To be considered for this opportunity apply online here: jobs.bridgew.edu

Bridgewater State University is an inclusive community dedicated to the lifelong success of all students, focused on the continuous improvement of its people, and responsible for leading innovation that benefits Southeastern Massachusetts, the commonwealth, and the world. Bridgewater’s accessible environment of teaching and learning stimulates critical thinking, pursuit of new knowledge, and deeper understanding, the cultivation of meaningful and diverse interpersonal relationships, and fostering an appreciation for global engagement, all aimed at transforming lives and improving the human condition.

Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is reflected in our institutional values, which ensure that all students are supported and succeed.

The Office of Equal Opportunity is responsible for the development, delivery, and oversight of policies and procedures related to preventing and providing redress for allegations of discrimination and harassment based on legally protected characteristics. The office provides leadership, coordination, and oversight of the University’s affirmative action, equal opportunity, disability compliance, and Title IX initiatives. Successful candidates will be staff members that can work with their colleagues to help meet the mission of the Office of Equal Opportunity in serving and supporting our diverse campus community. The Office of Equal Opportunity is both an administrative unit of, and a resource center for, the University community.

Bridgewater State University is equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer. Members of underrepresented groups, and those committed to working in a diverse cultural environment, are strongly encouraged to apply.

This position will have responsibility for oversight of the university’s Office of Equal Opportunity (OEO) and oversight for compliance with federal and state non-discrimination laws and regulations, and equal opportunity requirements. This position serves as the University’s Title IX Coordinator and Title II/Section 504 Coordinator and Affirmative Action Officer.

Supervision Received: President & Chief of Staff/Vice President for Strategy & Planning

Supervision Exercised: Office of Equal Opportunity Staff & Sexual Violence Advocacy and Support Center Staff

Essential Duties:

1. Lead, oversee, develop, and implement the University’s response, prevention, and education responsibilities in collaboration with on and off-campus partners, including developing and disseminating educational materials and training tailored to faculty, staff, and students.

2. Receive, investigate, and process inquiries and discrimination and harassment complaints from the campus community and third parties in a timely manner, providing a fair and neutral process for all parties.

3. Advise parties on the investigative process and grievance procedures, develop and implement investigation plans, identify and interview parties and witnesses, gather relevant documentation, write reports of investigation with findings of fact and recommendations, and ensure complainant and respondent access to a variety of on and off-campus resources and interim measures, as appropriate. Recruit, train, and provide leadership to other staff to serve as investigators, appeal officers, and administrative review board members as appropriate and needed.

4. Monitor and manage all incidents and complaints utilizing a case management system to organize, manage, and track all incidents and complaints ensuring efficient and effective response by the University and to identify patterns and make recommendations.

5. Provide training and education to campus constituents and oversee all trainings offered by OEO.

6. Oversee the campus Sexual Violence Advocacy and Support Center, including supervising outreach educator and faculty associates, to coordinate and implement comprehensive sexual and relationship violence prevention education and survivor advocacy and support services.

7. Stay abreast of applicable federal and state laws, regulations, guidance, and best practices; and assist in the ongoing review of applicable University policies, programs, and practice.

8. Ensure compliance with all aspects of equal opportunity and affirmative action requirements and related programs including collaborating with the Division of Human Resources & Talent Management to implement hiring procedures.

9. Serve as the University’s ADA/Section 504 Coordinator reviewing and processing requests for Reasonable Accommodation in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

10. Collaborate with the division of Student Success & Diversity to ensure consistency of messaging and programming and to facilitate interdivisional information sharing to inform targeted interventions.

11. Serve on University committees as assigned.

12. Perform other responsibilities compliance duties as assigned.

To be considered for this opportunity apply online here: jobs.bridgew.edu

Required Qualifications:

1. JD from an accredited law school or Master’s degree in human resources, higher education administration, or other relevant discipline from an accredited institution of higher education.

2. Experience and training regarding conducting sensitive and confidential investigations alleging discrimination and harassment.

3. Experience independently and efficiently managing a significant caseload.

4. Knowledge of and ability to interpret federal and state laws regarding discrimination, harassment, and equal opportunity, including but not limited to, Title VII and the ADA.

5. 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, Title IX, the Rehabilitation Act, Clery, and VAWA.

6. Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to speak formally or informally to diverse audiences and communicate complex, technical requirements using simple language.

7. Strong analytical and problem resolution abilities.

8. Strong presentation and organization skills.

9. Demonstrated ability to build collaborative relationships across a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including experience in interacting with and addressing the needs of a diverse community on sensitive issues.

10. Demonstrated ability to deal appropriately with confidential and sensitive information.

11. Experience with trauma informed interactions with sexual violence victims/survivors.

12. Demonstrated commitment to and understanding of diversity and inclusion, social justice, and equity.

Preferred Qualifications:

1. At least two years of recent, substantive work experience conducting discrimination and harassment investigations in a higher education setting.

2. Experience in reviewing and implementing policies and procedures regarding non-discrimination, equal employment opportunity, affirmative action, and other compliance requirements in a higher education setting.