Senior Investigator - Equal Opportunity & HR Compliance Programs (43 weeks)
Westfield State University

Senior Investigator - Equal Opportunity & HR Compliance Programs (43 weeks)


About Westfield State University:

In 1839, Westfield State University was founded on the ideals of Horace Mann who sought to improve society through education. We were the first public education institution without barrier to race, gender or economic class. The spirit of innovative thinking and social responsibility is forged in a curriculum of liberal arts and professional studies contributing to the development of knowledge, skills, and character essential for students to become responsible leaders and engaged citizens.

Westfield State is a highly residential campus with approximately 55% of our 3,100 full-time undergraduate students living on campus. The campus is ideally situated on the edge of the Berkshire Mountains in western Massachusetts just 30 minutes from the thriving cultural centers of Springfield, Northampton, and Amherst with a selection of museums, theater, collegiate and minor league sports, hiking trails, and restaurants. The University is within 1.5 hours of Boston and Albany and within 3 hours of New York City and the Green Mountain range of Vermont.

Thank You for Your Interest in Becoming a Westfield State Community Member

You are welcome here. You can advance your career and make a difference here. We invite you to bring your whole self and talents to Westfield State University. The University seeks applicants whose record of teaching, student advising, research, and administration positions them to contribute to the everyday practice of our institutional values.

Our Values

Westfield State commits to values that strengthen a common bond among all members of our community and promotes a rich campus environment.

• Embrace Diversity - We treat all members of our community with dignity and respect.
• Maintain Excellence and Integrity - We maintain excellence and integrity in all that we do.
• Collaborate with Each Other - We make decisions in a transparent and collaborative manner.
• Provide Accessible Education - We commit to providing an accessible, affordable public higher education for all.
• Build a Strong Community - We are inclusive and ensure equity, supporting the personal development of all community members, and embracing multiple perspectives.
• Engage the Outside Community - We support civic engagement in local, regional, and global initiatives.

Job Description:

Campus Title: Senior Investigator - Equal Opportunity and HR Compliance Programs (43 weeks)
State Job Title: Associate Director
Department: Office of Human Resources, Title IX, & Equal Opportunity
Job Code: HA6300
FLSA Status: Exempt
Funding: 7115-0100
Bargaining Unit: NUP
Job Type: Full-Time Permanent
Timeframe: 43 Weeks
Shift: Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Regular Days Off: Saturday and Sunday
Supervision Received: The Equal Opportunity Investigator reports to the Title IX Coordinator within the Office of Human Resources, Title IX, & Equal Opportunity.
Supervision Exercised: N/A
Salary: $70,000.00 to $75,000.00 (Salary commensurate with education and experience)

General Statement of Duties: The Senior Investigator has primary responsibility for the investigation and resolution of matters related to the University's Equal Opportunity, Diversity and Affirmative Plan ("EO Plan") and Anti-Sexual Harassment Policy, compliance programs, and relevant policies. The Investigator is responsible for investigating alleged incidents of discrimination, harassment, retaliation and sexual violence, as defined in the EO Plan as well as non-discriminatory forms of mistreatment as described in the University's Anti-Bullying Policy. The Investigator is responsible for gathering, preserving and analyzing evidence/information to determine the outcome of the investigation and recommended corrective action and/or resolution.

The Investigator assists in resolving complaints of sexual misconduct, sexual harassment, gender-related violence, including stalking and intimate partner violence, and protected class discrimination and harassment involving employees and students at the University. The incumbent will work closely with appropriate employees, such as with the campus police, to conduct investigations of complaints filed by students and employees. When a complaint is filed, the Investigator will conduct a prompt and thorough investigation. The Investigator acts as a neutral party in the investigation, and provides a detailed, unbiased report regarding the findings of the investigation.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Duties include but not limited to:
Essential:

Investigation and Consultation:

• Conduct a prompt, equitable and impartial administrative investigation into complaints, including identifying and interviewing parties, and identifying, gathering and assessing information relevant to the investigation; apply relevant policies and make findings of fact in individual cases.
• Identify University policies and/or Student Conduct Code provisions relevant to a complaint.
• Exercise judgment regarding the resolution of complaints, including informal resolution and formal investigation.
• Prepare comprehensive investigation reports, including factual findings, conclusions, and recommendations for discipline and/or other corrective action.
• Serve as the contact for all parties to an investigation, and manage communication regarding the investigation process.
• Assist Human Resources in the development of training programs for faculty, staff and students on equal opportunity, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, sexual violence, Title IX, and other related topics.
• Remain abreast of University, state and federal policies, statutes, regulations and guidance documents in the area of discrimination, harassment, retaliation and sexual violence.
• Participate in professional forums, conferences, training and/or seminars. Continuously identify and integrate best practices in the equal opportunity investigation field into knowledge base and practice.
• Identify opportunities for investigation enhancement, and make recommendations to the Title IX Coordinator and Associate Vice President of HR.
• Actively foster and maintain a climate that is supportive of students and respectful of difference.
• Perform other duties as required or assigned, which are reasonably within the scope of duties enumerated above.

