Equity Officer/Investigator

OIE Investigator

Elevate Your Career at UCCS: Innovate, Inspire, and Impact in the Rockies!

Who We Are

The University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) is a premier educational institution that prides itself on academic excellence, research, and community engagement and is actively seeking an Office of Institutional Equity Investigator to join our team! UCCS offers a diverse and inclusive learning environment that fosters innovation, growth, and the holistic development of its students. The work location for this position may be eligible for on-site, hybrid eligible or fully remote. This position is Exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) overtime provisions.

At the base of the Rocky Mountains, Colorado Springs is captivated by its stunning landscapes, making it a paradise for nature lovers. This city is more than its scenery--a mosaic of history, arts, and a vibrant tech scene. We invite you to join a community that cherishes outdoor adventure as much as forward-thinking growth, an exceptional setting for both career and lifestyle.

Salary Range: $ 56,000 - $61,000 annually. Compensation will be commensurate upon experience and qualifications.

Benefits at a Glance

At UCCS, our employees are our most valued asset. We're proud to offer:

• Generous Time Off: Enjoy 22 vacation days, 10 sick days, paid parental leave, 13 recognized holidays, and provisions for bereavement, jury duty, and FAMLI Leave.
• Robust Health Coverage: Our comprehensive medical plans cover preventative care at no cost, including a yearly mental health visit. Plus, benefit from affordable dental, vision plans, and competitive prescription drug prices.
• Financial & Retirement Benefits: Take advantage of our health savings, flexible spending accounts, and life and disability insurance. Plan for your future with our retirement options.
• Further Your Education: Avail nine waived credits per academic year for courses at any CU campus. We invest in your educational and professional growth.
• Wellness & More: From wellness programs aimed at achieving your best self to various additional benefits through CU Advantage, we prioritize well-being and holistic development.
• Want to know your total compensation? Use our calculator to get the complete picture!

Summary

The Office of Institutional Equity (OIE) handles hundreds of complaints annually, and this position requires a highly self-aware, emotionally intelligent professional with sound judgment and strong critical thinking skills. The ideal candidate will demonstrate the ability to remain composed under pressure, communicate effectively with diverse audiences, actively listen, foster inclusive collaboration, and professionally exchange constructive feedback. They must understand the emotional impact OIE interactions can have on all parties involved and consistently demonstrate cultural awareness and sensitivity. This role involves leading and conducting investigations and resolving cases involving sexual misconduct, protected class discrimination and harassment, and conflicts of interest in amorous relationships. Experience navigating complex situations in educational or similarly intricate institutional settings and applying relevant policies and regulations with fairness and consistency, is essential.

Essential Functions

The duties and responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to:

Primary Duties (75%)

• Utilizing a trauma-informed approach, conduct prompt, thorough, and impartial investigations into allegations of protected class harassment and discrimination, sexual misconduct (including intimate partner abuse, dating and domestic violence, and stalking), and related retaliation that fall under UCCS jurisdiction in a timely manner.
• Collecting information in an efficient and supportive manner, in consideration of cultural and other differences, as applicable.
• Providing thorough information to involved parties, including details regarding the policies and procedures utilized and enforced by the OIE.
• Evaluating the nature and the urgency of the situation and determine the appropriate course of action.
• Interviewing complainants, respondents, and witnesses, analyzing and synthesizing information gained through the investigation process, and composing a clear and concise final report detailing the information obtained and the logical reasoning used to reach recommendations regarding responsibility (findings of fact and conclusions).
• Conduct other remedies-based case resolutions tailored to specific circumstances that help prevent behaviors from reoccurring and bridge the gap between intention and impact.
• Establishing and maintaining files and databases, including performing database entry, maintaining files, ensuring cases are entered appropriately and consistently, and checking each file for compliance with required documentation.
• Monitoring compliance of all requirements and timelines specified by university procedures.
• In support of continuity of care, collaborate with the designated Employee Relations professionals in the Human Resources Office (regarding staff), Provost's Office (regarding faculty), and Dean of Students Office (regarding students) on complaints which are determined to be either outside of OIE's jurisdiction or not a violation of policy.
• Collaborate with Law Enforcement officials in accordance with established university procedures.
• Refer individuals to necessary resources and coordinate such referrals with those agencies and departments.

Additional Duties (25%)

• Maintain relevant certifications and/or complete assigned annual professional development/training.
• Support the development and delivery of trainings and educational programs to the UCCS community on University policies and procedures related to protected class harassment and discrimination, sexual misconduct, and conflict of interest in amorous relationships, and inform these constituents about the complaint procedures and investigative processes.
• Assist with creating, maintaining, analyzing and reporting data.
• Support the UCCS mission of upholding a positive learning, working, and living environment, by participating in campus committees, as determined with supervisor.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Tentative Search Timeline

• Priority will be given to applications submitted by: May 21, 2025.

• Potential interview dates: June 2, 2025 - June 13, 2025.

• Potential start date: July 1, 2025.

All employees of the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) are required to complete training on policies and procedures administered by the Office of Institutional Equity (OIE), under the supervision of the Associate Vice Chancellor of Institutional Equity/Title IX Coordinator. Required training includes: understanding and reporting conduct prohibited by the sexual misconduct, protected class nondiscrimination, and conflicts of interest in cases of amorous relationships policies, related retaliation, and compliance with accommodations regarding disability, pregnancy or related conditions, and religion. All employees are also designated as "responsible employees" and are required to report conduct prohibited under these policies, and student disclosures of pregnancy or related conditions directly to the OIE and to provide OIE's contact information to any student disclosing pregnancy or related conditions. More information is available at: Policies and Resolution Procedures | Office of Institutional Equity (uccs.edu).

• Must have a Bachelor's degree in Higher Education, Educational Leadership, or related field, such as Counseling, Psychology, Social Work, Law, or Human Resources.
• Must have professional experience as an Investigator in an Equity or Civil Rights Office in an educational or similarly complex organization setting, conducting sexual misconduct and protected-class discrimination and harassment investigations.
• To qualify applicants must have prior completion of civil rights investigative training or certification through one or more nationally recognized organizations that covers civil rights, not limited to Title IX, Title VI, and Title VII.
• Advanced degree in relevant field (Higher Education, Educational Leadership, Counseling, Psychology, Social Work, Law, Human Resources) is strongly preferred.
• Highly qualified applicants will have experience and/or training in forms of conflict resolution such as conflict coaching, mediation, facilitated dialogues, or restorative justice.
• Experience developing and facilitating prevention training for sexual misconduct, discrimination, and harassment is preferred.

UCCS is an equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

In accordance with the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, UCCS does not discriminate based on sex in our employment or compensation practices.