Assistant Director, Office of Equal Opportunity

About URI

The University of Rhode Island enrolls approximately 17,000 students across its graduate and undergraduate programs and is the State’s flagship public research university, as well as the land grant and sea grant university, for the state of Rhode Island. The main campus is located in the historic village of Kingston, and the Bay Campus is located in Narragansett. Both campuses are near major beaches in a beautiful coastal community. URI is just 30 minutes from Providence, RI and within easy reach of Newport, Boston, and New York City.

The opportunity for a hybrid, fully remote or in-person work schedule is possible (up to one day per week after six months).

About the role

Serve as a strategic partner to the Director in advancing the University’s civil rights compliance programs, ensuring a fair and respectful environment for all students, employees, and other individuals benefiting from University programs, services, or activities. Participate in the development, implementation, and monitoring of civil rights compliance programs. Work independently or collaboratively, as needed, to ensure fair and respectful treatment of the University’s employees and students consistent with the University’s mission, values, and non-discrimination policies, and in accordance with federal, state, and local civil rights laws and regulations.

Investigate and resolve complaints of discrimination and harassment, as assigned; design and deliver training programs, as assigned; and assist in the development, implementation, and monitoring of equal opportunity programs, as assigned. Provide guidance and counseling in matters relating to equal opportunity and civil rights.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the supervision of the day-to-day operations of the Office of Equal Opportunity.
• Support ADA compliance efforts.
• Work with other responsible Offices to carry out the following essential functions:
  • Receive inquiries and charges/complaints of discrimination and harassment in service delivery and employment.
  • Provide consultative services to University students and personnel.
  • Interview parties, inform them of their rights and responsibilities under the Policy on Nondiscrimination and the laws enforced by the Office of Equal Opportunity, and conduct preliminary review of information gathered to determine jurisdiction.
  • Obtain documentary and testimonial evidence that is relevant and material to the resolution of the issues under investigation through witness interviews, written requests for information, on-site investigations, and research.
  • Draft meeting summaries, witness statements, and reports for review and approval of the supervisor.
  • Draft well-written reports of investigative findings citing specific testimonial and/or documentary evidence, as well as relied upon, applicable case law, policies, and precedents.
  • Evaluate investigative outcomes to determine if further evaluation of programs, activities, and services is recommended for compliance.
  • Work with stakeholders to address issues identified through continuous evaluation. This may involve working proactively with University stakeholders and providing consultative services.
  • Report survey results, statistics, and recommendations for corrective action to the Office of Equal Opportunity Director and other appropriate stakeholders.
• Develop and deliver training to the University community (employees, students, and faculty) on civil rights topics. Continually review content to ensure it meets the needs of the University and is current with respect to legal and/or internal policy changes. Monitor participation levels and evaluate participant feedback to continually improve program content and delivery.
• Provide counsel, support, and referral for individuals and groups with concerns regarding equal opportunity, discrimination/harassment, and accessibility at the University.
• Assist in record-keeping procedures, compliance reviews, program evaluations, and reporting procedures pertaining to all facets of the University’s Equal Opportunity program and Nondiscrimination Plan.
• Work within a highly confidential and sensitive environment.
• When necessary, provide coverage for the Director and represent the office at various meetings and events.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Minimum of three years of experience conducting investigations of discrimination in service delivery or employment or a related field and producing written findings in alignment with regulations and guidelines.
• Demonstrated ability to write in a clear, concise, and organized manner.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret and enforce state and federal civil rights laws and regulations.
• Demonstrated strong verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrated proficiency in written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a highly confidential and sensitive environment.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and facilitating trainings.
• Demonstrated ability to work with diverse groups/populations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in labor relations, public administration, education, or related field, or a Juris Doctor degree.
• Demonstrated knowledge of civil rights compliance laws and regulations.

Skills

• Personal computers, printers, Microsoft Word, intermediate to advanced Microsoft Excel, database management and spreadsheet software.
• PeopleAdmin, Oracle, PeopleSoft, Adobe, graphics, and Web software.

Pay

Anticipated hiring salary range: $85,000 - $90,000

Schedule

Calendar year, full-time, permanent. Hybrid, fully remote, or in-person work schedule possible (up to one day per week after six months).