Employee Relations Manager (Investigations Administrator)

Employee Relations Manager (Investigations Administrator)

Position Category: Staff (Exempt)
FLSA: Exempt
FTE: 1.0
Location: Thousand Oaks

University Background:
The mission of California Lutheran University is to educate leaders for a global society who are strong in character and judgment, confident in their identity and vocation, and committed to service and justice. Founded in 1959 in beautiful Ventura County, the university has an enrollment of about 4,000 undergraduate and graduate students who come from across the nation and around the world from a diversity of backgrounds, cultures and faiths. As a federally recognized Hispanic-Serving Institution, Cal Lutheran is looking for candidates with a dedication to and success in working in diverse communities. The university is committed to an inclusive learning and work environment that values individual differences and respects each person’s dignity.

Basic Function:
Under the direction and supervision of the Associate Vice President of Human Resources, this manager is responsible for supporting and conducting investigations of complaints of sex discrimination in education programs and activities, harassment, discrimination including bias conduct, retaliation, and other policy violations. The incumbent investigates complaints brought through the Harassment, Discrimination, and Bias Reporting System/Incident Response Team and Title IX Coordinator. The incumbent also investigates general workplace complaints or concerns brought through direct reporting to the Human Resources Department. The Employee Relations Manager coaches, counsels, and advises supervisors on performance management matters.

Representative Duties:

• Conduct informal and formal investigations of complaints asserting violations of the University’s Harassment, Discrimination, Biased Conduct and Retaliation Prohibition policy and Title IX policy. E
• Serve as point of contact and provide support, guidance and direction to supervisors and other employees on the management of employee performance with a focus on performance improvement and corrective action. Assist with the development and delivery of appropriate feedback or corrective/disciplinary actions across the University management and staff to ensure the resolution of employment-related matters. E
• Investigate complaints of workplace misconduct, policy violations, and/or mis- application of University policy/procedures identified in the University’s Employee Handbook. E
• Coordinate the research, investigation, routing and/or response to issues brought forward through the University Campus Hotline; ensure concerns are addressed in a timely fashion. E
• Evaluate complaints, develop investigation plans, identify and interview witnesses, gather and secure relevant documentation, conduct and memorialize interviews, identify and collect relevant information, analyze evidence and data, make credibility assessments, apply policy, and prepare written investigative findings report based on a preponderance of the evidence. E
• Assure compliance with timelines, act as an impartial party, maintain a high level of confidentiality and discretion, and ensure a prompt, fair and neutral process for all parties. E
• Write applicable correspondence related to complaint and investigations process including a comprehensive and/or summary finding report where necessary and appropriate. E
• Recommend interim and protective measures to Incident Response Team as necessary. E
• Coordinate investigations and related reports with Campus Safety or Title IX coordinator as necessary. E
• Explain outcomes of investigations to relevant parties. E
• Assist in the creation and revision of University policies/procedures related to harassment, discrimination, biased conduct, and retaliation. Assist in development of comprehensive training programs on same. E
• Keep abreast of all state and federal laws and regulations regarding equal employment opportunity including but not limited to, Americans with Disabilities Act, Title VI, Title VII and Title IX laws, policies and procedures. E
• Investigate and respond to external complaints from state and federal agencies. Prepares position statements verified responses and participates in fact-finding proceeding with external agencies. E
• Audit screening and selection practices for faculty and staff positions to ensure equity and freedom from bias behavior; research trends in departments and make recommendations; investigate complaints from applicants. E
• Promote and support University compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Investigates complaints of non- compliance of such. E
• Provide guidance to University faculty and staff on issues of discrimination and harassment, accommodations, and workplace climate. Maintain collaborative relationships with campus constituents and external entities to ensure effective and timely efforts to address issues of compliance. E
• Conduct exit interviews with faculty and staff; prepare related reports; identify trends and areas in need of attention. E
• Assist in the development of training programs for faculty and staff in assigned area. E
• Assist with special Human Resources projects as needed or assigned. E
• Interview employees to discuss personnel and work-related issues that adversely affect morale, health, and productivity and meets with management to determine appropriate action.

E=Essential Duties

Knowledge Of:

• Title VI, Title VII, ADA and EEO laws policies and procedures.
• Title IX, Clery Act and VAWA.
• Principles of conducting an investigation
• Principles of comprehensive investigative report writing
• Current state and federal laws and regulations, best practices, and trends in the field of education related to discrimination, harassment, and retaliation.
• Applicable laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Computer applications, systems, and hardware used in the field.
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.
• Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary.
• Understanding of and appreciation for diversity, equity and inclusion.
• Knowledge of performance management practices

Ability To:

• Coach leaders through performance management situations.
• Communicate effectively, orally and in writing.
• Manage multiple priorities and activities.
• Plan and organize short and long-term projects.
• Relate well to people of all backgrounds by being open, approachable, and collaborative.
• Work with students, faculty, and staff from diverse backgrounds and identities.
• Remain non-judgmental and non-threatening demonstrate excellent judgement and discretion in difficult situations.
• Manage complex situations, particularly those that require a high level of confidentiality.
• Work with individuals from a variety of backgrounds, including victims of trauma.
• Prepare clear and concise reports and correspondence.
• Create comprehensive written investigative reports, summarize evidence, and make findings.
• Develop and implement effective policies and procedures for the assigned programs and services.
• Anticipate conditions, plan ahead, establish priorities, and meet schedules.
• Use computer applications in the performance of duties.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with administrators, faculty, and students.
• Travel as needed.

Minimum Qualifications:
Any combination equivalent to: bachelor’s degree in human resources, psychology, organizational development, business administration or a related field and five (5) years of professional-level experience in Human Resources conducting workplace investigations including writing administrative reports related to investigations of discrimination and/or harassment.

Preferred Qualifications:
• Experience in a higher education setting.
• Experience conducting investigations under the scope of Title IX.
• Master’s degree or Juris Doctorate.
• Experience conducting prompt, thorough, and equitable investigations regarding allegations of harassment, discrimination, and retaliation in an educational institution.



Licenses and Other Requirements:
None

Physical Abilities:


Working Environment:
Office and virtual; exposure to highly difficult and emotionally charged situations.

Posting Number: Staff004702020
Number of Vacancies:
Desired Start Date: 01/31/2022
Position End Date:
Open Date: 11/09/2021
Close Date: 1/23/2022
Open Until Filled: No

Application Procedure/Special Instructions:


To apply, visit https://careers.callutheran.edu/postings/8596

California Lutheran University is committed to providing equal opportunity in employment for all persons, regardless of race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, marital status, sex, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender, gender identity or expression, or any other basis protected by applicable law. No person shall be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination in any program, activity or facility of the University on the basis of these factors in a manner consistent with applicable federal and state laws, regulations, ordinances, orders and rules, and University’s policies, procedures, and processes.

Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process can be provided to individuals with qualifying disabilities. Please contact the Human Resources Department for further information or to request an accommodation. jeid-d2f1a13cc8f66e49a6a4dfd53c476296