Senior Investigator

About the role

The Office of Civil Rights Compliance at the University of Southern California (USC) is seeking a Senior Investigator to join their team. This is an exciting time at USC when the successful candidate will have an opportunity to contribute their knowledge, skills, and abilities in a fast-paced environment working on a variety of civil rights issues in higher education. In this role, the successful candidate will assess reports of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation regarding protected classes; timely conduct and document fair, thorough investigations; assist with identifying the need for supportive measures; conduct alternative resolutions where appropriate; and work collaboratively with campus partners, including students, on training, investigations, projects, and initiatives. If you are an experienced investigator with a demonstrated commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity for all, who is able to build collaborative relationships, drive change through excellence, and desire a role where you can have a significant impact, we encourage you to send us your resume for consideration.

Key Responsibilities

• Assesses, investigates, and resolves discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation complaints; understands and follows proper protocols for administrative investigations; creates comprehensive, well-written, and well-analyzed written reports
• Documents all interviews and meetings with witnesses (e.g., faculty, staff, students, supervisors, managers, senior administrators); maintains detailed, confidential case files
• Serves as an expert on non-discrimination, equal opportunity and civil rights matters; provides advice and guidance as well as administrative, educational, and intellectual leadership to faculty, staff, and/or students on discriminatory practices and equal opportunity matters
• Stays informed of trends and developments in the field
• Participates in the evaluation and ongoing development of university policies and procedures
• Delivers training and educational programs to various university communities

Qualifications

• Master's degree (Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education)
• 6 years of directly related investigation experience in civil rights in employment and/or education at or for an educational institution, large organization, and/or government agency
• Ability to conduct interviews and investigations as an unbiased and neutral party
• Thorough knowledge of state and federal laws (e.g., Title IX, Title VI, Section 504, the ADA, Title VII, FERPA, FEHA), regulations, and policies and procedures governing discriminatory practices and equal opportunity
• Experience developing and presenting educational materials
• Excellent writing skills
• Excellent time management skills, with the demonstrated ability to effectively manage the pressure of multiple, competing deadlines
• Strong interpersonal skills, judgment and independence
• Knowledge of applicable nondiscrimination policies and procedures
• Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving capabilities
• Ability to build trust and rapport easily; strong, compassionate and straightforward
• Demonstrable sound judgment and skill in applying equal opportunity principles and prevailing legal standards to solve complex problems fairly and decisively
• Ability to collaborate with a diverse group of colleagues and stakeholders to resolve case-related challenges
• Ability to present ideas clearly and effectively, both oral and written
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication and emotional intelligence skills
• Ability to manage and work with conflict and with individuals who may be experiencing high levels of stress
• Ability to work independently and efficiently and balance workload
• Ability and desire to work actively, collaboratively and creatively as part of a team
• Ability to accept and implement constructive feedback
• Demonstrated commitment to fairness and fostering a culture of belonging and engagement

Preferred Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD)
• 9 years of experience
• Demonstrated commitment to fairness and fostering a culture of belonging and engagement
• Direct involvement or familiarity in work related to investigative reporting, journalism or law enforcement practices

Pay

The annual base salary range for this position is $98,776 - $139,000. When determining an offer, the University of Southern California considers factors such as the scope and responsibilities of the role, the candidate's experience, education, training, key skills, internal peer alignment, applicable laws, contractual requirements, grant funding, and market condition.