Senior Equity Specialist

Profile

Senior Equity Specialist

The candidate will investigate and respond to highly confidential matters involving discrimination, harassment, sexual violence and retaliation that are submitted by students, faculty and staff; contribute to strategic planning efforts; prepare data reports; provide guidance to the Equity Investigators; assist the Director of Equal Opportunity and Access in the review and development of policies, procedures, and resources; and perform related duties as assigned. Report to the Director of Equal Opportunity and Access. Collaborate with campus offices and partners, including the Provosts Office, Dean of Students Office, Center for Awareness, Response, and Education (CARE); University Police; the Office of Student Conduct (OSC); the Office of Human Resources; the Office of General Counsel; and Student Assistance and Support Services (SASS). Collaborate and consult with the Director, Equal Opportunity and Access to review and process equity complaints to ensure a prompt, thorough, and equitable response to reports and incidents. Conduct intake meetings with students, faculty and staff reporting concerns falling within the purview of the University’s Discrimination and Harassment policy; communicate information about reporting options and the University’s investigation and resolution process. Serve as an investigator for matters including, but not limited to, reports of discrimination, harassment, sexual assault, sexual misconduct, stalking, dating and domestic violence, against faculty, staff, and third parties. Interview the reporting party/parties, respondent(s), and relevant witnesses. Gather and synthesize relevant evidence. Act as a neutral party through all aspects of investigation and ensure a prompt, fair, and impartial process for all parties. Maintain a high level of confidentiality. Ensure a well-documented investigative process. Maintain accurate and thorough records and notes of investigatory processes, including keeping updated case records in Maxient. Compose comprehensive written investigative reports that clearly identify the issues investigated, summarize the evidence, make findings, make credibility determinations, apply relevant policies, and, where appropriate, recommend appropriate remedial steps. Participate in hearing panel process as needed. Assist the Director, Equal Opportunity and Access with informal resolutions. Draft outcome letters. Assist with responding to charges filed externally, including, but not limited to, charges filed in the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Illinois Department of Human Rights, the Office of Civil Rights, and local agencies. Attend fact-finding conferences and/or mediation sessions, as needed. Provide leadership and guidance to Equity Investigators. Serve as the senior investigator in investigations conducted jointly with the Equity Investigators. Continuously identify and integrate best practices in the investigation and case resolution processes. Facilitate weekly case update meetings to ensure periodic, timely updates regarding the status of complaints received and investigations in progress. Collaborate with the AVP, and Director, Equal Opportunity and Access to identify and address any patterns or systemic problems. Compile and prepare annual data reports on discrimination and harassment matters. Analyze complaint and resolution outcome data to guide strategic planning activities in the department. Contribute to staff development by planning activities to address organizational health and professional development. Research and develop best practices for informal resolution of matters. Participate in the review and development of University policies and procedures to ensure their compliance with federal and state law and evolving best practices. Make recommendations to Director for revisions and improvements in policies, procedures, resources, and operations of office. Interpret federal and state law, including pertinent legislation, guidelines, and orders, for faculty, staff, and students. Clarify University policies, procedures, and practices for members of the University community. Assist with the development and dissemination of comprehensive educational materials and resources. Conduct New Employee training and assist with other training programs as needed. Assist the Outreach and Education specialist with the development and delivery of employee related trainings. Partner with units in the Human Resources and the Office of the Provost, as needed. Participate in conferences, workshops, trainings, etc. to stay current in field. Serve on related committees and panels as requested. Occasional evening or weekend availability may be required. Perform other related duties as assigned or requested.

Company info

Northwestern University
633 Clark Street
Evanston
Illinois
United States 60208
Website : http://www.northwestern.edu