Director of Title IX & Equity Compliance

The Director oversees all aspects of Title IX matters to ensure consistency, compliance and operating effectiveness across the enterprise, which includes students, faculty and staff at the University of Bridgeport and the Goodwin University. The position will also oversee investigations related to other matters of equity for students; and advise Human Resources on matters of equity for faculty and staff. This position will have offices in Bridgeport, CT and East Hartford, CT.

This position reports to the Vice President for Human Resources.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

The incumbent will supervise Equity and Title IX Coordinator based at the University of Bridgeport, and the Equity and Title IX Coordinator based at Goodwin University.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Ensuring compliance with Title IX of the Educational Amendments Act of 1972 (Title IX), the Jeanne Clery Act of 1990 (Clery Act), the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 (VAWA), Campus SaVe Act, Connecticut Public Act 14-11, Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and all other federal and state non­discrimination requirements, and the prompt and equitable resolution of all complaints arising under these regulations, and State of Connecticut guidelines/regulations.
• Oversee the investigation and resolution of reports of sex and other unlawful forms of discrimination and/or harassment (including sexual violence), stalking and relationship violence. Assigns investigator(s), and review and evaluate the investigative process to ensure compliance with internal policies and applicable laws.
• Develop and implement strategies to improve and maintain a positive campus climate with regard to sex discrimination; develop, implement and monitor policies and procedures;create, coordinate, and deliver documentation of all training and educational efforts.
• Collaborate closely with the university’s athletics leadership to review, monitor and ensure that all programs and activities are compliant with applicable regulations.
• Oversee the development and implementation of training and professional development on Title IX, equal employment opportunity, and civil rights laws, with an emphasis on prevention; regularly presents educational training to College community on relevant issues.
• Maintain effective collaborative working relationship with key university partners in student affairs, campus safety, human resources and academic affairs; may serve on the university’s behavioral intervention team, the diversity, equity and inclusion steering committee and, and other applicable university and community organizations/committees.
• Create/refine and oversee system of Deputy Title IX Coordinators, investigators, and a hearing panels for applicable cases.
• Organize and maintain grievance files, disposition reports, and other records regarding compliance, including annual reports of the number and nature of filed complaints and the disposition of said complaints, data collection, climate assessment, pattern monitoring; work with campus security and other administrators for data compilation in compliance with the Clery Act and other federal and state laws.
• In collaboration with the Office of Human Resources, provide leadership and direction for the purpose of advising, clarifying and identifying necessary resources and affirmative efforts to eliminate discrimination, harassment and retaliation in all educational and employment programs and activities and to ensure that access to facilities, opportunities, and resources is equitable throughout the campus, including drafting or assisting in the preparation of affirmative action plans, reports or other documents.
• Participate in and, where appropriate, lead the development of proactive diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives in support of the university's strategic plan to create a learning and working environment where all have an opportunity to succeed.

Other Functions :

• Performs similar or related work as required, directed or as situation dictates.
• Continues professional development and training; keeps current with trends.
• Assists other department staff as needed to promote a team effort.

Knowledge, Ability and Skill :

• Expert knowledge of labor laws, employee benefits, employee relations and organizational development principles and practices
• Strong organizational skills
• Proficient analytical, writing and communication skills
• Advanced listening, conflict resolution and negotiation skills
• Ability to safeguard confidential records and issues
• Ability to make confident judgement calls; strong problem-solving skills
• Confidence with taking the initiative and making decisions
• Critical thinking and conceptual skills; empathetic
• Supervisory and leadership skills
• Knowledge of Microsoft Suite, including Outlook

Qualifications:

Education, Training and Experience :

• Juris Doctor degree strongly preferred; an advanced degree in a field with direct relevance to the major responsibilities required.
• At least five (5) years’ experience in Title IX compliance, including experience as a Title IX Coordinator, required. Experience in equity (Title VI and Title VII) preferred. . ATIXA or similar training strongly desired.
• Supervisory experience required.
• Effective public speaking, training and facilitation skills with a variety of audiences.
• Strong legal research ability and computer skills and aptitude.
• Demonstrated working knowledge of relevant current state and federal laws and regulations, institutional policies, practices and procedures, identified best practices and trends in the field of higher education.
• Demonstrated commitment to developing and fostering best practices and policies to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, and build an environment in which all members of the University community are treated with respect and dignity.
• Demonstrated ability to work with individuals and groups representing a wide range of diverse academic, cultural, disability, ethnic, geographic and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Strong oral, written, interpersonal communication skills. Ability to communicate effectively while handling situations involving confidential and sensitive issues, content, and language.
• Demonstrated knowledge of conflict resolution and mediation methods.
• Skilled in effective investigation techniques, compiling, analyzing and reporting statistical data and ability to reach sound decisions and conclusion.
• Some evening and weekend hours are required as needed based on campus and team needs.
• Ability to work from the Bridgeport CT office and the East Hartford CT offices.

Special Requirements :

• Valid Driver’s License and own insured vehicle

Physical and Mental Requirements :



Work Environment None Under 1/3 1/3 to 2/3 Over 2/3 Outdoor Weather Conditions X Work with fumes or airborne particles X Work near moving mechanical parts X Risk of electrical shock X Vibration X



Physical Activity None Under 1/3 1/3 to 2/3 Over 2/3 Standing X Walking X Sitting X Talking & Hearing X Using hands/fingers to handle/feel X Climbing or balancing X Bending, pulling, pushing X Driving X



Lifting Requirements None Under 1/3 1/3 to 2/3 Over 2/3 Up to 10 pounds X Up to 25 pounds X Up to 50 pounds X Up to 75 pounds X Up to 100 pounds X Over 100 pounds X

Vision Requirements:

X Close vision (i.e. clear vision at 20 inches or less)

X Distance vision (i.e. clear vision at 20 feet or more)

X Color vision (i.e. ability to identify and distinguish colors)

X Peripheral vision (i.e. ability to observe an area that can be seen up and down or

left and right while the eyes are fixed on a given point)

X Depth perception (i.e. three-dimensional vision, ability to judge distances and

spatial relationships)

___ No special vision requirements

(This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee. It is used as a guide for personnel actions and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.)