Job Information
Harvard University Office for Dispute Resolution Associate Director and Investigator in Cambridge, Massachusetts
66952BRAuto req ID:66952BRJob Code:361060 Administrative Manager Department Office Location:USA - MA - Cambridge Business Title:ODR Associate Director & InvestigatorSub-Unit:Office of the President and Provost Salary Grade (https://hr.harvard.edu/salary-ranges#ranges) :060Time Status:Full-time Union:00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary Basic Qualifications:
Candidates must meet the following basic qualifications in order to be considered for this role:
J.D. required.
A minimum of eight years of relevant experience, five of which must be in the area of conducting investigations in education or employment arena, including demonstration of the following skills, knowledge, and expertise:
Experience conducting sensitive and confidential investigations;
Expert-level knowledge of federal civil rights laws, or similar, including case law and agency interpretation; familiarity with high-level party and witness interview and investigation techniques;
Demonstrated ability to complete complex legal analysis, reach legally sound determinations, and produce high-quality written work.
Experience must include supervision of professional staff. Advanced degree other than J.D. may count toward years of experience.
Additional Qualifications and Skills:
Demonstration of the above legal expertise in an educational arena a plus.
Additional advanced or clinical degree in psychology, criminal justice, social work, or other relevant fields is desirable.
Demonstrated ability to exercise a high level of discretion and good judgment; ability to quickly establish credibility with a broad range of constituents, including faculty, staff, students, law enforcement, and others.
Ability to handle confidential information, including information from individuals who may be experiencing distress, with the utmost discretion and sensitivity. Ability to advise investigative staff in managing and conducting sensitive and confidential investigations.
Executive-level verbal and written communication skills. Excellent listening, collaboration, and team-building skills.
Familiarity with other federal statutes important to post-secondary education (e.g., VAWA, Clery Act, FERPA) strongly preferred. Experience in the higher education environment, including interacting with both students and administration on issues related to student life, is a plus.
Additional Information:
This position has a 3-month orientation and review period.
The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up to date on CDC-recommended vaccines.
Department:Office for Dispute ResolutionPre-Employment Screening:Education, IdentitySchedule:Full time. Monday through Friday. 35 hours per week, Job Function:General Administration Position Description:
Specific duties and responsibilities include:
Assists the Director to develop supervisory and program strategies to ensure the ODR investigations not only reflect, but set, the best practice standards in the higher education community for parity, impartiality, factual thoroughness, and analytical soundness, assessed based on a deep working knowledge of federal, state, and higher education approaches to, for example, Title IX, Title VI, Title VII, 151B; case resolution; and federal and state evidence laws.
Assists the Director in outreach and partnership-building with the University’s Schools and units.
Assists the Director in tracking ODR case-related data and outcomes, with a focus on establishing the metrics to gauge University-level progress and opportunities for improvement.
Assists the Director in updating and refining the ODR training curriculum based on the investigative team’s experience gained in processing ODR’s caseload, University stakeholder input, and updates in federal (e.g., Title IX, VAWA, Title VI, Title VII, FERPA) and state caselaw and relevant regulations.
Recommends to the Director opportunities to improve ODR protocols and practices in addition to relevant policies and procedures; engaging in collaborative strategic planning for the University’s response to proposed and/or pending changes in relevant federal and state regulations; and recommending areas requiring greater training resources based on information gathered through ODR’s activities.
Responsible for own complaint caseload, in consultation with the Director where necessary, and performs related duties such as: case evaluation, processing administrative closures or dismissals, coordination with School/unit designees/liaisons and Title IX Resource Coordinators, conducting party and witness interviews, identifying other evidence, timely communication with parties, evaluating evidence and conducting legal analysis to reach findings or recommended findings, drafting and issuing written reports, and responding to case-related questions from a Hearing Panel.
Processes requests for informal resolutions and is available to speak with members of the University community who have questions about protections under the University policies regarding sexual harassment and other sexual misconduct and the related procedures.
Develops and conducts trainings, with an emphasis on a train-the-trainer approach, whenever appropriate, under Title IX, VAWA, and other federal or state civil rights laws, in partnership with the Office for Gender Equity (OGE).
Assists the University Title IX Coordinator and the Director in carrying out other Title IX/VAWA response and prevention responsibilities for the University. These may include but are not limited to: data collection, trend analysis, and community outreach.
Hires, trains, develops, and manages several staff including: ODR Fellows, Senior Fellows, Associates, Senior Associates, and the Investigative Assistant.
School/Unit:University Administration EEO Statement:We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.Job Summary:
The Office for Dispute Resolution (ODR), administratively situated within the Provost’s Office, is a neutral body of professional investigators that works in partnership with the Office for Gender Equity, other units in Central Administration, and the Schools to impartially investigate and resolve complaints primarily involving sexual harassment or other sexual misconduct against students, staff, faculty, and third parties, pursuant to the applicable policies. In fulfilling this charge, ODR contributes to the University’s progress in meeting its goals for an inclusive environment based on sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity. ODR also conducts investigations related to other types of discrimination, such as different treatment or harassment based on sex, sexual orientation, and race, color, or national origin; retaliation; and related potential violations of other local School/unit policies, at the request of the relevant School/unit, and as ODR’s caseload allows.
Reporting to the Director of ODR (the Director), this position is a dual role and serves both as Associate Director of ODR and as an Investigator within ODR.
In the capacity of Associate Director, the position plays a critical role in implementing ODR’s mission by assisting the Director, where appropriate, in providing day-to-day case-related guidance in investigations and other ODR activities to ensure the highest level of integrity in executing the applicable procedures. The position supervises various ODR Associate(s) and Fellow(s) and an Investigative Assistant. The position also assists the Director in developing, overseeing, and delivering University-wide trainings relevant to ODR’s mission.
In the capacity of Investigator, the position conducts investigations, handles informal resolutions, and is available to answer informational questions as a member of ODR. They play an important role in meeting the University’s training and education obligations under Title IX, VAWA, and other federal or state civil rights laws. With case-related guidance from the Director, the position is responsible for an independent caseload, partnering with School and unit officials throughout the investigative process, conducting legally sufficient investigations, meeting established timelines, and treating all constituents engaged in the complaint process with sensitivity and neutrality.
Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging:Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.Benefits:We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:
Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.
Work Format:Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote) LinkedIn Recruiter Tag (for internal use only):#LI-MT1Work Format Details:This is a hybrid position that is based in Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. All remote work must be performed within one of the Harvard Registered Payroll States, which currently includes Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Washington, and California (CA for exempt positions only). Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.