Civil Rights Investigator
Montana State University is seeking applications to fill one full-time Civil Rights Investigator position in Campus Civil Rights. As a member of the CCR team, the Civil Rights Investigator will support the University's strategic plan and commitment to removing barriers to accessing University programs and services. The Civil Rights Investigator primarily supports the institutional commitment to civil rights compliance by conducting prompt and equitable resolutions through formal and informal means. The successful candidate will assist in outreach and engagement with and for the University community related to CCR's jurisdiction and scope of work.
This position requires work during non-traditional hours and travel as needed.
Montana State University is dedicated to ensuring an environment that respects the dignity of all students, employees, and guests. Campus Civil Rights supports the University's goals by promoting a supportive environment for faculty, staff, students, and visitors where they can excel regardless of their protected class status (race, color, religion, national origin, creed, service in the uniformed services (as defined in state and federal law), veteran's status, sex, age, political ideas, marital or family status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation. The Civil Rights Investigator independently plans, conducts, and documents investigations concerning complaints of protected class discrimination and harassment to the best practice standard. This includes conducting investigations into allegations of sexual assault, sexual exploitation, domestic and dating violence, stalking, and retaliation. The successful candidate will be able to independently produce detailed documentation of all matters, including detailed unbiased reports of facts investigated (called a factual report of findings), understand and utilize trauma-informed interviewing techniques, and provide testimony about the methodology used and information gathered. The position reports to the Senior Managing Director of the Campus Civil Rights/Title IX Coordinator.
Document the intake of initial reports of protected class discrimination and harassment. Analyze initial reports of protected class discrimination and harassment to determine jurisdiction in coordination with the Title IX Coordinator. Independently plan and execute prompt, thorough, and impartial best practice civil rights-based investigation processes for individuals who desire formal resolution to their report. Understand and utilize best practices for interviews, evidence collection, and review and application of relevant law/policy, implementation timelines, and interaction with participants in the process. Develop and implement informal resolution options. Draft detailed and high-quality reports of factual finding for submission to the decisionmaker, with analysis of all evidence gathered, including testimonial evidence, utilizing a preponderance of the evidence standard. Serve as an unbiased decisionmaker for cases involving non-Title IX discrimination or harassment. Ensure prompt and frequent communication with process participants. Understand intersecting federal and state law civil rights and higher education legal obligations, including but not limited to FERPA, Clery Act, VAWA. Work both individually and as part of a team to complete job duties including conducting investigations. Implement best practice in investigation process and procedures, including new developments in the field. In coordination with the Director and other CCR Employees, implement these new processes and procedures. Coordinate with the Director and Case Managers to implement interim measures and other intervention or supportive measures for eligible parties. Develop and maintain effective collaboration and communication with offices on campus to engage in productive cross-unit collaborations and provide education, training, and outreach related to federal civil rights laws. Provide explanation of complex process and procedures in an easily understandable way to individuals of varying levels of ability. Work to build a culture of respect and concern for all members of the MSU community. Maintain thorough and accurate records for use in statistical analysis and procedural requirements. Other internal duties as designated in line with CCR objectives and jurisdiction.
Bachelor's degree in counseling, psychology, criminal justice, human resources, civil rights law and policy, or related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience in a relevant field. Demonstrated experience writing, analyzing, summarizing, and effectively presenting data in a clear, concise, sound, and supportable fashion. Demonstrated experience managing a high-volume case load with competing deadlines and priorities. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build partnerships while maintaining a high level of confidentiality. Strong interview skills with emphasis on trauma informed techniques. Demonstrated computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office Suite (required), Maxient, and Filevine (preferred).
An advanced degree in a related field (for example M.S.W., J.D., M.Ed. or other relevant degree). Experience with mediation and implementation of informal resolution agreements. Experience working with differing populations in a higher education setting. Demonstrated knowledge of and ability to interpret federal, state and local equal opportunity, civil rights, and non-discrimination laws and regulations that apply to the employment and educational settings at a public university (e.g., the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Violence Against Women's Act, the Federal Education Rights and Privacy Act, the Freedom of Information Act, Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Clery Act). Prior completion of civil rights based investigator training by a nationally recognized organization (ATIXA, EEOC, NACUA, NCCOP). Include the date and location of the training, and organization holding the training. Sensitivity to and thorough understanding of the impact of trauma on individuals and the impacts on process access and cognitive ability. Demonstrated experience working with people from differing background with high conflict situations such as civil rights investigations, employee/labor relations, student discipline, and/or law enforcement proceedings.
Demonstrated command of the following skills: Organization and planning; Analytical Thinking; Problem solving; Time management; Excellent verbal and written communication; Excellent interpersonal skills; Ability to meet stringent deadlines; Interpretation of federal, state, and local non-discrimination laws, regulations, and policies; and Confidentiality. Understanding of higher education law and policy, including FERPA. Demonstrated ability to exhibit empathy and sensitivity in difficult interpersonal situations. Exercise excellent judgment and a strong degree of independence while ensuring that the Director/Title IX Coordinator is apprised of emerging/ongoing issues and progress on tasks.
Required Documents:
- Resume
- Cover Letter
- Writing Sample(s)
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