Job Description Summary: | The George Washington University (GW) is committed to maintaining a positive climate for study and work in which individuals are judged solely on relevant factors, such as ability and performance, and can pursue their activities in an atmosphere that is free from discrimination, harassment, and violence. The Senior Equity & Title IX Investigator is responsible for serving as a member of a team that provides administrative, educational, and intellectual leadership to support the University’s compliance requirements. The incumbent conducts investigations into reported discrimination, including, but not limited to, complaints alleging sex discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating and domestic violence, and stalking against students, faculty and staff. In addition, the incumbent facilitates informal resolutions, which are voluntary, remedies-based and rooted in restorative justice principles. Along those lines, the incumbent will be responsible for the following:
- Serving as a key partner in ensuring GW’s compliance with federal, state, and local anti-discrimination laws, with a focus on those related to sex discrimination and sex-based harassment.
- Conducting adequate, reliable and impartial investigations, including the development of investigation plans, drafting notice of allegations and other essential correspondence, identifying and interviewing witnesses, gathering evidence and data, conducting site visits as needed, keeping accurate and thorough records and notes of the investigation process, applying GW policies, and preparing detailed investigation reports, which may include an analysis and recommendations as appropriate.
- Leads the office’s most complex investigations, often involving multiple parties, cross-complaints, and violations of other university policy.
- Assists the Deputy Title IX Coordinator with the ongoing training of Equity & Title IX Investigators, Appeals Officers, Disciplinary Authorities, and others involved in the Title IX adjudication process.
- In the absence of the Deputy Title IX Coordinator, leads weekly investigation planning meetings that oversee the work of the other Title IX investigators.
- Facilitating impartial informal resolutions, rooted in restorative justice principles, that are aimed at identifying the harms experienced and identifying actions that can be taken to acknowledge the harm, prevent its recurrence and address its effects.
- Communicating with students, faculty and staff in a clear and compassionate manner. This includes explaining complex processes in a digestible manner, as well as providing timely updates regarding resolution processes.
- Collaborating with the appropriate university offices during resolution processes to provide a coordinated response and holistic support.
- Maintaining an impartial and neutral approach and appropriate level of privacy throughout the process.
- Providing input and/or testimony as needed in hearings stemming from investigations.
- Assists the Deputy Title IX Coordinator with updates to investigation notices and protocols.
- Ensures that the Title IX website, brochure, and other public facing documents are consistent with the university’s Title IX Policy
- Leads training programs for faculty, staff, and students on topics related to sex discrimination, GW policies and other related topics
- Serving as a bi-weekly member of the Title IX Working Group and on other university committees, as needed;
- Monitoring legal developments and best practices related to employment and education discrimination and harassment and investigation processes.
- Engaging in required training to ensure skills and knowledge are current.
The position is based at GW’s Foggy Bottom Campus in Washington, DC but may require travel to GW’s campuses in Mount Vernon, DC and Ashburn, VA and to surrounding areas. The incumbent may perform other related duties as assigned. The omission of specific duties does not preclude the supervisor from assigning duties that are logically related to the position
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Preferred Qualifications: | - Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree preferred.
- At least 5 years’ experience investigating and resolving discrimination/harassment complaints is preferred. Other comparable experience may serve as a substitute for investigatory experience (i.e. litigation experience, HR investigatory experience).
- At least 1-2 years of experience facilitating training sessions for senior members of an organization and/or significant litigation experience is desired.
- Exceptional analytical and writing skills.
- Demonstrated expertise in applying relevant federal, state and local laws is desired.
- Strong communication and organizational skills.
- Familiarity with Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, VAWA, ADA and the ADEA, the Clery Act, and FERPA preferred.
- Deep understanding of the complexities surrounding trauma and sexual misconduct.
- Familiarity with the concept of restorative justice is preferred
- Ability to manage and work with conflict, including meeting with individuals who may be experiencing high levels of stress.
- Ability to work independently and efficiently, and to balance workload.
- Ability and desire to work actively, collaboratively, and creatively as part of a team.
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