Director of Title IX & Civil Rights Compliance

Director of Title IX & Civil Rights Compliance

Job Description Summary

On-site Illinois location

 

The Director of Title IX & Civil Rights Compliance is a strategic leader who collaborates with colleagues across the college to create a safe and welcoming campus environment for all.  The Director oversees the college’s compliance with all statutory and regulatory requirements related to equal opportunity and non-discrimination, including but not limited to Title IX, Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), and Illinois Preventing Sexual Violence in Higher Education Act. The Director reports to the President and works in close collaboration with members of the senior staff and many campus partners. 

 

The Director develops and coordinates the implementation of a college-wide strategic plan focused on delivering education, training, and prevention programming and centralizing reporting processes, ensuring timely, fair, and appropriate responses to all reports.  As a critical contributor to the college’s efforts to achieve inclusive excellence, the Director serves as a central resource for the college community on issues related to Title IX and protected class discrimination and harassment. 

 

The Director is the college’s designated Title IX Coordinator.

 

Essential Duties

 

• Develop and implement a college-wide strategic plan to ensure compliance with all state and federal civil rights and equal opportunity laws and regulations, including the development, implementation, and monitoring of appropriate policies, procedures, and resolution procedures.

   

  Coordinate the development and delivery of college-wide education, training, and prevention programming related to antidiscrimination laws and policies, including Title IX.  Create and disseminate educational materials, including brochures, posters, and web-based materials that inform members of the community (students, faculty, and staff) of their rights, responsibilities and available support resources;

   

  Develop, coordinate, and lead peer education programs for campus constituencies. Hire, train, and provide supervision of student employees and student-led programs.

   

  Be an active and engaged member of the campus community who regularly participates in the life of the College and builds the relationships necessary with members of campus community to instill a sense of trust, respect, and professionalism for the position.

   

  Oversee prompt, effective, and equitable intake and resolution of all complaints of bias, discrimination, and harassment, including responding to reports made through online platforms.  This includes:

   

o   Hiring and overseeing investigators and hearing officers as needed;

 

o   Recruiting, coordinating training, and supporting individuals involved in the resolution process;

 

o   Training and supervision of a small team of deputy coordinators in several functional areas across campus;

 

o   Providing supportive measures to parties; and

 

o   Providing all required notices and maintaining all required documentation.

 

• Develop and implement a comprehensive, robust, and trauma-informed approach to supporting individuals impacted by discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation. Coordinate with internal and external entities to provide services and support to those reporting incidents and to those responding to allegations of policy violations.  Provide a connection point for those seeking services.

   

  Stay abreast of current and emerging regulatory obligations, identify areas of institutional risk, and develop plans of action for ensuring college rules and standard operating procedures are in compliance with federal Title IX and equal opportunity/civil rights compliance laws and regulations. Develop proactive initiatives to meet the changing legal and regulatory environment, as well as the evolving needs of the campus;

   

  Assist campus Clery Officer with Clery Act reporting and compliance;

   

  Collaborate with colleagues across the campus to gather and analyze relevant data. Use data to inform strategic visioning for the work and lead the development of annual campus reporting; 

   

  Provide budget planning, oversight, and monitoring of operational budget;

   

  Maintain a high level of cultural competence, overall responsiveness, attention to detail, and the ability to exercise excellent and unbiased judgment and reasoning;

   

  Possesses an ability and commitment to maintain confidentiality and remain impartial in complex and difficult situations;

   

  Serve as a member of the appropriate campus committees and teams;

   

  Perform other duties as assigned.

   

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

 

• Deep knowledge and understanding of applicable state and federal civil rights legislation and/or policies and procedures.

   

  Prior experience with primary responsibility for compliance and education related to Title IX and/or Title VI and VII.

   

  Demonstrated skills in conflict resolution and problem solving.

   

  Demonstrated commitment to cultural competency and the ability to effectively relate and communicate across differences.

   

  Excellent organizational, time management, and written & verbal communications skills, including teamwork and interpersonal communication.

   

  Exceptional critical thinking skills to facilitate resolution of challenging scenarios, including the ability to analyze sensitive, complex, and confidential topics.

   

 

Minimum Education and/or Work Experience:

 

• Bachelor's degree in a related field.

   

  At least five years of experience working in higher education or a field related to the position (sexual assault, domestic violence, law, etc.) including responsibility for compliance, and developing and implementing educational programming.

   

  Knowledge of FERPA, Title IX, the Clery Act, VAWA, and the Illinois Preventing Sexual Violence in Higher Education Act.

   

  Experience and/or training in trauma-informed care.

   

 

Preferred Qualifications:

 

• Advanced degree in a related field.

   

  Title IX Coordinator Certification.

   

  Knowledge and experience with compliance and education on Title VI and VII and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

   

  Proficiency with Maxient, MS Office Suite, Internet, and email applications and willingness to learn and use new technological tools.

   

  Title IX and/or civil rights Investigatory experience in a higher education setting.

   

Notice of Non-Discrimination 

 

In keeping with its commitment to equal rights since it was founded in 1837, Knox College particularly welcomes applications from members of underrepresented groups. Knox College does not discriminate on the basis of sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, race, color, creed, national or ethnic origin, religion or religious affiliation, sexual orientation or preference, age, marital or family status, disability, veteran status, or other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law in admission, financial aid, employment, athletics, or any other aspect of its educational programs or activities. In addition, Knox College is prohibited by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and its accompanying regulations from so discriminating on the basis of sex.

The College official responsible for coordinating compliance with this Notice of

Non-Discrimination is Kimberly K. Schrader, Title IX Coordinator. Any inquiries regarding Title IX or the College's policies that prohibit discrimination and harassment should be directed to the Title IX Coordinator identified below. The Coordinator will be available to meet with or talk to students, staff, and faculty regarding issues relating to this Notice of Non-Discrimination and the College's policies and procedures.

Title IX Coordinator Kimberly K. Schrader

Old Jail 121 Campus Box K-209 337 South Cherry Street Galesburg, IL 61401

Phone: 309-341-7751

Email: kschrade@knox.edu

 

Inquiries about the application of Title IX to Knox may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, the United States Department of Education's Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, or both. Individuals may also contact the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Civil Rights for additional information.

 

Office for Civil Rights

U.S. Department of Education-Chicago Office 500 W Madison St., Suite 1475

Chicago, IL 60661-4544

Phone: 312-730-1560

Email: ocr@ed.gov