Equal Opportunity Associate

About The Job

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.

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. Please note, this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program.

Duties And Responsibilities

• Investigation and Complaint Resolution (85%)

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

• Other Duties as Assigned (15%)

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

Essential Qualifications

• JD from an accredited law school.
• Experience conducting investigations or analyses of legal or policy violations.
• Exceptional writing and analytical skills.
• Exceptional communication, interpersonal skills, and emotional intelligence.
• Ability to focus on all aspects of a task or process, including small details, to ensure accuracy and thoroughness.
• 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.
• Knowledge of discrimination, sexual misconduct, and equal opportunity 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 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.

Pay And Benefits

Pay Range: $99,000 - $107,000 annually; depending on education/qualifications/experience
Time Appointment: 100% Appointment; 12 month Position Type: P&A Staff

About University Of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

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.