Title IX Investigator

About the University

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate, and continuing education, all influenced by Penn’s distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning.

As an employer, Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions, including being named one of America’s Best Large Employers by Forbes in 2023. The University offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia, situated on a beautiful urban campus with easy access to educational, cultural, and recreational activities. Philadelphia’s historical significance, lively cultural offerings, and diverse atmospheres make it an ideal place to work and live.

The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, and a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources.

About the Role

The University is seeking a Title IX Investigator to join its growing team within the Title IX office, part of the Center for Civil Rights (CCR).

Responsibilities

• Conduct prompt and equitable, thorough investigations of formal complaints of sex and gender-based discrimination and harassment, including hostile environment and quid pro quo sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating (relationship) violence, domestic violence, stalking, and pregnancy discrimination, as well as reports of violations of the Consensual Relationships Policy.
• Investigate complaints involving students, faculty, and staff.
• Maintain privacy, act with discretion and objectivity, and investigate consistent with University procedures.
• Maintain complete and organized investigative files consistent with the University’s required protocols and software system.
• Manage parties’ participation in the evidence review phase of the formal resolution process.
• Prepare detailed investigative reports that fairly summarize and synthesize all relevant and directly related evidence to inform thorough fact-finding and credibility analyses.
• Maintain awareness of all available campus resource offices and external resources to facilitate complainants and respondents in accessing appropriate services and supports.
• At the request of the Title IX Coordinator, represent the Title IX Office in community meetings and initiatives and assist in the identification, development, and delivery of training, prevention, and educational programs.
• Provide training for staff and faculty who serve as advisors and co-investigators.
• Stay current on trends and developments in relevant federal, state, and local laws and regulations, particularly as related to Title IX, Title VI, Title VII, the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act, the Clery Act, and the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), and any other law or policy affecting Title IX and related matters in higher education, including employment.
• Maintain capability to serve as a campus subject matter expert capable of providing training on University policies, procedures, and practices.
• Assist the Executive Director and Title IX Coordinator with data collection and analysis, database management efforts, campus climate surveys, tracking of trends, development of strategies to address areas of concern, and other initiatives to support the work of the Title IX team and the mission and values of the University, particularly those designed for prevention and the promotion of an inclusive community.
• Assist the Executive Director and Title IX Coordinator in identifying best practices for conducting timely and thorough investigations and delivering education on the University’s policies prohibiting sex and gender-based discrimination and sexual misconduct.
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

• Deep knowledge of Title IX law and policy that applies to higher education and employment.
• Demonstrated leadership, organizational planning, and management skills.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively and interact effectively with faculty, staff, students, community, and government agencies.
• Demonstrated understanding of the University’s mission and vision and commitment to the core values of Integrity; Excellence; Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; Well-being; Open Communication; and Accountability.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong presentation and facilitation skills with an emphasis on education and training for a variety of constituencies.
• A compassionate nature, a talent for active listening, and a history of working with sensitive information.
• Ability to foster effective working relationships and understand the roles and responsibilities of other CCR subject-matter areas – Equal Opportunity (EO) and Religious and Ethnic Interests (REI), as well as campus resource offices including University Life, Office of General Counsel, Division of Human Resources, Office of the Vice Provost for Faculty, and Division of Public Safety.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills with the ability to problem solve, prioritize, analyze, summarize, and effectively present data.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and experience working effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds, in support of an inclusive and welcoming environment.
• Knowledge of effective practices in higher education compliance with respect to addressing discrimination, harassment, and retaliation.
• Ability to act independently, take initiative, and exercise sound judgment.
• Evidence of strategic agility, excellent judgment, complex problem-solving capabilities, and responsiveness in crises and emergent situations.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and neutrality when working with a broad range of people.

Requirements

• Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school or Master’s degree or terminal degree in a related field with 5 to 7 years of experience.
• Extensive experience in Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), Clery, Title VII, Family Education and Privacy Act (FERPA), and related civil rights in higher education and employment law and policy.
• Experience conducting Title IX investigations in higher education and employment, government agency, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in conducting alternative resolutions, such as mediation, alternative dispute resolution, etc.
• Experience developing, facilitating, and evaluating educational and training programs in the area of civil rights.
• Title IX-specific supervisory or management experience.
• Demonstrated understanding of disciplinary processes used in institutions of higher education.

Location

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Pay

$112,433.00 - $130,000.00 Annual Rate

Benefits

• Health, Life, and Flexible Spending Accounts: Comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits. Flexible spending accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.
• Tuition: Exceptional tuition benefits for you, your spouse, and your dependent children at Penn and other institutions.
• Retirement: Generous retirement plans allowing savings on a pre-tax or Roth basis with a wide variety of investment options through TIAA and Vanguard.
• Time Away from Work: Substantial time off for vacations, personal affairs, illness or injury, and family time.
• Long-Term Care Insurance: Long-term care insurance for faculty, staff, and eligible family members, with no proof of good health required if applied for when newly hired.
• Wellness and Work-life Resources: Programs and resources to support work-life balance, health, and family care.
• Professional and Personal Development: Resources to advance personally and professionally.
• University Resources: Access to libraries, athletic facilities, arboretum, art galleries, and cultural and recreational activities.
• Discounts and Special Services: Discounts on arts and entertainment, transportation, mortgages, and other goods and services.