Department: Civil Rights & Title IX Compl
Salary/Grade: EXS/15

Job Summary

Provides University-wide leadership in addressing and preventing discrimination, harassment, and sexual misconduct (including sexual harassment, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, and sexual assault) under applicable Northwestern University policies and federal, state, and local laws and regulations.

The Senior Director for Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance/ Deputy Title IX Coordinator ("Sr. Director") serves on the leadership team for the University's Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance and reports to the Associate Vice President for Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance.

The Sr. Director works collaboratively with the senior administration and other campus offices, including Office of General Counsel, Office of Human Resources, Division of Student Affairs and Office of the Provost and leads and participates in university-wide committees as assigned; educates senior leaders, managers, employees and students on appropriate policies and processes; interprets EEO laws, Title IX, and other applicable laws and regulations for faculty, staff, and students.

The Sr. Director oversees the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance response to complaints and concerns involving discrimination, harassment, and sexual misconduct, including the investigative processes for those matters and various other initiatives. In addition to providing leadership and oversight in the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance, the Sr. Director is responsible for developing, administering, and monitoring the University's compliance strategies, and developing strategic partnerships (internal and external) with key University leaders, managers, community leaders and other stakeholders to realize the University's vision for access, equal opportunity and inclusion.

Cover letter required for consideration

Position Overview

Report Response and Resolution

• Supervise investigators and oversee complaint investigation and response for reports of discrimination, harassment, and sexual misconduct, ensures that investigations are comprehensive, neutral, and consistent with the University's policies. Communicates investigative findings and collaborates regarding appropriate resolution and remediation with the Office of General Counsel, the Office of the Provost or the appropriate deans on faculty issues, the Office of Human Resources on staff issues, and the Division of Student Affairs on student issues.

Activities include but are not limited to:

• Supervising a team of investigators responsible for discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct, and retaliation investigations.
• Providing students, staff and faculty with information pertaining to the University's sexual misconduct, nondiscrimination and nonretaliation policies.
• Assessing and evaluating reports of discrimination, harassment and sexual misconduct to determine whether they fall within the purview of University Policies.
• Coordinating educational responses, including one on one responses and broad educational programming for students, staff and faculty.
• Providing students, staff and faculty with information related to policies, procedures and options, apprising them of EEO laws, and providing appropriate support as needed. Consults with and advises other offices and investigators to determine the scope of an investigation, oversees investigation processes, ensures provision of initial remedial actions as needed, monitors compliance with timelines, ensures proper investigative reports and notices of outcomes are delivered, ensures that appropriate corrective and remedial acts are consistently assessed and enforced.
• In collaboration with the Director of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance, oversees the hearing process, including facilitating the process and obtaining external hearing officers and advisors.
• Working in consultation with the Office of General Counsel assists with response to external charges of discrimination and inquiries from the Office of Civil Rights, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, or state and local human rights agencies related to discrimination, harassment, and sexual misconduct.

Program Development

• Collaborate with internal leaders to influence and guide the University's engagement relative to the design, implementation and administration of programs and activities that create and promote equitable and diverse employment opportunities and inclusive work and learning practices.
• Developing and conducting educational and training materials for senior leaders, management, staff, and faculty relative to EEO and Title IX matters.

Compliance and Policy Development

• Prepares and publishes the University discrimination, harassment, and sexual harassment policies, annual reports, and related guidance to the University community. Monitors and oversees required posting requirements. In consultation with the AVP for Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance, develops new policies and procedures in response to emerging laws and regulations.
• Monitors and analyzes federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and decisions to ensure that University policies and procedures related to discrimination, harassment, and sexual misconduct comply with the law, best practices, and the objectives of the University's administration. Coordinates the development and implementation of appropriate policies, procedures, and practices in these areas to improve program effectiveness and legal compliance.
• Maintains the University's compliance with the Illinois Preventing Sexual Violence in Higher Education Act through ensuring timely response to reports, equitable complaint processes, compliant policies, and filing of required annual report.
• Coordinates and oversees Title IX compliance efforts of other campus offices and administrators (e.g., deputy Title IX coordinators, investigators, Office of Community Standards, Center for Awareness, Response, and Education, University Police, Athletics and Recreation, etc.). Monitor, evaluate and recommend improvements in the University's compliance with equal opportunity and non-discrimination laws, guidelines, and policies to ensure that employment practices and contracting arrangements are in compliance.
• Staff Management. Plans, directs, supervises, and coordinates the work activities of subordinates and staff. Has direct responsibility for hiring, orienting, developing, evaluating, and managing performance, including the administration of corrective action including discharge. Establishes goals and performance objectives. Coaches and counsels staff members relative to performance improvement, training and development, communication and team effectiveness, cross-training, collaboration with other areas of Human Resources, etc.
• Budget Management and Strategic Planning. Works with AVP to develop, manage and oversee the budget for the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. Oversees relevant expenditures and ensures compliance with University policies and procedures. Partners with AVP on strategic planning/initiatives and communication strategies for office.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Juris Doctorate or Masters Degree with 7-10 years relevant professional experience
• Knowledge of laws, regulations, and current case history on EEO, affirmative action practices, Title IX and compliance needs.
• Knowledge of the reporting requirements of government agencies.
• Experience in conducting discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct, retaliation investigations and resolving workplace and/or student sexual misconduct complaints.
• Ability to communicate effectively and build strong working relationships at all levels of the organization, to include executive leaders, directors, managers, supervisors, staff, and students.
• Project management experience.
• Demonstrated writing and public speaking skills and ability.

Minimum Competencies:

• Knowledge of laws, regulatory guidance, and current case law bearing on Title VII, Title VI, Section 504/ADA, and Title IX.
• Demonstrated strong written communication skills and ability to produce thorough written reports analyzing application of policy and law to facts.
• Strong professional communication skills, with interpersonal effectiveness expected at all levels of a large organization as well as in the community.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with a diverse campus community, and to work collaboratively with many offices toward achieving institutional goals.

Preferred Qualifications:

• JD preferred.
• Prior experience in Higher Education, particularly in a leadership position.
• Prior work experience in employment law.
• Prior work experience with student conduct matters.
• Prior experience managing a team of diverse employees who perform confidential and sensitive work.

Preferred Competencies:

• Knowledge of related laws and process at federal, state, and administrative level, including knowledge of VAWA, Clery, the Illinois Preventing Sexual Violence in Higher Education Act, and the Illinois Human Rights Act
• Demonstrated strong public speaking skills, including conducting workplace training.

Target hiring range for this position will be between $175,000-$195,000 per year. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data


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