serving as a system appellate hearing officer as applicable.
• Prepares annual statistical report on the number, nature and disposition of complaints. Identifies patterns and makes recommendations relating to sexual harassment and violence
• Receives and processes inquiries pertaining to Title IX and Title VII violations . Responsible for formal and informal investigations of complaints based on race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or status, gender expression and veteran status, including complaints of sexual harassment and/or sexual assault, as well as related grievance procedures
• Maintains a case management database to organize, manage and track Title IX and Title VII incidents. Writes comprehensive reports of investigations with findings of fact and recommendation(s)
• Stays abreast of regulations and statutes relating to civil rights laws and gender-based violence , including but not limited to, Title IX and VAWA as necessary
• Informs and counsels campus leadership of requirements regarding Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity (AA/EEO) and non-discrimination issues
• Collaborates with the UH System Assistant Vice Chancellor for Equal Opportunity Services in developing the University's Affirmative Action Plan (AAP)
• Trains faculty and staff search committees and serves as a resource in matters of AA/EEO

• Performs other related duties as required and deemed appropriate in support of the President
• Serves as a member of the President's Extended Cabinet

Direct Reports:

• Full Time Employees

Delegation of Work:

• Regularly assigns work to subordinate(s)

Supervision Given:

• Makes final decision on evaluating employee performance; hiring new employees; disciplinary actions; makes final decision on scheduling employee work hours; makes final decision on coaching and counseling; training; provides recommendations on handling employee grievances and complaints; and makes final decision on granting time off

Required Education:

• JD or administrative leadership in a higher education role overseeing Title VI, Title VII, and/or Title IX decision-making in a supervisory capacity may substitute JD.

Required Experience:

• Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in a related field; experience in conducting investigations alleging discrimination in a higher education environment ; proven history of higher education inclusive excellence.

License/Certification:

• None required

• Experience in developing and presenting training workshops for faculty, staff, and students, particularly dealing with Title IX compliance and investigations
• Experience managing a departmental budget
• Supervisory experience
• Experience communicating with diverse constituencies in individual and group settings
• Proven experience with ADA and Section 504
• Proven experience in employment and/or higher education student conduct investigation practices

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of state and federal civil rights laws and regulations including Title IX, Title VI, Title VII, VAWA, ADA
• Knowledge of best practices as they relate to institutions of higher education compliance with Title IX and VAWA

Skills:

• Skilled in trauma-informed communication, managing change, and building consensus with strong conflict resolution, de-escalation, and mediation expertise
• Effective project management, organization, and analytical skills
• Strong presentation and facilitation skills with an emphasis on education and training for a variety of constituencies
• Strong written communication skills
• Excellent attention to detail and strong problem-solving skills
• Strong interpersonal skills

Abilities:

• Demonstrated ability to use discretion and excellent judgment, maintain confidentiality, exercise patience, and work under multiple deadlines while maintaining strong attention to detail
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate, identify opportunities, and take action to build effective cross-functional relationships in order to achieve institutional goals
• Ability to work with a wide range of constituencies (staff, students, faculty, parents, administrators) with diplomacy and tact
• Ability to manage multiple, on-going and complex caseload of Title IX related incidents and complaints
• Ability to deal with confidential and sensitive information
• Ability to build relationships and establish collaborative partnerships across the institution and peer institutions
• Ability to remain a neutral party
• Ability to act independently, take initiative and exercise sound judgment

Primary Work Location:

• Works in an office environment

Physical Demands:

• Work is normally performed in a typical interior work environment which does not subject the employee to any unpleasant elements
• Position is physically comfortable; individual has discretion about walking, standing, etc.
• Work environment involves minimal exposure to physical risks

Commitment to Excellence - UHD

• Demonstrates a commitment to competently perform his/her job duties and responsibilities within established time frames.
• Continuously strives to improve work performance.
• Accepts responsibility for his/her commitments to the university.
• Contributes to the success of the university by consistently providing quality results in the performance of his/her job duties and responsibilities.

