AA/EO Specialist Senior


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Job Category: Exempt

PCLS: 30104

Salary Grade: H

Summary

Incumbents in the Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity (AA/EO) Specialist SR position investigate allegations of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation, including alleged violations of University policies in accordance with Titles VI, VII, and IX as well as other federal and state laws and regulations.

Distinguishing Characteristics

The AA/EO Specialist SR is distinguished from the AA/EO Specialist in three ways. Incumbents in the SR level: 1) lead AA/EO efforts at regional campuses; 2) review and edit reports for discrimination and sexual harassment complaints; and 3) understand which issues are appropriate for him or her to resolve independently and which issues should be referred to the AA/EO Director or the University's Title IX Coordinator.

Reporting and Supervisory Responsibilities

The AA/EO Specialist SR reports directly to the AA/EO Director.

Typical Functions

  1. Leads USU’s AA/EO efforts at USU Eastern, USU Blanding, and USU regional campuses and centers. Incumbents in this position travel frequently to USU locations within the state.
  2. Collaborates with the AA/EO Director and Title IX Coordinator to implement and monitor the University’s response to discrimination or harassment complaints related to Title IX and Title VII’s prohibition of discrimination based on sex.
  3. Helps lead the development of a case management plan, including investigation procedures, and performs and/or oversees tasks and activities for each investigation.
  4. Receives complaints of discrimination and/or harassment, including sexual misconduct, sexual harassment, gender-related violence including stalking and intimate partner violence, and protected class discrimination and harassment and related retaliation.
  5. Conducts safety assessments.
  6. Exercises judgment regarding the resolution of complaints, including informal resolution and formal investigation.
  7. Conducts prompt, equitable, and impartial investigations into complaints, including identifying and interviewing involved parties and identifying, gathering, and assessing information relevant to the investigation.
  8. Provides regular updates to the AA/EO team about the case management approach, status, and progress.
  9. Writes, reviews, and edits reports; and maintains accurate and thorough investigatory records and reports finding(s) within the case management systems.
  10. Prepares materials for, assists with, and participates in appeals as necessary.
  11. Facilitates, within specific time constraints, informal resolution of AA/EO complaints, when appropriate, and documents efforts and conclusion of informal resolution.
  12. Evaluates the appropriateness of involvement of AA/EO and recommends to the appropriate administrator matters that require referral.
  13. Serves as one of the subject matter experts on equity and diversity matters and related policies and procedures.
  14. Collaborates with multi-disciplinary University offices and personnel to provide information to University students, faculty, and staff.
  15. Provides or facilitates consultation and technical assistance to students, faculty, and staff regarding their rights and obligations under Titles VI, VII, IX, VAWA/SaVE, ADA, ADEA, and related laws, including FERPA and the Clery Act.
  16. Collaborates with and maintains strong relationships with campus law enforcement and community resources related to all campuses and centers.
  17. Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  1. Ability to foster and maintain a positive environment that is supportive of students and respectful of difference.
  2. Ability to practice effective spoken, written, and interpersonal communication skills, including active listening, respect, and approachability.
  3. Knowledge related to Titles VI, VII, IX, VAWA/SaVE, ADA, ADEA, FERPA, and the Clery Act.
  4. Ability to use independent judgment and to manage confidential information.
  5. Ability to analyze information, identify issues, apply facts to policy, and write coherently and effectively.
  6. Ability to manage multiple responsibilities simultaneously and to respond effectively to competing deadlines and workflows.
  7. Ability to work collaboratively with diverse constituents, including students, staff, faculty, administrators, community partners, and law enforcement agencies.
  8. Ability to provide effective and appropriate recommendations and expertise at all levels within the University community.
  9. Ability to build and maintain trusting and positive relationships.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in a related field and at least four years of relevant work experience or Juris Doctor degree and one year of relevant experience is required.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

Employees work indoors and are protected from weather and/or contaminants, but not, necessarily, occasional temperature changes. The employee is regularly required to sit and often uses repetitive hand motions.

Disclaimer

This position description indicates the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive list of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to the position.