Community Outreach & Education:

Provide information to students, employees and others regarding the Student Conduct Code and University policies related to discrimination and harassment.

• Create and facilitate training/presentations to the workforce, students and student groups regarding the University's nondiscrimination policies and identify and integrate best practices into the complaint resolution process.
• Cultivate relationships with campus stakeholders (e.g., faculty, students, and staff).
• Develop and maintain relationships and clear lines of communication with campus and community partners. Collaborate with on and off campus resources, including law enforcement and victim services in resolving complaints, and work with the Office of Student Conduct to ensure that the University's processes, responses, and policies are consistent with federal and state laws and regulations related to compliance with non-discrimination laws.
• Build relationships with colleagues at peer institutions; review current literature and research; participate in local, regional and/or national professional associations and organizations.
• Chair / Co-Chair a campus wide working group dedicated to addressing the acute needs of employees whose behavior indicates a possible threat to themselves or others.

Requirements:

Required Qualifications:

• Associate's degree preferably in in human resources, higher education administration, business or other relevant field.
• Substantial experience in addressing and resolving employee complaints and/or grievances.
• Experience and knowledge in diversity issues, current trends and best practices; demonstrated knowledge of and ability to interpret federal and state laws applicable to institutions of higher education that address discrimination, harassment, sexual assault, relationship violence and stalking, including but not limited to, Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX, American with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Rehabilitation Act, the Clery Act, Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (ADEA), Violence Against Women Act of 2013 (VAWA), as well as other state and federal civil rights regulations and guidelines.
• Ability to independently and efficiently manage an investigative caseload.
• High degree of personal integrity to maintain confidentiality, as well as professionalism and business acumen to encourage confidence and trust from constituents.
• Exceptional communication skills (written, verbal and interpersonal communication). This should include the ability to deliver effective presentations, facilitate groups, and mediate the successful resolution of conflicts and complaints.
• Strong analytical, evaluative and research skills.
• Proficiency using computers and standard office applications, including Microsoft Office.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree.
• Experience working in a unionized higher education environment.

Additional Information:

Salary:

Salaries for current Westfield State University employees and individuals currently working for the state of Massachusetts must be calculated individually in accordance with collective bargaining agreements as well as state policies. State job specifications may be found on the Department of Higher Education's webpage.

Employee Benefits:

Benefits are an important component of an employee's total compensation package.

• Health Insurance: Westfield State offers a variety of HMO, POS, and PPO-type health insurance plans for eligible employees with coverage effective on the 1st of the month following the 60 days of employment.
• Retirement: the MA State Employee Retirement System provides eligible employees with a retirement pension following a 10-year vesting period. In lieu of the retirement pension, eligible employees may select the Optional Retirement Plan with a maximum 5% employer matching contribution.
• Tuition Waivers & Discounts: eligible employees, including spouses and dependent children, receive reduced tuition at MA state colleges, community colleges, and universities.
• Paid Time Off: employees receive 12 paid holidays and generous vacation, personal, and sick leave benefits.
• Additional information regarding employee benefits is available on the University's Benefits & Wellness webpage.

Disability Accommodations

Westfield State University is committed to the full inclusion of individuals with disabilities and will ensure the availability of reasonable accommodations. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact Human Resources at (413) 572-8809 or visit us in the Horace Mann Building, 1st floor.

Background Check

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion and review of a background check. A criminal record will not automatically disqualify an applicant from consideration.


Application Instructions:

An on-line application is required. The successful candidate must submit an official transcript at the time of hire. Interested candidates should electronically attach the following documents:

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Contact information for three references *
• Copy of unofficial transcript of highest degree
• A relevant writing sample regarding your efforts in support of complaint investigation or resolution. References to names, locations, or other identifying information should be redacted.

* Provide the contact information for reference providers in the reference section of the online application.

Deadline: The job posting will be open a minimum of ten days and, if needed, will remain open until finalists have been selected.

NOTE: If you need assistance completing your application please contact our online Help Desk. The link to the help desk can be found at the top of the page via Contact Us.



To apply, visit https://westfield.interviewexchange.com/jobofferdetails.jsp?JOBID=173238&CNTRNO=4&TSTMP=0





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