Associate Vice President, Office for Equal Opportunity and Civil Rights

The University of Virginia seeks an experienced and strategic leader to become the next Associate Vice President (AVP), Office for Equal Opportunity and Civil Rights. The AVP will provide exceptional leadership to advance a University climate and culture committed to the promotion inclusion of civil rights, non-discrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action.

The Associate Vice President develops and executes the University's compliance strategy in support of goals established by the President and the Vice President for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Community Partnerships. They understand and have a deep knowledge of complex laws and regulations impacting a broad range of University operations. The AVP promotes consistency and coordination among University education and compliance programs, and collaborates with compliance directors and programs within specific functions of the University, such as University Human Resources, the Institutional Review Board, VP for Research, Environmental Health and Safety, Office of General Counsel, Internal Audit, Office of Risk Management, the Health System, and others to develop and monitor compliance programs and relevant policies and procedures.

The Associate Vice President leads the Office for Equal Opportunity and Civil Rights under the Division for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. This position reports to the Vice President for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Community Partnerships.

The Associate Vice President will join the University at a time of opportunity and new leadership with a shared sense of vision. The University welcomed its ninth president, James E. Ryan, in August of 2018, and in 2019 welcomed Provost M. Elizabeth (Liz) Magill, Chief Operating Officer J.J. Davis, and Vice President for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Community Partnerships Kevin McDonald. This year also begins the execution of the University’s Great and Good: 2030 Strategic Plan and the launch of its $5B Honor the Future Campaign.

Key Priorities

Work with University leadership to develop, implement, and execute University-wide compliance strategy in support of civil rights and leadership goals. Monitor internal and external risks to ensure adherence to federal, state, and other regulations, and provide information, analysis, and recommendations to University leadership. Coordinate with federal agencies as needed. Proactively identify areas of vulnerability and offer plans to avoid potential issues.

Facilitate proactive compliance and risk management education, training, and guidance to senior administrators and faculty. Oversee staff, student, and faculty compliance training and education programs.

Oversee the management of budgets and administration for the Office for Equal Opportunity and Civil Rights. Create and maintain partnerships across the UVA community and beyond.

Professional Experience

Seven to ten years’ experience developing and operating comprehensive programs of equal opportunity and civil rights. Proven success managing the development of compliance initiatives and programs, including strong knowledge of reports of sexual or gender-based harassment, sexual violence, and discrimination as well as harassment across other protected categories as denoted under Titles VI and VII as well as other federal, state, or local laws; employment equity; affirmative action plans; and educational training and outreach. Successful experience leading a team of professional staff and/or attorneys and working collaboratively with a wide array of individuals. Significant experience in a higher education, judicial, or regulatory compliance setting or as a Title IX Officer. Experience facilitating and evaluating professional development opportunities focused on civil rights and/or sexual misconduct/sexual violence. Strong knowledge in employment law, particularly the application of civil rights laws as applied to the employment context.

Education

Master's degree in related field or juris doctorate from an accredited law school, with extensive experience. 

To Apply or Nominate:

To learn more about this opportunity, please visit http://executivesearch.virginia.edu/searches.

Applications should include a resume and letter of interest. The search will be carried out with full confidentiality; candidates will be notified before references are contacted. To be officially considered for this position, all applicants must apply through the Workday portal at https://uva.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/UVAJobs

For confidential inquiries or to nominate someone for this opportunity, please contact Susan Gaines  with the University of Virginia’s Executive Search Group, at susangaines@virginia.edu.

The University of Virginia is fundamentally committed to the diversity of our faculty and staff.  We believe diversity is excellence expressing itself through every person's perspectives and lived experiences.  We are equal opportunity and affirmative action employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, veteran status, and family medical or genetic information.