Associate Director of Civil Rights Investigations & Mediation - E99189

Job Summary

EWU is currently seeking an Associate Director for Civil Rights Investigations and Mediation Services. This position plays a critical role in ensuring Eastern Washington University's compliance with civil rights laws including the ADA, Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, and the Washington Law Against Discrimination. The primary responsibility of the associate director is to conduct prompt, thorough, and impartial investigations into reports of harassment, discrimination, sexual misconduct, and retaliation against faculty, staff, and students. The position investigates other types of complaints brought against university employees as well, such as concerns about ethics or bullying. The associate director is also responsible for providing alternative dispute resolution options to complainants and facilitating forms of alternative dispute resolution, such as mediation or facilitated discussions.

About Eastern Washington University

Eastern Washington University, a regional, comprehensive public university with an enrollment of over 10,000 students, is one of six state-funded four-year institutions of higher education in Washington, each governed by its own board of trustees. As the region's polytechnic, we are recognized for our distinctive approach to hands-on learning that leads to in-demand careers. EWU's 300-acre main campus is located in Cheney, a community of 12,000 residents 16 miles southwest of Washington's second largest city, Spokane. Eastern also offers programs in downtown Spokane at the innovative, energy-efficient Catalyst building, the SIERR building which is a hub for research, development and advancement of health sciences. In addition, EWU programs can be found at select locations throughout the state, aligned with the needs of the community. Eastern contributes to the vitality of the region and the state through its wide array of bachelor's and master's degrees in over 100 fields of study, as well as applied doctorates in physical therapy and educational leadership, offering accessible pathways to career success and personal development to students of all socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds. Eastern Washington University has been recognized for its commitment to helping undergraduate students learn, grow and succeed by Colleges of Distinction, a nationally trusted resource guide for college-bound students. The honor recognizes Eastern as a '26 -'27 College of Distinction (CoD), the second consecutive year it has received the national recognition.

Responsibilities

• Conduct prompt, thorough, and impartial investigations into reports of harassment, discrimination, sexual misconduct, and retaliation against faculty, staff, and students at EWU, including evaluating complaints, developing an investigative plan, collecting information efficiently and in a trauma-informed manner, composing a clear final report detailing the information obtained, and applying logical reasoning to make findings of fact in accordance with EWU's investigative guidelines.
• Assess allegations to determine whether interim measures are required and, if so, work with the university and local resources to facilitate accommodations, interim measures, and supportive measures, as appropriate, for participants in the complaint process.
• Establish and maintain confidential investigative files consistent with Washington State Public Records, records retention, and e-discovery laws and regulations.
• Facilitate informal resolution to help prevent behaviors from reoccurring and to bridge the gap between intent and impact, and to ensure that members of the university community understand expectations regarding civil rights laws and university policies.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree.
• Experience conducting investigations, facilitating mediations, and/or adjudicating student conduct issues.
• Working knowledge of ADA/Section 504, Title IX, equal opportunity and affirmative action laws or professional experience demonstrating the ability to learn these legal requirements.
• Ability to analyze and interpret rules, regulations, laws, policies and procedures.
• Demonstrated ability and experience working with students and/or co-workers from a wide range of abilities, backgrounds, and experiences.
• Ability to manage and work with conflict, including interacting with individuals who may be experiencing high levels of stress.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize competing work as issues arise, and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated experience promoting cultural humility, universal accessibility, diversity, inclusivity, and workplace civility.
• Strong writing skills, exceptional interpersonal communication skills, and emotional intelligence skills.
• Must have the ability to maintain professional and collaborative interactions with other staff and university constituents.
• Must be an excellent team member who collaborates with others.
• Must have the ability to remain neutral, objective, and fair in the course of investigatory and other work assignments.
• Strong computer skills to facilitate preparation of written and statistical reports, including proficiency in using the Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Must have excellent organizational skills to ensure that multiple pending investigations and other work duties are completed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Juris doctorate or master's degree in a related field.
• Previous investigative or adjudicative experience in a higher education setting.
• Professional experience and/or training in informal resolution or restorative justice models.

Pay & Benefits

The salary for this position is $74,000.00 (minimum) up to $94,000.00. Where the hired candidate will begin within this range is dependent on education, experience, and skills. In addition to salary, the university offers a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance and disability insurance and retirement. In addition, EWU offers generous vacation and sick leave accruals, 12 paid holidays per year and fringe benefits, such as tuition waiver for employees and eligible family members, discounted EWU sports tickets, full access to our campus workout facilities at a minimum fee and free transportation through STA buses.

Schedule

Monday-Friday 8:00 am-5:00 pm; occasional evenings and weekends.

Conditions of Employment

• This position, during the course of university employment will be involved in the receipt of, or accountability for, university funds or other items of value, as well as the unsupervised access with the developmentally disabled, vulnerable adults or children under the age of 16.
• The offer of employment is contingent upon successful completion and passing of a background check prior to beginning employment.
• Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa currently.
• All new employees must comply with EWU Immunization Policy 602-02 and provide proof of immunity or vaccination to MMR before beginning work at EWU. Waivers for the immunization requirements are available for medical or sincerely held religious beliefs.
• This is an Administrative Exempt position and is covered by EWU Policy 406-01, Exempt Employment.
• After starting employment, employees will complete the required training via Canvas. The Office of Employee Belonging, Development, and Leadership will reach out to you concerning Workplace Belonging training and asynchronous New Employee Orientation.
• Interviews might be conducted via Zoom (camera must be enabled). If so, candidates must be able to demonstrate competence using Zoom and other technologies.

Application Instructions

Applications are open and accepted until recruitment is closed. A three-day notice will be provided prior to closure of recruitment. All materials will be held in strictest confidence; references will not be contacted until candidates have been notified.

Required documentation includes all of the items listed below:

• Attach a detailed cover letter in which you explain how you meet each of the required qualifications (and preferred qualifications, if applicable). It is preferred that you provide the information in a bulleted list or as a table within your cover letter.
• Attach a chronological resume including work history and major duties, education, and any specialized training or skills related to the position.
• List at least 3 professional references including: names, titles, organization name, phone numbers, email addresses, and connection to you (these can be identical to the references listed on the application).
• Complete the online application form and respond to the online questions, if applicable.
• Mission Statement Response – EWU's mission is to provide an inclusive, equitable, and transformative learning experience, driving the pursuit of knowledge with affordable academic excellence. We are committed to serving first-generation, Pell-eligible students. How would you contribute to this mission?
• Please do not upload resumes that include photos of yourself.