Job Information
Vanderbilt University Equal Opportunity and Access Investigator in Nashville, Tennessee
The EOA Investigator will be responsible for resolution of reports of protected class discrimination, harassment, and retaliation, and will work closely with People Experience, the Office of the Provost, Student Affairs, the Office of the General Counsel, and other university administrators. This position is part of the Center of Expertise: Equity & Engagement and is a key individual contributor to its work supporting a campus free from discrimination and harassment, where all can engage fully in the work of the institution. The Investigator position requires excellent interpersonal skills, a significant amount of writing and analysis, and an ability to investigate multiple complaints simultaneously in an efficient manner.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Investigate allegations of discrimination and harassment on the basis of a protected class, as well as related retaliation, independently or in collaboration with another investigator, including creating an investigation plan, conducting party and witness interviews, gathering and securing relevant documentation and other evidence, writing and otherwise preparing investigation reports, and provide timely and meaningful communication to stakeholders throughout the resolution process
Timely and accurately update the EOA Director and Assistant Director on the status of pending matters.
Collaborate with university offices and community resources to assist in determining supportive measures and implementing University policies.
Train university students, faculty, and staff on relevant policies and prevention measures.
Maintain updated case files in the case management system.
Participate in self-directed professional reading, develop professional contacts with colleagues, and attend relevant professional development courses and trainings to build
subject area expertise.
Champion measurable continuous improvement by optimizing people, processes, and technology, including AI, to democratize access and opportunity to learning, development, and growth opportunities across the organization.
Champion of our values: belonging, self-direction, collaboration, and growth.
Additionally, undertake any other responsibilities as needed.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education is required.
Graduate or Advanced degree (e.g., Master’s, Ph.D., J.D.) in relevant field is preferred.
Minimum of one year of demonstrated work experience conducting and managing fact-finding investigations into allegations of protected class discrimination and harassment or comparable field is strongly preferred.
Knowledge of nondiscrimination laws and compliance regulations including but not limited to: Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (as amended), the Americans with Disabilities Act (as amended), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) amendments to the Clery Act, and FERPA.
Experience in a university setting is preferred.
Familiarity with current best practices and a working knowledge of emerging issues in equity and compliance.
Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to effectively convey complex information to a wide array of audiences with appropriate sensitivity.
Excellent judgment with the ability to manage highly sensitive, confidential data and information.
Strong organizational and time management techniques with the ability to prioritize and complete work with firm deadlines.
Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to listen well and demonstrate sensitivity to and respect for individual needs.
Empathy for and real-world experience with the wide range of disciplines, interests, and people represented at the University and a deep appreciation for the University’s mission and values.
Willingness to provide and receive constructive feedback on work product as part of a highly collaborative office.
Ability to develop working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and parents/guardians (where appropriate).
Honest, with the highest personal and professional integrity.
Flexible and open-minded, yet able to stand one’s ground when necessary.
Collaborative style that fosters cooperation and involvement.
Ability to take initiative, multi-task, and work well under pressure.
Commitment to take ownership of a project from outset through completion.
Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
At Vanderbilt University, we are intentional about and assume accountability for fostering advancement and respect for equity, diversity, and inclusion for all students, faculty, and staff. Our commitment to diversity makes us who we are. We have created a community that celebrates differences and lets individuality thrive. As part of this commitment, we actively value diversity in our workplace and learning environments as we seek to take advantage of the rich backgrounds and abilities of everyone. The diverse voices of Vanderbilt represent an invaluable resource for the University in its efforts to fulfill its mission and strive to be an example of excellence in higher education.
Vanderbilt University is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Please note, all candidates selected for an offer of employment are subject to pre-employment background checks, which may include but are not limited to, based on the role for which they have been selected: criminal history, education verification, social media review, motor vehicle records, credit history, and professional license verification.
Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion At Vanderbilt University, we are intentional about and assume accountability for fostering advancement and respect for equity, diversity, and inclusion for all students, faculty, and staff. Our commitment to diversity makes us who we are. We have created a community that celebrates differences and lets individuality thrive. As part of this commitment, we actively value diversity in our workplace and learning environments as we seek to take advantage of the rich backgrounds and abilities of everyone. The diverse voices of Vanderbilt represent an invaluable resource for the University in its efforts to fulfill its mission and strive to be an example of excellence in higher education. Vanderbilt University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, people with disabilities, and protected veterans are encouraged to apply.