About Northeastern:

Founded in 1898, Northeastern is a global research university and the recognized leader in experience-driven lifelong learning. Our world-renowned experiential approach empowers our students, faculty, alumni, and partners to create impact far beyond the confines of discipline, degree, and campus.

Our locations—in Boston; Charlotte, North Carolina; London; Portland, Maine; San Francisco; Seattle; Silicon Valley; Toronto; Vancouver; and the Massachusetts communities of Burlington and Nahant—are nodes in our growing global university system. Through this network, we expand opportunities for flexible, student-centered learning and collaborative, solutions-focused research.

Northeastern’s comprehensive array of undergraduate and graduate programs— in a variety of on-campus and online formats—lead to degrees through the doctorate in nine colleges and schools. Among these, we offer more than 195 multi-discipline majors and degrees designed to prepare students for purposeful lives and careers.

About the Opportunity:

Reports to the Assistant Vice President for Title IX Initiatives/Title IX Coordinator within the Office for University Equity and Compliance. The Equal Opportunity Investigator is primarily responsible for the prompt, impartial and thorough investigation of allegations of discrimination policy violations, including discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, genetics, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, ancestry, veteran or disability status from faculty, staff, and/or students. Responsible for collecting the relevant facts related to the reported discrimination allegation and, in collaboration with the AVP, assess the steps necessary to support compliance with University policy and applicable state and federal laws.

Responsibilities:

• Maintains a thorough and well-documented investigative process by gathering and documenting evidentiary material.
• Maintains accurate and thorough records and notes of investigatory process.
• Develops professionally written, comprehensive, unbiased written reports that include a summary of facts and recommended findings.
• Analyzes and logically comes to conclusions and investigative outcomes.
• Serves as a point of contact for those seeking information or wanting to report allegations of discrimination.
• Acts as a neutral party through all aspects of an investigation and promotes a fair and neutral process for all parties involved.
• Advises all parties of their rights and responsibilities.
• Promotes organizational compliance with University policy and applicable laws.
• Assists in the maintenance of the database used to track discrimination allegations and resolutions.
• Establishes timely communication with all parties, including those with a need to know in order to recommend/make appropriate and timely decisions.
• Maintains a high level of confidentiality on all office and investigation proceedings consistent with University policy and applicable law.
• Communicates and consults regularly with the AVP on updates regarding the status of allegations, complaints received and investigations in progress.
• Works collaboratively with key partners in the University community to investigate and resolve complaints filed under applicable University policies, including but not limited to, the Office of General Counsel, Office of the Provost, Office of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution, and the Northeastern University Police Department.
• Will keep apprised of new developments and best practices in the fields of discrimination investigations and other relevant federal and state legislation and regulations.
• Performing other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

The employee will have demonstrated experience and ability in conducting investigations, composing clear, concise, timely and professionally written investigative reports, managing confidential information, and independently and efficiently managing a significant caseload.

A minimum of two successive years of recent, substantive work experience and ability conducting investigations of discrimination in a higher education, non-profit or other relevant setting. Superior background and training in conducting sensitive and confidential investigations required.

Demonstrated ability to determine and apply the appropriate legal standards in assessing and investigating allegations of discrimination.

Extensive knowledge of the elements of proof for discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct and retaliation.

Demonstrated ability to exercise discretion, superior judgment and analytical skills and neutrality in highly sensitive situations involving allegations of discrimination and Title IX policy violations, including investigations of alleged sexual assault, sexual harassment, stalking and relationship or domestic violence.

In depth knowledge of the federal and state laws pertaining to civil rights, discrimination, harassment and affirmative action, as they apply to colleges and universities including the Equal Employment Opportunity Act of 1972 (EEO), Americans with Disabilities Act (Title II), Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI), Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII), Title IX of the Educational Amendments Act of 1972 (Title IX), the Jeanne Clery Act of 1990 (Clery Act), the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 (VAWA), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), all as amended where applicable, and other federal and state anti-discrimination laws and requirements.

Tact, discretion, professionalism, maturity and outstanding interpersonal, oral and written communication skills are required.

Experience and ability to work successfully in a diverse community required.

Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain positive, effective working relationships.

Must be able to work independently, collaboratively across the organization, and under the supervision of the AVP.

Bachelor's Degree in higher education administration, law enforcement, criminology, social work, psychology, or related field required. Advanced degree in related fields preferred such as J.D.

Ability to work weekends and evenings and travel (when necessary or assigned).

Salary Grade:

 11

Additional Information:

Northeastern University is an equal opportunity employer, seeking to recruit and support a broadly diverse community of faculty and staff.  Northeastern values and celebrates diversity in all its forms and strives to foster an inclusive culture built on respect that affirms inter-group relations and builds cohesion. 

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other  characteristic protected by applicable law.

To learn more about Northeastern University’s commitment and support of diversity and inclusion, please see www.northeastern.edu/diversity.