Title IX and Equity Officer

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Job description

Job no: 492724

Work type: Full-time exempt

Location: Chester

Categories: Administrative (Exempt)

Widener University has established a COVID-19 vaccination policy that requires all faculty and staff who will be on our campuses to be fully vaccinated and compliant as a condition of employment. Our goal is that all members of the Pride may safely experience Widener's hands on, inclusive, and personalized learning environment in person.

Widener University is seeking a Title IX and Equity Officer in the Office of Human Resources who reports to the Human Resources Director. The institution is committed to ensuring our campus is a diverse and inclusive environment that celebrates the differences each member of the community brings. This role will serve as the lead Title IX and Equity Officer responding to and investigating Title IX, Equity and Discrimination issues for faculty, staff and students. The successful candidate will be responsible for educating the campus community regarding issues of unlawful discrimination, harassment on the basis of race, national origin, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, and other individual characteristics protected by federal and state law. Additionally, this role will develop, implement and ensure compliance with all policies and processes related to Title IX and employee equity. The officer will conduct investigations and coordinate all related training for faculty, staff and students.

Widener University is committed to fostering an environment in which faculty, staff, and students from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences are welcomed and can thrive. We hold a deep commitment to an inclusive culture that supports the work of faculty and staff members across the institution, and work closely with the Chief Diversity Officer to facilitate that commitment.

The Equity and Title IX Officer will support the mission of the institution by working to create a diverse and inclusive learning and work environment for all students, faculty, staff, alumni and other institutional partners. They are responsible for ensuring compliance with Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and Office of Civil Rights (OCR) guidelines, laws and regulations.

Duties and Responsibilities: (include but are not limited to)

Essential duties:

* Developing strategies to facilitate the professional success of individuals who have been historically underrepresented, underserved, and/or marginalized in higher education.
* Advise employees, supervisors, and managers regarding interpretation of policies and ensures proper and consistent application of policies and procedures related to DEI.
* Respond to and seeks resolutions to equity issues ensuring a fair and neutral process for all parties.
* Investigate and analyze complaints to determine appropriate level of intervention and support needed related to equity concerns.
* Provide HR advice, counsel, and support to managers regarding employee equity concerns across the university.
* Develop and promote strategies for successfully hiring, retaining, and promoting talented diverse faculty and staff.
* Collaborate with HR partners, hiring managers and faculty to incorporate equitable, inclusive and diverse practices into all HR processes such as hiring, promotion and retention policies.
* Partner with Talent Acquisition to develop pipeline programs to increase the pools for recruiting highly talented diverse staff, and faculty.
* Serve as an advocate for all employees, particularly those from traditionally underrepresented groups with respect to employment concerns.
* Serve as a key DEI resource for all faculty, staff, and administrators.
* Compile, analyze and share key employee DEI data including turn over and retention issues.
* Conduct all Title IX investigations.
* Meet with complainants to provide information regarding available campus and community resources, interim measures and reporting and resolution options.
* Responsible for ensuring the University conducts prompt and impartial investigations and fair hearings in accordance with Title IX and University policy when a Complainant files a formal complaint.
* In collaboration with HR Director and CHRO, recommend changes to and maintains Title IX policies to ensure they are up to date with current laws, trends and develop new policies that meet the University's needs.
* Partners with Student Affairs regarding investigation, taking appropriate actions and/or Title IX complaints and/or sanctions against students.
* Facilitate ongoing training of all other Title IX Deputies. Coordinate regular meetings to clarify duties and provide relevant updates on Title IX policies changes. Work with Deputies to resolve disputes in order to maximize a safe, respectful and inclusive work environment.
* Deliver and/or oversee facilitation of training for Title IX policies and procedures for faculty, students and staff.

Secondary responsibilities:

* Participate on various University committees as assigned
* Responsible for other duties as assigned by the Director or CHRO
* Complete Affirmative Action plan through outside vendor

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: (education/training and experience required)

Required:

* Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources, Business, Social Work, Higher Education Leadership or related field
* 5 - 7 years' experience in employee relations, Title IX and/or conflict mediation. A combination of education and experience may be considered if applicable.
* Demonstrated understanding and knowledge of federal, state, and local laws and regulatory processes related to employment and Title IX
* Experience in conducting investigations for employee relations, sexual assault or Title IX
* Excellent listening and problem-solving skills
* Excellent analytical and organizational skills
* Excellent presentation and communication skills
* Proficiency in the use of a personal computer including MS Office
* Ability to define problems, collect and analyze data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
* Excellent interpersonal and coaching skills
* Ability to professionally and confidentially handle highly sensitive information
* Ability to problem solve and negotiate conflict with employees at all levels of the institution.
* Expert knowledge of Federal and State employment laws, Title IX and VAWA.
* Ability to be fair and impartial.
* Willing to take on new challenges with open and positive attitude

Preferred:

* Master's degree in related field
* Certification or formal training in conflict mediation and Title IX
* Experience in public speaking and/or delivering training
* Experience with Colleague or similar HRIS
* Experience in Human Resources in Higher Education and/or Student Affairs

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND/OR UNUSUAL HOURS:

* Usual office environment; routine sitting at a desk; occasionally standing, bending, stooping or kneeling
* Must be mobile between workstation and numerous campus buildings
* Flexibility to work weekends and/or evenings to deliver training, attend University events or for crisis management, as necessary

Qualified candidates must submit a resume and cover letter for consideration. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Only those selected to interview will be contacted.

Widener has a strategic commitment to building an inclusive university community whose diversity enriches the lives of all members and where our students are prepared for living in a pluralistic and ever-changing world. As a leading metropolitan university, Widener strives to embody the values that are inherent in our mission: civic engagement, access, inclusion, academic excellence, innovation and leadership.

Widener University, an independent, metropolitan, doctoral-intensive university, connects curricula to social issues through civic engagement. Dynamic teaching, active scholarship, personal attention and experiential learning are key components of the Widener Experience. Located in Chester, PA, Widener's main campus is nestled between Philadelphia, PA and Wilmington, DE, with Law Schools located in both Harrisburg and Wilmington. For more information about the university, please visit our website at .

EOE M/F/V/D

Advertised: 05 Oct 2021 Eastern Daylight Time

Applications close: