Office for Dispute Resolution Investigator

28-Oct-2024

Office for Dispute Resolution Investigator

University Administration

67230BR

Job Summary

Reporting directly to the Director of the Office for Dispute Resolution (ODR), the Investigator conducts investigations, handles informal resolutions, meets with community members to answer questions, and plays an important role in meeting the University’s training and education obligations under Title IX, VAWA, and other federal or state civil rights laws. With case-related guidance from the ODR Director, the Investigator is responsible for their caseload, partnering with School designees throughout the investigative process, conducting legally-sufficient investigations, meeting established timelines, and treating all constituents engaged in the complaint process with sensitivity and neutrality.   

Position Description

Specific duties and responsibilities include:

• Maintains responsibility for own complaint caseload, in consultation with the ODR Director where necessary, and performs related duties such as case evaluation; processing dismissals; coordinating with School/unit designees; conducting party and witness interviews; identifying other evidence; communicating with parties, witnesses, School/unit liaisons and Title IX Resource Coordinators in a timely and effective manner; evaluating evidence and conducting legal analysis to reach findings and determinations or recommended findings; drafting and issuing written reports; and appearing before hearing panels. Processes requests for informal resolutions and is available to speak with members of the University community who have questions about the University’s sexual harassment and other sexual misconduct policies and related procedures.
• Develops and conducts trainings, with an emphasis on a train-the-trainer approach, whenever appropriate, under Title IX, VAWA, and other federal or state civil rights laws.  
• Assists the University Title IX Coordinator and ODR Director in carrying out other Title IX/VAWA response and prevention responsibilities for the University. These may include, but are not limited to: data collection, trend analysis, and community outreach.

Basic Qualifications

Candidates MUST meet the following basic qualifications in order to be considered for this role:

J.D. required. A minimum of five years of relevant experience in the area of conducting investigations involving civil rights and/or sexual assault, dating or domestic violence, and stalking, including demonstration of the following skills, knowledge, and expertise: managing sensitive and confidential investigations; expert-level knowledge of federal civil rights laws, or similar, including case law and agency interpretation; familiarity with high-level party and witness interview and investigative techniques; conducting complex legal analysis and reaching legally-sound findings; and producing high-quality written work products. Advanced degree other than J.D. may count toward years of experience.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Demonstration of the above legal expertise in an educational arena is a plus.
• Additional advanced or clinical degree in psychology, criminal justice, social work, or other relevant fields is desirable.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise a high level of discretion and good judgment and ability to quickly establish credibility with a broad range of constituents, including faculty, staff, students, law enforcement, and others.
• Ability to handle confidential information, including information from individuals who may be experiencing distress, with the utmost discretion and sensitivity.
• Familiarity with other federal statutes important to post-secondary education (e.g., VAWA, Clery Act, FERPA) strongly preferred. Experience in the higher education environment interacting on student life issues with students and administration a plus.

Additional Information

Candidates must submit a cover letter, resume, and writing sample to be considered for this position.

This position has a 3-month orientation and review period. 

Harvard University does not provide visa sponsorship.

The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up to date on CDC-recommended vaccines. 
 

Work Format Details

This is a hybrid position that is based in Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. All remote work must be performed within one of the Harvard Registered Payroll States, which currently includes Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Washington, and California (CA for exempt positions only). Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.

Job Function

General Administration

Department Office Location

USA - MA - Cambridge

Job Code

360059 Admin Offcr/SrIndiv Contrib

Work Format

Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)

Sub-Unit

Office of the President and Provost

Salary Grade

059

Department

ODR

Union

00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Time Status

Full-time

Pre-Employment Screening

Education, Identity

Schedule

Full time. Monday through Friday. 35 hours per week. 

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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