Equity Officer/Investigator

OIE Equity Officer/Investigator

Elevate Your Career at UCCS: Innovate, Inspire, and Impact in the Rockies!

Who We Are

The University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) is a premier educational institution that prides itself on academic excellence, research, and community engagement and is actively seeking a Equity Officer/Investigator to join our team! UCCS offers a diverse and inclusive learning environment that fosters innovation, growth, and the holistic development of its students. The work location for this position is hybrid eligible with the potential to be remote. This position is Exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) overtime provisions.

At the base of the Rocky Mountains, Colorado Springs is captivated by its stunning landscapes, making it a paradise for nature lovers. This city is more than its scenery—a mosaic of history, arts, and a vibrant tech scene. We invite you to join a community that cherishes outdoor adventure as much as forward-thinking growth, an exceptional setting for both career and lifestyle.

Salary/Pay Range  $50,000 - $60,000  annually. Compensation will be commensurate upon experience and qualifications.

Benefits at a Glance

At UCCS, our employees are our most valued asset. We're proud to offer:

• Generous Time Off : Enjoy 22 vacation days, 10 sick days, paid parental leave, 13 recognized holidays, and provisions for bereavement, jury duty, and FAMLI Leave.
• Robust Health Coverage : Our comprehensive medical plans cover preventative care at no cost, including a yearly mental health visit. Plus, benefit from affordable dental, vision plans, and competitive prescription drug prices.
• Financial & Retirement Benefits : Take advantage of our health savings, flexible spending accounts, and life and disability insurance. Plan for your future with our retirement options.
• Further Your Education : Avail nine waived credits per academic year for courses at any CU campus. We invest in your educational and professional growth.
• Wellness & More : From wellness programs aimed at achieving your best self to various additional benefits through CU Advantage, we prioritize well-being and holistic development.
• Want to know your total compensation? Use our calculator to get the complete picture!

Summary

This position supports OIE operations by reviewing and responding to reports of possible sexual misconduct, protected class discrimination and harassment, and conflict of interest in amorous relationships, including but not limited to the Initial review and intake meetings, consultation with the Associate Vice Chancellor of Institutional Equity | Title IX Coordinator (AVC/TIXC) and other OIE staff or campus partners as appropriate. Conduct investigations into allegations of sexual misconduct, protected class discrimination and harassment, and conflict of interest in amorous relationships. Support facilitation of informal resolutions, to include education and training. As a designated Campus Security Authority (CSA), report crimes to UCCS Police Department in compliance with the Clery Act and other applicable policies and procedures. 

Essential Functions

The duties and responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to:

Primary Duties (80%)

Conduct prompt, thorough, and impartial investigations into allegations of protected class harassment and discrimination, sexual misconduct (including intimate partner abuse, dating and domestic violence, and stalking), and related retaliation that fall under UCCS jurisdiction in a timely manner.

• Collecting information in an efficient and supportive manner, in consideration of cultural and other differences, as applicable.
• Providing thorough information to involved parties, including details regarding the policies and procedures utilized and enforced by the OIE.
• Evaluating the nature and the urgency of the situation and determine the appropriate course of action.
• Interviewing complainants, respondents, and witnesses, analyzing and synthesizing information gained through the investigation process, and composing a clear and concise final report detailing the information obtained and the logical reasoning used to reach recommendations regarding responsibility (findings of fact and conclusions)
• Conduct other remedies-based case resolutions tailored to specific circumstances that help prevent behaviors from reoccurring and bridge the gap between intention and impact.
• Establishing and maintaining files and databases, including performing database entry, maintaining files, ensuring cases are entered appropriately and consistently, and checking each file for compliance with required documentation.
• Monitoring compliance of all requirements and timelines specified by university procedures.
• In support of continuity of care, collaborate with the designated Employee Relations professionals in the Human Resources Office (regarding staff), Provost’s Office (regarding faculty), and Dean of Students Office (regarding students) on complaints which are determined to be either outside of OIE’s jurisdiction or not a violation of policy. Collaborate with Law Enforcement officials in accordance with established university procedures.
• Refer individuals to necessary resources and coordinate such referrals with those agencies and departments.

Additional Duties (20%) 

• Maintain relevant certifications and/or complete assigned annual professional development/training.
• Support the development and delivery of trainings and educational programs to the UCCS community on University policies and procedures related to protected class harassment and discrimination, sexual misconduct, and conflict of interest in amorous relationships, and inform these constituents about the complaint procedures and investigative processes.
• Assist with creating, maintaining, analyzing and reporting data.
• Support the UCCS mission of upholding a positive learning, working, and living environment, by participating in campus committees, as determined with supervisor.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Tentative Search Timeline

• Priority will be given to applications submitted by: 5/3/2024.
• Potential interview dates: 5/6/2024 - 5/17/2024.
• Potential start date: 6/1/2024.

  UCCS is an equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

  In accordance with the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, UCCS does not discriminate based on sex in our employment or compensation practices.

  UCCS is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify our office at [email protected] .

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

• Bachelor's degree.
• Must have at least one year of professional experience conducting sexual misconduct and/or protected-class discrimination and harassment investigations. Must include experience conducting face-to-face and trauma-informed interviews, evidence gathering, and synthesis into an investigation report detailing findings of fact and analysis within applicable policy framework. 
  • Examples of relevant experience include work as a Title IX investigator, EEO investigator, Compliance investigator, Human Resources employee relations investigator, Social Work/Human Services investigator, or corporate or government entity internal investigations.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze complex situations, determine facts, exercise good judgment, maintain cultural awareness in interactions, identify solutions, and consistently apply policies and procedures in compliance with relevant regulations and/or statutes.

Preferred Qualifications

• Masters in relevant field (Law, Higher Education, Educational Leadership, Counseling, Psychology, Social Work, Sociology, Human Resources) is strongly preferred.
• Extensive training in the area of discrimination and harassment law, including civil rights laws such as Title IX, Title VI, and Title VII.
• Prior completion of investigative training or certification through a nationally recognized organization.
• Experience and/or training in forms of conflict resolution such as conflict coaching, mediation, facilitated dialogues, or restorative justice.
• Experience developing and facilitating prevention trainings for sexual misconduct, discrimination, and harassment.

Physical Requirements

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit. Employee is occasionally required to move. Tasks may involve using a computer continuously for long periods of time, talking and hearing within normal range. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each of the established essential functions and meet the physical and environment demands described satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, ability, physical and environmental conditions required of the employee on the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions, physical and environmental demands.

Applicants with disabilities: If you have a mental or physical impairment, which limits one of your major life activities (e.g. walking, hearing, seeing, speaking, breathing, or learning) and require special accommodations for testing or interviewing, it is your responsibility to notify the office scheduling the interview or test at least 3 working days before the interview or test date.  If you need special accommodations at the work site, you must notify the appointing authority or Human Resources.