Integrity

• Demonstrates high ethical standards of conduct in the performance of his/her job duties and responsibilities.
• Accepts responsibility for his/her actions.
• Respects and complies with department and university policies, procedures, and work rules.

Respect and Cooperation

• Treats others with courtesy, respect, and dignity in the workplace.
• Promotes cooperation through open and honest communications and consideration of others ideas, thoughts, and opinions.

Accountability

• Accountable for oversight of organizational unit's projects and initiatives; monitors utilization of allocated resources and status of projected time frames.
• Ensures organizational unit's operation are in compliance with university and department policies and procedures; responsible for development and revision of policies and procedures for assigned area(s).
• Resolves complex issues after careful consideration of all relevant information.
• Collaborates with other university administrators to keep the university apprised of significant developments and issues.

Leadership

• Leads the organizational unit's endeavors to achieve its goals and objectives in support of the university's vision and mission.
• Oversees the organizational unit's operations in accordance with the university's shared values of excellence, student success, inclusiveness, respect, and integrity.
• Fosters a dynamic work environment that encourages teamwork and cooperation.

Change Management

• Manages the development and implementation of change initiatives to advance the university's goals and objectives.
• Assesses the availability of resources and ascertains additional resources required to effect change within projected timelines.
• Promotes the benefits of new methods, technology, and/or work environments resulting from changes.
• Addresses concerns to minimize impact of potential consequences of changes.
• Provides encouragement and support to employees through the change process.
• Supports changes in the university's organizational structure.

Financial Administration

• Assesses and modifies organizational unit's budget annually to provide sufficient resources for organizational unit's operations aligned with goals and objectives, in consideration of the university's budget constraints.
• Directs administration of the organizational unit's budget to ensure effective utilization of financial resources and compliance with federal, State, and university policies and procedures.
• Approves disbursement of funds consistent with the organizational unit's budget.
• Monitors status of organizational unit's budget, and directs the resolution of deficiencies and/or discrepancies.

Talent Management

• Communicates the organizational unit's priorities and initiatives to employees and the importance of their contributions to the organizational unit's goals and objectives.
• Motivates employees by encouraging a commitment to excellence and recognizing employee accomplishments.
• Clearly defines employee responsibilities and expectations; provides guidance and constructive feedback.
• Encourages employee participation in professional development and training, and supports mentoring and on-the-job training to provide the tools for employees to be successful.
• Promotes teamwork and a work environment that fosters cooperation.
• Manages the resolution of performance issues expeditiously and with discretion.

Strategic Planning

• Develops organizational unit's short- and long-term goals and objectives that align with the university's strategic plan.
• Establishes assessment measures to evaluate the organizational unit's progress toward accomplishing its goals and objectives.
• Determines priorities and allocates resources to achieve the organizational unit's goals and objectives.
• Anticipates potential difficulties and concerns, and develops feasible contingency plans.
• Collaborates with other university administrators to coordinate efforts across organizational units.

Organizational Engagement

• Positively represents organizational unit to internal and external constituents in support of the organizational unit's efforts and in recognition of its accomplishments.
• Coordinates with other university administrators to collaborate endeavors across organizational units.
• Builds rapport with external constituents to advance the organizational unit's goals and objectives and engage the community with the university's efforts to address the needs and advance the development of the region.
• Competently responds to audits and requests from governmental entities and UH-System on behalf of the organizational unit.

Student Success Indirect Support

• Contributes to student success by assisting students with anything that supports their student experience, whether directly or indirectly.
• Helps students navigate their way through the different offices, programs, and services at the university and/or connects students with the appropriate party(ies).
• Connects students with services or resources that can help them with career exploration, goal selection, and ongoing academic assistance.
• Helps students build peer support networks.
• Encourages student participation in out-of-class activities.
• Provides encouragement and guidance to foster student success.
• Treats students with respect
• Maintains the learning environment to ensure quality and/or sound pedagogy.