Equal Opportunity Associate - Military Veterans

The Office for Equity and Diversity (OED) is responsible for the University of Minnesota's system-wide equity and diversity initiatives and programs, and for infusing the core values of equity and diversity into all aspects of teaching, learning, research, service, and outreach at the University. OED includes the following units: the Office for Supplier Diversity; the Office for Conflict Resolution; the Disability Resource Center; the Equal Opportunity and Title IX Office; the Gender and Sexuality Center for Queer and Trans Life; the Multicultural Center for Academic Excellence; and the Women's Center.

General information about the position
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.

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. Associates report directly to the Equal Opportunity & Title IX Director and Title IX Coordinator, who also serves as an Associate Vice President in the Office for Equity and Diversity.
The Associate position is a full-time, year-round, professional/administrative position. The Office offers flexibility, hybrid (some days remote and some days in-office) work, and excellent work-life balance.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Investigation and Complaint Resolution 85%

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

Other Duties as Assigned 15%

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

The University of Minnesota is committed to the policy that all persons shall have equal access to its programs, facilities and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status or sexual orientation. This document is available in alternative formats upon request at 612-624-9547.

Essential Qualifications:

• JD from an accredited law school.
• Knowledge of discrimination, sexual misconduct, and equal opportunity laws.
• Experience conducting investigations of legal or policy violations.
• Exceptional writing and analytical skills.
• Experience presenting educational materials to adult learners.
• Exceptional communication, interpersonal skills, and emotional intelligence.
• 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 Qualifications:

• Experience applying discrimination 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.