Whitman College
Director of Equity and Compliance/Title IX Coordinator
Whitman College, Walla Walla, Washington, United States, 99362
Director Of Equity And Compliance/Title IX Coordinator
Under the supervision of the Vice President for Inclusive Excellence (VPIE), the Director of Equity and Compliance/Title IX Coordinator is directly responsible for coordinating compliance with federal and state discrimination, harassment, and retaliation laws and related College policies. This includes those related to sexual and gender-based misconduct and identity-based harassment and discrimination (i.e., Title IX and Title VI). The Director works collaboratively with Human Resources (HR), the Office of the Provost, Campus Security, Student Affairs and other campus partners to develop and maintain policies, reporting protocols and prevention strategies. This role conducts initial assessments of reported concerns, ensures appropriate documentation of complaint resolutions, and reports findings to designated areas for further action when necessary. This position will temporarily report to the Associate Vice President (AVP) for HR during the search for a new VPIE, after which it will report directly to the VPIE. Principal Accountabilities Response & Investigation of Title IX, Title VI & Other Complaints of Identity-Based Harassment & Discrimination (60%) Receive reports/complaints of harassment, discrimination, sexual misconduct and retaliation from students, faculty and staff. Conduct initial assessments, meet with complainants to provide information on campus and community resources, communicate supportive measures and explain options for confidential reporting and resolution. Ensure prompt, effective, and equitable investigations and timely resolution of complaints of sexual misconduct, retaliation, and other forms of identity-based harassment and discrimination. Organize and maintain accurate and thorough case files, investigation records, statistical data on inquiries and complaints, and develop reports on complaints, investigations, and resolutions as required by law. Assist in the construction of informal resolutions for incidents that do not meet the threshold for formal investigation. Responsible for the notification of parties, oversight of investigation and investigative reports to ensure investigations are thorough, reliable and impartial, and monitoring compliance with necessary laws, policies and guidelines. When necessary, will coordinate, appoint, and oversee the work of external investigators and/or deputy coordinators. Organize and support a system of volunteer Deputy Title IX Coordinators, as well as provide training to staff members responsible for any part of the complaint process (i.e., investigators, hearing panelists, advisors, etc.). Develop, implement, update and serve as principal coordinator of policies, procedures and programs related to compliance with Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) and other applicable legislation. Maintain fluency with Title IX and Title VI regulations and consult with legal counsel as appropriate. Maintain a high level of confidentiality with the utmost discretion and sensitivity. Education & Training (15%) Collaborate with the Division of Inclusive Excellence, HR and Student Affairs to develop, offer and coordinate training and awareness efforts related to all forms of discrimination, harassment and retaliation with an emphasis on prevention education. Maintain documentation of training and educational programs related to compliance with Title IX and VAWA; provide certifications as required to state and government reporting bodies. Grievances & ADA Appeals (15%) Serve as an investigative administrator for the College's Grievance process. Hear appeals of decisions regarding ADA accommodations (i.e., student appeals decided by the Director of Disability Support Services; employee appeals decided by the AVP for HR). Evolving Responsibilities (10%) Assist with Clery reporting and compliance. Provide strategic direction for, and ongoing assessment and evaluation of, all efforts to eliminate and prevent harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and sexual misconduct at Whitman College. Serve as a critical campus resource and College representative, internally and externally, in support of equity. Lead and serve on College committees as needed. Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Must be able to explain and/or demonstrate possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities to safely perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation. Specifically, Ability to interpret federal and state equal opportunity and non-discrimination laws and regulations, including Title IX, Title VI, sexual harassment and other applicable laws and regulations. Working knowledge of Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization of 2012 (VAWA), Campus SaVE Act and related laws. Understanding of bias and a clear commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and the ability to integrate this value into all aspects of the position. Ability to actively and positively contribute to the College's core values of diversity, equity, inclusion, antiracism and access. Ability to collaborate, identify opportunities and act to build effective relationships across the College to achieve institutional compliance goals. Strong organization, planning, analytical and problem resolution abilities. Excellent verbal and written communication, interpersonal, administrative, organizational, planning, and project management skills. Ability to treat all parties engaged in the complaint process with sensitivity and neutrality. Ability to manage sensitive situations with professionalism and compassion, while maintaining credibility. Ability to conduct individual and group facilitations to foster effective communication. Ability to multitask and organize, prioritize, and follow multiple projects and tasks through to completion with an attention to detail. Ability to work independently while contributing to a team environment. Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional relationships in dealing with sensitive, complex civil rights, legal, and human resources issues. Minimum Qualifications Master's degree in relevant discipline (Public Administration, Higher Education, Human Services, Counseling Psychology, etc.) from an accredited institution. 2+ years of experience with Title IX work and requisite knowledge for overseeing Title VI investigations AND experience and training leading investigations of identity-based discrimination or harassment. OR a combination of relevant education, training, and experience. Whitman College values diverse pathways to acquiring skills and knowledge and encourages applicants to demonstrate how their background aligns with the role. Preferred Qualifications Law degree in relevant discipline (Public Administration, Higher Education, Human Services, Counseling Psychology, etc.) from an accredited institution. Training in trauma-informed, mediation, conflict resolution, or restorative justice practices. Knowledge of database management systems such as Maxient, Symplicity, Guardian, or other appropriate software. Please note that while the description details both required and preferred qualifications, we want applicants to be aware that they do not need to have all of the preferred qualifications to be considered for this position. If you meet the minimum qualifications and have passion for the work, you are encouraged to apply. Benefits Whitman College offers a competitive benefits program that is designed to attract qualified candidates and retain talented employees. Full-time employees enjoy the following benefits: Medical/Dental/Vision Insurances. Basic life, accidental death and dismemberment and long term disability insurances with the capability to elect additional voluntary coverage. 403(b) Defined Contribution Retirement Plan with a 10% matching contribution after eligibility requirements are met. Paid Time Off: 20 accrued vacation days, 12 accrued sick days, 13 paid holidays. Tuition Remission
Dependent Children. Employee tuition waiver for two Whitman courses per semester. Employee Assistance Program. Relocation assistance for eligible employees. Learn more about benefits eligibility
here . Disability Accommodation for Job Candidates Contact Human Resources regarding requests for disability accommodation in the employment application process. Application Review Application review will begin on immediately and continue until the position is filled. Start Date ASAP
Under the supervision of the Vice President for Inclusive Excellence (VPIE), the Director of Equity and Compliance/Title IX Coordinator is directly responsible for coordinating compliance with federal and state discrimination, harassment, and retaliation laws and related College policies. This includes those related to sexual and gender-based misconduct and identity-based harassment and discrimination (i.e., Title IX and Title VI). The Director works collaboratively with Human Resources (HR), the Office of the Provost, Campus Security, Student Affairs and other campus partners to develop and maintain policies, reporting protocols and prevention strategies. This role conducts initial assessments of reported concerns, ensures appropriate documentation of complaint resolutions, and reports findings to designated areas for further action when necessary. This position will temporarily report to the Associate Vice President (AVP) for HR during the search for a new VPIE, after which it will report directly to the VPIE. Principal Accountabilities Response & Investigation of Title IX, Title VI & Other Complaints of Identity-Based Harassment & Discrimination (60%) Receive reports/complaints of harassment, discrimination, sexual misconduct and retaliation from students, faculty and staff. Conduct initial assessments, meet with complainants to provide information on campus and community resources, communicate supportive measures and explain options for confidential reporting and resolution. Ensure prompt, effective, and equitable investigations and timely resolution of complaints of sexual misconduct, retaliation, and other forms of identity-based harassment and discrimination. Organize and maintain accurate and thorough case files, investigation records, statistical data on inquiries and complaints, and develop reports on complaints, investigations, and resolutions as required by law. Assist in the construction of informal resolutions for incidents that do not meet the threshold for formal investigation. Responsible for the notification of parties, oversight of investigation and investigative reports to ensure investigations are thorough, reliable and impartial, and monitoring compliance with necessary laws, policies and guidelines. When necessary, will coordinate, appoint, and oversee the work of external investigators and/or deputy coordinators. Organize and support a system of volunteer Deputy Title IX Coordinators, as well as provide training to staff members responsible for any part of the complaint process (i.e., investigators, hearing panelists, advisors, etc.). Develop, implement, update and serve as principal coordinator of policies, procedures and programs related to compliance with Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) and other applicable legislation. Maintain fluency with Title IX and Title VI regulations and consult with legal counsel as appropriate. Maintain a high level of confidentiality with the utmost discretion and sensitivity. Education & Training (15%) Collaborate with the Division of Inclusive Excellence, HR and Student Affairs to develop, offer and coordinate training and awareness efforts related to all forms of discrimination, harassment and retaliation with an emphasis on prevention education. Maintain documentation of training and educational programs related to compliance with Title IX and VAWA; provide certifications as required to state and government reporting bodies. Grievances & ADA Appeals (15%) Serve as an investigative administrator for the College's Grievance process. Hear appeals of decisions regarding ADA accommodations (i.e., student appeals decided by the Director of Disability Support Services; employee appeals decided by the AVP for HR). Evolving Responsibilities (10%) Assist with Clery reporting and compliance. Provide strategic direction for, and ongoing assessment and evaluation of, all efforts to eliminate and prevent harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and sexual misconduct at Whitman College. Serve as a critical campus resource and College representative, internally and externally, in support of equity. Lead and serve on College committees as needed. Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Must be able to explain and/or demonstrate possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities to safely perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation. Specifically, Ability to interpret federal and state equal opportunity and non-discrimination laws and regulations, including Title IX, Title VI, sexual harassment and other applicable laws and regulations. Working knowledge of Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization of 2012 (VAWA), Campus SaVE Act and related laws. Understanding of bias and a clear commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and the ability to integrate this value into all aspects of the position. Ability to actively and positively contribute to the College's core values of diversity, equity, inclusion, antiracism and access. Ability to collaborate, identify opportunities and act to build effective relationships across the College to achieve institutional compliance goals. Strong organization, planning, analytical and problem resolution abilities. Excellent verbal and written communication, interpersonal, administrative, organizational, planning, and project management skills. Ability to treat all parties engaged in the complaint process with sensitivity and neutrality. Ability to manage sensitive situations with professionalism and compassion, while maintaining credibility. Ability to conduct individual and group facilitations to foster effective communication. Ability to multitask and organize, prioritize, and follow multiple projects and tasks through to completion with an attention to detail. Ability to work independently while contributing to a team environment. Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional relationships in dealing with sensitive, complex civil rights, legal, and human resources issues. Minimum Qualifications Master's degree in relevant discipline (Public Administration, Higher Education, Human Services, Counseling Psychology, etc.) from an accredited institution. 2+ years of experience with Title IX work and requisite knowledge for overseeing Title VI investigations AND experience and training leading investigations of identity-based discrimination or harassment. OR a combination of relevant education, training, and experience. Whitman College values diverse pathways to acquiring skills and knowledge and encourages applicants to demonstrate how their background aligns with the role. Preferred Qualifications Law degree in relevant discipline (Public Administration, Higher Education, Human Services, Counseling Psychology, etc.) from an accredited institution. Training in trauma-informed, mediation, conflict resolution, or restorative justice practices. Knowledge of database management systems such as Maxient, Symplicity, Guardian, or other appropriate software. Please note that while the description details both required and preferred qualifications, we want applicants to be aware that they do not need to have all of the preferred qualifications to be considered for this position. If you meet the minimum qualifications and have passion for the work, you are encouraged to apply. Benefits Whitman College offers a competitive benefits program that is designed to attract qualified candidates and retain talented employees. Full-time employees enjoy the following benefits: Medical/Dental/Vision Insurances. Basic life, accidental death and dismemberment and long term disability insurances with the capability to elect additional voluntary coverage. 403(b) Defined Contribution Retirement Plan with a 10% matching contribution after eligibility requirements are met. Paid Time Off: 20 accrued vacation days, 12 accrued sick days, 13 paid holidays. Tuition Remission
Dependent Children. Employee tuition waiver for two Whitman courses per semester. Employee Assistance Program. Relocation assistance for eligible employees. Learn more about benefits eligibility
here . Disability Accommodation for Job Candidates Contact Human Resources regarding requests for disability accommodation in the employment application process. Application Review Application review will begin on immediately and continue until the position is filled. Start Date ASAP