Director of the Office for Prevention of Harassment and Discrimination

About the Office for Prevention of Harassment and Discrimination:

As part of its commitment to fostering a discrimination-free workplace, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory is seeking a Director of the Office for Prevention of Harassment and Discrimination (OPHD). This office plays a critical role in creating a work environment where employees are protected from all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation on the basis of protected categories. The OHPD team monitors compliance with nondiscrimination laws and policies, implements complaint resolution processes, and helps the Laboratory pursue best practices for fostering a discrimination-free work environment. The OHPD’s work emphasizes a commitment to safety, fairness, and trauma-informed practices, and coordinates and monitors the Laboratory’s ethics and EEO compliance activities to build and maintain a culture of accountability in which risk management, assessment, and mitigation are part of all Berkeley Lab business practices and decision making.

 

About the position:

Reporting to the Chief of Staff, the OPHD Director oversees the Lab’s investigative functions and ensures compliance with policies related to safety, nondiscrimination, inclusion, and belonging. They provide direct policy and communications expertise, collaborating with senior leadership to identify and resolve systemic issues to mitigate institutional risk. The Director also partners with key offices across the Laboratory to share investigation trends and demographic reporting updates, develop enterprise-wide programs, and/or respond to a variety of issues. The position manages all aspects of the Office, including staff and budget management.

 

In addition, the OPHD Director leads and oversees the Laboratory’s EEO/Whistleblower investigations, alternative resolution, and case management, and compliance with federal EEO/Affirmative Action (U.S. Dept. of Labor’s OFCCP and EEOC), California Fair Employment and Housing Act, California Whistleblower Protection Act, the Department of Energy (DOE) Employee Concerns program, and the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination policy. This position also serves as the Laboratory’s Title VII, IX, and EEO Officer, Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer, and Locally Designated Official. 

 

What You Will Do:

• Lead the implementation of University of California (UC), state, and federal nondiscrimination, non-harassment, and non-retaliation policies and laws.
• Serve as Berkeley Lab’s Title IX and Title VII Officer and the Laboratory’s designated representative with primary responsibility for investigation of non-discrimination complaints, including Title IX compliance efforts. 
• Oversee implementation and monitoring of Title IX-related and non-discrimination policies, complaint processes and procedures, as well as education and training for the Lab community. 
• Implement ethics and compliance strategic plans aligned with Berkeley Lab’s mission, stewardship values, and Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Accountability (IDEA) principles. 
• Prepare reports for the Department of Energy (DOE), UC, and other government agencies.
• Partner with Human Resources and the IDEA Office to ensure the Laboratory’s compliance as a federal contractor with its affirmative action program, including annual plan updates, associated audit and reporting systems, data collection, and reporting.
• Build relationships with key constituencies and stakeholders across the Laboratory.
• Ensure investigative and alternative resolution processes are effective, timely, efficient, and understandable.
• Participate in development, implementation and maintenance of risk assessment and ethics and compliance processes; determine avenues for resolution, assess potential liability, and advise managers and supervisors on appropriate corrective and remedial action; identify systemic issues to mitigate institutional risk.
• Conduct neutral, fact-finding investigations of complex, high-profile complaints when necessary.
• Conduct compliance and awareness training on harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and Whistleblower policy.
• Manage OPHD staff and budget, ensuring resources and training are available.
• Work with Berkeley Lab management to promote a culture of accountability, ethics, and compliance. Develop and coordinate policy communications; formulate strategies for education and implementation. Propose changes in policies as needed.

 

What is Required:

• Bachelor’s degree and 12 years experience in nondiscrimination compliance (e.g., Title IX or Title VII/EEO), overseeing complex investigations of discrimination or federal nondiscrimination law violations; or a combination of equivalent education and experience.
• 5+ years experience leading or supervising professional staff, including managing investigation professionals.
• Proven leadership and political acumen in managing sensitive investigations in large, complex organizations.
• Expert in best practices for investigations, including interviewing, evidence analysis, and report writing.
• Expert in federal/state laws on sexual harassment, including Title IX, Violence Against Women Act, and CA AB1825; advanced knowledge of nondiscrimination laws (e.g., Title VII, WPA, FEHA, ADA, Federal and/or California whistleblower reporting and protection laws).
• Experienced in responding to requests from the Office for Civil Rights, CA Dept. of Fair Employment and Housing, and the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunities Commission.
• Committed to Berkeley Lab’s IDEA principles and stewardship values .
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Significant experience interacting with diverse constituents, with demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as a trusted advisor with peers and senior leadership.
• Skilled in tact, sensitivity, sound judgment, diplomacy, project management and organizational skills, flexibility, and strict confidentiality.
• Proficient in analyzing and interpreting compliance issues, policies, and data, and analyzing and improving cross-functional practices.

 

Desired Qualifications:

• Juris Doctor or advanced degree in Human Resources, Business Management, or related field.
• Experience at a national laboratory or in UC investigations.
• Experience in fraud investigation or related areas.

 

Notes:

• For full consideration, please submit your resume and cover letter by July 15, 2024.
• This is a full-time career appointment, exempt (monthly paid) from overtime pay.
• This position is expected to pay $225,000 to $275,000, which fits within the full salary range of $200,460 to $338,280 for the Institutional Compliance & Ethics Manager job classification. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the full range for a position. Salary for this position will be commensurate with the final candidate’s qualifications and experience (including skills, knowledge, relevant education, certifications), as well as aligned with the internal leadership peer group.
• The Director of the Office for Prevention of Harassment and Discrimination is a career position that is appointed by and serves at the discretion of the Laboratory Director, and this appointment is at will and may be terminated at any time with or without cause.
• This position may be subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.
• This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule - a combination of teleworking and performing work on site at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA. Work schedules are dependent on business needs. Individuals working a hybrid schedule must reside within 150 miles of Berkeley Lab.

 

Learn About Us:

Berkeley Lab is a U.S. Department of Energy national laboratory managed by the University of California and designated a Federally Funded Research and Development Center. Located in the San Francisco Bay Area, we have a close relationship with UC Berkeley, as well as robust partnerships with other academic institutions and industries, including those in Silicon Valley. The Laboratory conducts world-class research that supports clean energy, a healthy planet, and solution-inspired discovery science. Berkeley Lab is defined by our deeply felt sense of stewardship , which we describe as a commitment to taking care of the Laboratory's research, people, and resources that are entrusted to us. Our values of team science, innovation, service, trust, and respect knit us together as a community. We practice these values and prioritize our principles of inclusion, diversity, equity, and accountability (IDEA ) to build highly effective teams that produce world-class science and technology and where all individuals, regardless of their backgrounds, disciplines, and experiences, can thrive.

 

Working at Berkeley Lab has many rewards including a competitive compensation program, excellent health and welfare programs, a retirement program that is second to none, and outstanding development opportunities. To view information about the many rewards that are offered at Berkeley Lab- Click Here .

 

Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. We heartily welcome applications from women, minorities, veterans, and all who would contribute to the Lab’s mission of leading scientific discovery, inclusion, and professionalism. In support of our diverse global community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. 

 

Equal Opportunity and IDEA Information Links: Know your rights, click here for the supplement: "Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law" and the Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision under 41 CFR 60-1.40.