Associate Director, Investigations and Alternative Resolution

Bentley University



Job Description Summary
The Associate Director, Investigations and Alternative Resolution reports to the Director and Title IX Coordinator in Bentley University's Office of Equal Opportunity and Institutional Equity. This office has primary responsibility for the administration of Bentley University's institutional equity system which prohibits identity-based discrimination, harassment, and gender-based harm, including sexual misconduct.

This position is an integral part of Bentley's compliance with the federal requirements of Title IX, as well as Bentley's commitment to maintain a healthy, safe and respectful living, learning, and working environment for all community members.

The Associate Director of Investigations and Alternative Resolution assists in managing, responding to, and resolving reports of identity-based discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct, intimate partner violence, stalking, and/or retaliation involving students, faculty, staff, or third parties at Bentley. This role also assists in the development and delivery of educational training for the community and the Office of Equal Opportunity and Institutional Equity team. Finally, this role also provides alternative resolution pathways, such as mediated conflict resolution, to resolve complaints where appropriate. The ability to remain neutral and unbiased is a crucial requirement for this position.

Essential Duties:

Investigations

• Serve as lead equity and Title IX investigator and Deputy Title IX coordinator. Conduct fair, thorough, and impartial investigations of complaints, including of sexual misconduct, intimate partner violence, stalking, and identity-based discrimination and harassment.
• Analyze initial complaints and intake reports to identify alleged policy violations, develop investigation plans, interview parties and witnesses, identify and collect relevant documentation, review evidence, and prepare comprehensive investigative reports based on factual findings.
• Serve as an objective fact-finder through all aspects of the investigation and resolution process to ensure a prompt, fair, and equitable outcome for all parties.
• Ensure all parties understand their rights and responsibilities in the investigation process. Provide impacted parties with regular updates throughout the investigation. Make referrals to appropriate campus partners to ensure parties have appropriate support and resources.
• Develop standard protocols for investigations. Make recommendations for changes in protocols as circumstances and best practices evolve.
• Assist in overseeing investigations conducted by external contract investigators, as needed.
• Provide relevant information to the Director and Title IX Coordinator to assist in determining supportive measures for involved parties (such as no contact orders, interim removals, etc.) as provided by Bentley's policies. Communicate with campus partners as needed to effectuate supportive measures.
• Provide regular updates to the Director and Title IX Coordinator regarding the status of complaints, investigations, inquiries, andinvestigations.As appropriate, provide relevant information to the hearing panels to assist in sanctions determinations.


Alternative Resolution

• Where appropriate and consistent with policy, offer options for informal resolution of complaints. Ensure parties are fully aware of their rights and responsibilities in this process.
• Facilitate informal resolution through mediation and/or educational dialogue with impacted parties, consistent with university policy and best practices.


Expertise and Community Education

• Stay informed about current state and federal law in the field of higher education and employment related to sexual misconduct, harassment and other discriminatory practices that violate Title IX, VAWA, Title VII, and/or other relevant civil rights statutes.
• In collaboration with other team members and colleagues, develop and deliver educational training workshops for relevant constituents, including but not limited to faculty, staff, RAs, and incoming and returning students to support prevention education efforts and compliance with the university's equity and Title IX policies.
• Provide ongoing consultation regarding Title IX, VAWA, Title VII, the Clery Act, and other relevant civil rights statutes' requirements, grievance issues, reporting obligations, and compliance programs to the Director and Title IX Coordinator, Human Resources, and other community partners as required.
• Foster effective working relationships with individuals and organizations reflecting a broad range of identities, perspectives, and experiences.
• Provide education to community members about informal resolution pathways offered by the Office of Institutional Equity.


Administration and Community Education

• Assist in the day-to-day operations of the Office of Institutional Equity.
• Manage Clery reportable statistics and work collaboratively with colleagues in University Police to publish the Annual Security Report.
• Prepare annual statistical reports for the campus community.
• Evaluate active No Contact Orders on a semesterly basis and provide updates to principal parties as needed.


Minimum Qualifications

• Master's degree in law, student affairs, higher education, social work, counseling, criminal justice, human resources or related field required.
• Knowledge, training, and a minimum of 5 years' experience related to Title IX, VAWA, Title VII, employment law, sexual misconduct and/or intimate partner violence, employee relations, criminal law and other relevant civil rights statutes.
• Experience conducting complex investigations and preparing detailed, thorough and accurate investigative reports.
• Experience with title IX investigations, discrimination investigations, and/orsexualassault/harassment investigations and working with sexual assault survivors.
• Experience or prior training in alternative resolution, including restorative justice, mediation, and/or educational dialogue.
• Experience working sensitively and objectively with parties in disputes arising from allegations of sexual misconduct, discrimination and/or harassment.
• Experience in maintaining record-keeping systems related to investigations.
• Experience conducting student and/or professional development training in legal envrionement, higher education or employment environments.
• Completion of a nationally recognized training program in conducting Title IX and/or workplace investigations preferred.


Preferred Qualifications:

• Juris doctorate preferred.
• Relevant certifications a plus.


Work Environment

• Typical office setting with extensive sitting and computer work. This position will be considered for flexible work arrangements to suit the needs of the role and incumbent.
• Ability to travel around campus for meetings and other work related duties


Bentley University requires references checks and may conduct other pre-employment screening.

DIVERSITY STATEMENT

Bentley University strives to create a campus community that welcomes the exchange of ideas, and fosters a culture that values differences and views them as a strength in our community.

Bentley University is an Equal Opportunity Employer, building strength through diversity. The University is committed to building a community of talented students, faculty and staff who reflect the diversity of global business. We strongly encourage applications from persons from underrepresented groups, individuals with disabilities, covered veterans and those with diverse experiences and backgrounds.

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