The Equal Opportunity & Title IX Office is seeking a highly qualified, motivated, and skilled individual to respond to complaints of discrimination, sexual misconduct, nepotism, and related retaliation through investigation and informal problem-solving and to counsel University community members on equal opportunity issues.
 The Associate position offers complex, fast-moving and fascinating work in a supportive work environment.  Associates have significant discretion to craft appropriate investigative and informal responses to complaints. Associates also have the opportunity to collaborate frequently with colleagues in the Office and broader University to resolve case-related challenges.  The Office’s work has a significant impact on the individuals and units involved in its cases. Associates’ thoughtfulness, attention to detail, and commitment to equity and diversity is critical.   Associates report directly to the Equal Opportunity & Title IX Director and Title IX Coordinator, who also serves as an Associate Vice President in the Office for Equity and Diversity.  

The Associate position is a full-time, year-round, professional/administrative position. The Office offers flexibility, hybrid remote and in-office work, and excellent work-life balance.  The position offers a competitive compensation package, commensurate with experience and background, and excellent benefits. 

The starting salary range for this position is $92,728.18 – $100,000.

At the University of Minnesota, you’ll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning.  We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Investigation and Complaint Resolution 85%

1. Investigate complaints of discrimination, sexual misconduct, nepotism, and related retaliation to determine whether University policy violations occurred.
2. Draft clear and accurate reports of investigative findings and make recommendations for responsive action.
3. Engage in informal problem-solving methods to address concerns.
4. Manage cases in timely and effective ways, exercising good judgment.
5. Counsel members of the University community (senior leaders, staff, faculty, and students) on complex equal opportunity issues.

Other Duties as Assigned 15%

1. Participate in new initiatives to improve services.
2. Develop and present educational programs about discrimination, sexual misconduct, equal opportunity, diversity, and other related topics. 
3. Participate in policy development and oversight of the University’s approach to preventing, and responding to, discrimination, sexual misconduct, nepotism, and related retaliation concerns.
4. Participate in committees serving the broader University.

Qualifications

Essential :

• JD from an accredited law school.
• Knowledge of discrimination, sexual misconduct, and equal opportunity laws.
• Experience conducting investigations of legal or policy violations. 
• Exceptional writing and analytical skills.
• Experience presenting educational materials to adult learners.
• Exceptional communication, interpersonal skills, and emotional intelligence.
• Ability to manage and work with conflict.
• Ability to work independently and efficiently and balance workload.
• Ability and desire to work actively, collaboratively, and creatively as part of a team.
• Demonstrated commitment to the principles of equal opportunity, equity, inclusion, and diversity.
• Demonstrated experience in, and an ongoing commitment to, working effectively with and across diverse communities, including: people of color, underrepresented groups and new immigrant populations; American Indians; people with both visible and invisible disabilities; women; people of various gender and sexual identities and expressions; and first-generation students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. 

Preferred:

• Experience applying discrimination laws.
• Experience investigating employee and/or student misconduct.
• Experience developing and presenting educational programs on discrimination, sexual misconduct, equal opportunity, or related topics.
• Experience using alternative dispute resolution techniques.

About the Department

The Office for Equity and Diversity (OED) is responsible for the University of Minnesota’s system-wide equity and diversity initiatives and programs, and for infusing the core values of equity and diversity into all aspects of teaching, learning, research, service, and outreach at the University. OED includes the following units: the Office for Supplier Diversity; the Office for Conflict Resolution; the Disability Resource Center; the Equal Opportunity and Title IX Office; the Gender and Sexuality Center for Queer and Trans Life; the Multicultural Center for Academic Excellence; and the Women’s Center. 

Benefits

Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you’ll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning.  We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services 
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefits.

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online and will be reviewed beginning June 15, 2024 and will be accepted until the position is closed. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions.  You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your “My Job Applications” page and uploading documents in the “My Cover Letters and Attachments” section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission.  The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.  To learn more about diversity at the U:  http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.