Title IX and Equal Opportunity Officer

Title IX and Equal Opportunity Officer - (STA008943) 

Description

Salary: $101,747 or higher, commensurate with education, experience and qualifications.

The Title IX and Equal Opportunity Officer reports to the University President and has ultimate compliance responsibility for Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and the Violence Against Women Act Re-authorization of 2012 (VAWA). The Title IX and Equal Opportunity Officer manages the day-to-day responsibilities associated with the University's Title IX compliance obligations and ensures the effectiveness and consistency of sexual harassment and sexual violence investigations. In addition, this position oversees ADA, Section 504 and Title VII for students, faculty and staff, and ensures awareness of options and resources with respect to reporting and filing complaints alleging sexual harassment, sexual assault, sexual misconduct, relationship violence and discrimination based on membership in a protected class.

The Title IX and Equal Opportunity Officer is responsible for collecting the relevant facts related to incidents reported and assessing whether further review or investigation is necessary to guarantee the safety of the impacted party(ies) and the community. As a neutral party, the Title IX and Equal Opportunity Officer will ensure alleged discrimination is promptly and appropriately investigated, including notifying and interviewing complainants, respondents, and witnesses; obtaining and reviewing relevant documents and issuing factual findings and recommendations.

DUTIES

• Serves as the primary compliance officer for state and federal laws relating to sexual harassment and violence prevention.
• Creates, modifies, and oversees programs as required by law, regulation or agreement relating to sexual harassment and violence prevention.
• Identifies and integrates best practices in the Title IX investigation arena into knowledge base and practice.
• Effectively communicates services and training programs related to Title IX, sexual harassment and other non-discrimination issues to the University community.
• Develops, revises and oversees University policies, procedures, protocols and practices ensuring compliance with Title IX regulations.
• Prepares annual statistical report on the number, nature and disposition of complaints. Identifies patterns and makes recommendations relating to sexual harassment and violence.
• Receives and processes inquiries pertaining to Title IX and Title VII violations. Responsible for formal and informal investigations of complaints based on race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or status, gender expression and veteran status, including complaints of sexual harassment and/or sexual assault, as well as related grievance procedures.
• Maintains a case management database to organize, manage and track Title IX and Title VII incidents. Writes comprehensive reports of investigations with findings of fact and recommendation(s).
• Stays abreast of regulations and statutes relating to civil rights laws and gender-based violence, including but not limited to, Title IX and VAWA as necessary.
• Informs and counsels campus leadership of requirements regarding Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity (AA/EEO) and non- discrimination issues.
• Collaborates with the UH System Assistant Vice Chancellor for Equal Opportunity Services in developing the University's Affirmative Action Plan (AAP).
• Trains faculty and staff search committees and serves as a resource in matters of AA/EEO.

MARGINAL DUTIES

• Performs other related duties as required and deemed appropriate in support of the President
• Serves as a member of the President's Extended Cabinet

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Direct Reports:  Full Time Employees

Delegation of Work:  Regularly assigns work to subordinate(s)

Supervision Given:  None

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of state and federal civil rights laws and regulations including Title IX, Title VI, VAWA, ADA
• Knowledge of best practices as they relate to institutions of higher education compliance with Title IX and VAWA

Skills:

• Skilled in trauma-informed communication, managing change, and building consensus with strong conflict resolution, de-escalation, and mediation expertise
• Effective project management, organization, and analytical skills
• Strong presentation and facilitation skills with an emphasis on education and training for a variety of constituencies
• Strong written communication skills
• Excellent attention to detail and strong problem-solving skills
• Strong interpersonal skills

Abilities:

• Demonstrated ability to use discretion and excellent judgment, maintain confidentiality, exercise patience, and work under multiple deadlines while maintaining strong attention to detail
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate, identify opportunities, and take action to build effective cross-functional relationships in order to achieve institutional goals
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusivity, as well as the ability to work with a wide range of constituencies (staff, students, faculty, parents, administrators) with diplomacy and tact
• Ability to manage multiple, on-going and complex caseload of Title IX related incidents and complaints
• Ability to deal with confidential and sensitive information
• Ability to build relationships and establish collaborative partnerships across the institution and peer institutions
• Ability to remain a neutral party
• Ability to act independently, take initiative and exercise sound judgment

WORK LOCATION AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Primary Work Location:  Works in an office environment

Physical Demands:  Work is normally performed in a typical interior work environment that does not subject the employee to any unpleasant elements. The position is physically comfortable; the individual has discretion about walking, standing, sitting, etc.  The work environment involves minimal exposure to physical risks.

EEO/AA

Qualifications

Required Education: 

• J.D. Degree

Required Experience: 

• Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in a related field
• Experience in conducting investigations alleging discrimination in a higher education environment; proven history of higher education inclusive excellence

License/Certification:  None required

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience in developing and presenting training workshops for faculty, staff, and students, particularly dealing with Title IX compliance and investigations
• Experience managing a departmental budget
• Supervisory experience
• Experience communicating with diverse constituencies in individual and group settings
• Proven experience with ADA and Section 504
• Knowledge of criminal law

About University of Houston Downtown

The University of Houston-Downtown – the second largest university in Houston - is a comprehensive four-year university offering bachelor’s and selected master’s degree programs and providing strong academic and career preparation as well as life-long learning opportunities. Located in the heart of the city, the University reflects the diversity of the Greater Houston Metropolitan Area, and, through its academic programs, engages with the community to address the needs and advance the development of the region. UHD is an inclusive community dedicated to integrating teaching, service, and scholarly research to develop students’ talents and prepare them for success in a dynamic global society. UHD draws students from throughout the Greater Houston area. UHD is considered one of the most ethnically diverse liberal arts institutions in the southwest, a distinction that indicates the student body accurately reflects the Houston community's wealth of cultures, languages and nationalities. The University offers all students a specially tailored opportunity for quality higher education, as well as small classes.  UHD employs over 1,100 faculty and staff. 

Since opening its doors in 1974, UHD has grown in mission and service, and now offers baccalaureate degrees in 45 areas and nine master's degree programs. Over 15,000 students attend classes in five colleges: Marilyn Davies College of Business; Humanities and Social Sciences; Public Service; Sciences and Technology; and University College. UHD boasts over 56,000 alumni and is noted nationally as both a Hispanic-Serving Institution and a Minority-Serving Institution.  As one of the four distinct and separate components of the University of Houston System, UHD offers educational opportunities and access to students from a variety of backgrounds, including many first-generation college students, students who work full- or part-time, students with additional family obligations, and students who transfer from community colleges and other higher education institutions. The University of Houston System is a public system of higher education that includes three other universities in addition to UHD—the University of Houston, UH-Clear Lake and UH-Victoria.