Equal Opportunity Complaint Investigator

The new Department for People Operations, Success, and Opportunity consolidates three previously independent offices formerly known as the Department of Human Resources, the Office for Equity and Diversity, and the Office of Divisional Personnel and Financial Administration into one new unit to reimagine and redesign the university's people services and strategies. Central to ECU's strategic priority for workforce success and building a culture of care, belonging, and opportunity for all campus constituencies, the new Department provides leadership to the university's innovative and dynamic efforts to recruit, retain, develop, and support a diverse and thriving workforce and foster an equal opportunity learning and working environment. The staff works to support the mission of the University with an overarching commitment to delivering outstanding customer service.

Compliance and personnel matters administered by this unit are governed by federal and state laws, regulations, statutes, and policies including but not limited to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; the Equal Pay Act of 1963, as amended; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended; the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended; the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974, as amended ( VEVRAA); the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended; Executive Order 11246 of 1965, as amended; the N.C. General Statutes 126-16, as amended; the UNC Policy Manual, and The Code of the University of North Carolina. The new Department for People Operations, Success, and Opportunity will play a crucial role in coordinating institutional compliance and implementing compliant processes and practices.

The Equal Opportunity Complaint Investigator is responsible for the resolution of complaints of discrimination and harassment based on a University protected class and will ensure effective and efficient management of complaints.

The position reports to the Director of Equal Opportunity and Title IX and is responsible for the following job duties and responsibilities.

- Intake complaints and assess appropriate resolution process and procedural protocol to be followed. Provide consultation and education to students, faculty, and/or staff on harassment, discrimination, sexual misconduct, interpersonal violence, related retaliation, policies, procedures, and options for resolution of complaint matters.

- Investigate complaints of discrimination and harassment filed by students, staff, faculty, or visitors in compliance with federal and state laws, executive orders, and University policies and procedures. Process within specific time constraints investigations, analyses, and report findings and conclusions of complaints filed. Ensure effective, efficient, thorough and impartial investigations while ensuring attention to detail and accuracy regarding facts, relevance, and investigation documentation.

- Investigation duties will include, but are not limited to: develop an investigation plan, analyze complaint to identify allegations, interviewing complainant and respondents, identify and interview witnesses, identify and collect relevant documentation, appropriately document interviews and other investigation findings according to the investigation process format, and analyze information gleaned from investigation to determine findings.

- Conduct a thorough and well-documented investigative process by gathering and documenting evidentiary material. Maintain accurate and thorough records and notes of investigatory process. Develop comprehensive, unbiased written reports that include a written analysis and findings from the complaint investigation to the appropriate University office or administrator in accordance with applicable University policies and the appropriate investigative procedures.

- Provide regular updates to the Director of Equal Opportunity and Title IX about case management approach, status, and progress.

- Prepare materials for, assist with, and participate in appeals hearings, as assigned.

- Facilitate, within specific time constraints, informal resolution of complaints, when appropriate. Document efforts and conclusion of informal resolution.

- Interact with students, faculty, managers, administrators, and employees at all levels of the University in performing investigative and informal resolution duties. Collaborate with the Office of the University Counsel with investigations involving the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Office of Civil Rights, and North Carolina Office of State Human Resources complaints, as well as complaints raised by other applicable outside agencies, organizations, and constituencies.

- Collaborate with key partners in the University community (i.e., Dean of Students, Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities, ECU Police Department, Office of Internal Audit), as appropriate.

- Serve as a subject matter experts on federal and state law prohibiting protected class-related discrimination and harassment and related policies and procedures. Review and propose updates to University harassment and discrimination policies and procedures to ensure compliance with equal opportunity laws and regulations. Work collaboratively with staff to provide content for marketing, communication, education and training. Identify trends and recommend best practices related to higher education investigations, policies, and procedures.

- Provide education and training to students, faculty and staff on issues of protected class prohibited harassment or discrimination, including sexual harassment and sexual violence, as assigned.

- Provide other services as assigned.

This position is contingent upon available funding.

1. Masters, J.D., or Advanced Degree; or Bachelor's degree with relevant education and experience. All degrees should be from appropriately accredited institutions.

2. Demonstrated experience in conducting investigations.

3. Ability to effectively engage with all members of the campus community at all levels of the organization.

4. Evidence of excellent written and oral communication, and human relations/interpersonal skills.

5. Evidence of necessary analytical skills to determine whether a policy violation occurred by the applicable standard of evidence.

n/a

1. At least 3 years of experience conducting investigations in a higher education setting.

2. At least 3 years of experience interpreting federal and state equal opportunity laws and regulations.

East Carolina University requires applicants to submit a candidate profile online in order to be considered for the position. Applicants should submit (1) a cover letter that outlines how their experience and qualifications specifically align to this position, (2) a curriculum vitae/resume, (3) two redacted writing samples related to an investigation, (4) a redacted sample investigation plan related to an investigation, and (5) a list of three references, including contact information, online.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

In order to be considered for this position, applicants must complete a candidate profile online via the PeopleAdmin system and submit any requested documents. Additionally, applicants that possess the preferred education and experience must also possess the minimum education/experience, if applicable.

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. ECU participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at (252) 328-9847 or toll free at 1-866-489-1740 or send an email to employment@ecu.edu. Our office is available to provide assistance Monday-Friday from 8:00-5:00 EST.