Director Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance

Department: Civil Rights & Title IX Compl
Salary/Grade: EXS/13

Job Summary

Consistent with Northwestern's commitment to fostering a culture of access, belonging, and accountability, the Director, Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance has primary responsibility for leading the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance responses to incoming reports concerning students, faculty, staff, and third parties.

Working with other leaders in the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance, the Director works to respond to all incoming reports of discrimination, harassment, and sexual misconduct and leads outreach and follow-up in matters involving student, faculty, staff, and third parties. The Director oversees the case management process and supervises Case Managers who conduct intake meetings with parties and arrange for the provision of supportive measures and provides guidance and support as appropriate. The Director co-facilitates sanctioning panel processes in student matters, tracks and manages case data, and monitors complaint activity for patterns or systemic issues or barriers to reporting. The Director consults on the annual review and revision of the Office's policies and works with other office team members in the development of outreach, educational, and other resource materials.

The Director oversees the Outreach and Education function of the office and supervises the Outreach and Education Coordinator who provides training and outreach opportunities on policies and procedures for the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. The Director partners with the Senior Director, Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance, and other team members to coordinate responses. The Director works closely and is expected to partner with multiple campus offices including the Dean of Students, the Office of General Counsel, the Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion, Office of Human Resources, the Office of the Provost, and University Police to lead the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance response to discrimination, harassment, and sexual misconduct matters. The Director reports to the Associate Vice President, Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance.

*Note: Not all aspects of the job are covered by this job description.

• Report Response. Oversee the provision of comprehensive, trauma-informed response and support services to students, faculty, staff, and third parties reporting sexual misconduct, discrimination, and harassment. Conduct intake meetings, provide information about reporting options, facilitate connection with resources, and address immediate safety needs. Lead the review of all reports for initial inquiry with the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance Case Managers and, as necessary, investigative team.
• Case Management. Manage reports involving students, faculty, staff, and third parties from receipt to resolution. Manage contact with parties in matters throughout any investigation and hearing processes. Notify respondents of allegations, pending investigations, and policies of concern. Conduct educational response meetings. Arrange for the implementation of supportive measures, liaising with academic units, administrative offices, and law enforcement, as needed.
• Alternative Resolution: Conduct educational response meetings and facilitate alternative resolutions pursuant to University policy. Train and oversee Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance team members who are responsible for conducting alternative resolutions. Maintain data and case records associated with educational responses and alternative resolutions.
• Data tracking and reporting. Maintain an up-to-date case management database, organizing and tracking all reports. Monitor activity to track for patterns and systemic concerns and any barriers to reporting. Assist with preparation of the Illinois Preventing Sexual Violence in Higher Education Act annual report and prepare quarterly insurance logs. Serve as a Campus Security Authority and work with the Clery Coordinator to provided needed data for the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report.
• Policy Review. With office leadership, lead the annual review and development of Equity policies and procedures. Ensure compliance with all national, state, and local regulation and guidance related to sexual misconduct including, but not limited to: Title IX, the Violence Against Women Act, the Illinois Preventing Sexual Violence in Higher Education Act and other legal requirements in handling of student matters. Consult on the preparation of comprehensive educational materials and resources.
• Crisis Response. Respond to critical incidents involving discrimination, harassment, and sexual misconduct matters, including those arising during evening and weekend hours. Serve as a member of the University's Behavioral Consultation Team.
• Training and Outreach: Supervise the Outreach and Education Coordinator responsible for conducting training and outreach activities on the policies and procedures that the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance is responsible for, including but not limited to trainings and programming addressing sexual misconduct, discrimination, harassment, reporting options and reporting obligations for students, faculty, and staff.

• Master's degree in higher education administration, student services, counseling, conflict management, social work or a related field or a law degree.
• 7+ years of professional experience in increasingly responsible positions in higher education, student affairs, Title IX, or civil rights.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Title IX, Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), and other applicable laws and regulations, and the ability to interpret complex legal guidance; knowledge of best practices as they relate to campus sexual misconduct investigations.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to communicate confidential and difficult/sensitive information and to demonstrate compassion and sensitivity when interacting with participants.
• Ability to build relationships and establish collaborative partnerships across the University.
• Knowledge of university disciplinary systems and relevant regulatory/legal issues.
• Knowledge, experience, and training in addressing issues related to sex discrimination and sexual violence.
• Ability to efficiently manage a caseload of multiple Title IX-related incidents and complaints.
• Exceptional written communication skills, including the ability to write concise, logical, and analytical reports.
• Strong attention to accuracy and detail.
• Ability to act independently, take initiative, and exercise sound judgment.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusivity, as well as the ability to work with a wide range of constituencies (staff, students, faculty, parents, and administrators) with diplomacy and tact.
  

Target hiring range for this position will be between $125,000 - $135,000 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.

Northwestern strongly recommends COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters for people who can obtain them as a critical tool for minimizing severe illness. More information can be found on the COVID-19 and Campus Updates webpage.

The Northwestern campus sits on the traditional homelands of the people of the Council of Three Fires, the Ojibwe, Potawatomi, and Odawa as well as the Menominee, Miami and Ho-Chunk nations. We acknowledge and honor the original people of the land upon which Northwestern University stands, and the Native people who remain on this land today.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Click for information on EEO is the Law.