Title IX/Equal Opportunity Officer at University of Houston - Downtown in Houston, Texas

Job Description:

This position is 100% on campus

Salary Range: $105,177/year or higher, commensurate with experience and/or education

JOB SUMMARY 

The Title IX/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/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 reports 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:

• Makes final decisions on evaluating employee performance; hiring new employees; disciplinary actions


• Makes final decision on scheduling employee work hours


• Makes final decision on coaching and counseling; training; provides recommendations on handling employee grievances and complaints; and makes final decision on granting time off

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


• Ability to work with a wide range of constituencies (staff, students, faculty, parents, administrators) with diplomacy and tact


• Ability to manage multiple, ongoing, and complex caseloads 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 which does not subject the employee to any unpleasant elements


• The position is physically comfortable; the individual has discretion about walking, standing, etc


• The work environment involves minimal exposure to physical risks

EEO/AA 

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

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