Equal Opportunity Associate

The Office for Equity and Diversity (OED) is responsible for the University of Minnesota's system-wide equity and diversity initiatives and programs, and for infusing the core values of equity and diversity into all aspects of teaching, learning, research, service, and outreach at the University. OED includes the following units: the Office for Supplier Diversity; the Office for Conflict Resolution; the Disability Resource Center; the Equal Opportunity and Title IX Office; the Gender and Sexuality Center for Queer and Trans Life; the Multicultural Center for Academic Excellence; and the Women's Center.

General information about the position
The Equal Opportunity & Title IX Office is seeking a highly qualified, motivated, and skilled individual to respond to complaints of discrimination, sexual misconduct, nepotism, and related retaliation through investigation and informal problem-solving and to counsel University community members on equal opportunity issues.

The Associate position offers complex, fast-moving and fascinating work in a supportive work environment. Associates have significant discretion to craft appropriate investigative and informal responses to complaints. Associates also have the opportunity to collaborate frequently with colleagues in the Office and broader University to resolve case-related challenges. The Office's work has a significant impact on the individuals and units involved in its cases. Associates' thoughtfulness, attention to detail, and commitment to equity and diversity is critical. Associates report directly to the Equal Opportunity & Title IX Director and Title IX Coordinator, who also serves as an Associate Vice President in the Office for Equity and Diversity.
The Associate position is a full-time, year-round, professional/administrative position. The Office offers flexibility, hybrid remote and in-office work, and excellent work-life balance. The position offers a competitive compensation package, commensurate with experience and background, and excellent benefits.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Investigation and Complaint Resolution 85%

1. Investigate complaints of discrimination, sexual misconduct, nepotism, and related retaliation to determine whether University policy violations occurred.
2. Draft clear and accurate reports of investigative findings and make recommendations for responsive action.
3. Engage in informal problem-solving methods to address concerns.
4. Manage cases in timely and effective ways, exercising good judgment.
5. Counsel members of the University community (senior leaders, staff, faculty, and students) on complex equal opportunity issues.

Other Duties as Assigned 15%

1. Participate in new initiatives to improve services.
2. Develop and present educational programs about discrimination, sexual misconduct, equal opportunity, diversity, and other related topics.
3. Participate in policy development and oversight of the University's approach to preventing, and responding to, discrimination, sexual misconduct, nepotism, and related retaliation concerns.
4. Participate in committees serving the broader University.

The University of Minnesota is committed to the policy that all persons shall have equal access to its programs, facilities and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status or sexual orientation. This document is available in alternative formats upon request at 612-624-9547.

Essential Qualifications:

• JD from an accredited law school.
• Knowledge of discrimination, sexual misconduct, and equal opportunity laws.
• Experience conducting investigations of legal or policy violations.
• Exceptional writing and analytical skills.
• Experience presenting educational materials to adult learners.
• Exceptional communication, interpersonal skills, and emotional intelligence.
• Ability to manage and work with conflict.
• Ability to work independently and efficiently and balance workload.
• Ability and desire to work actively, collaboratively, and creatively as part of a team.
• Demonstrated commitment to the principles of equal opportunity, equity, inclusion, and diversity.
• Demonstrated experience in, and an ongoing commitment to, working effectively with and across diverse communities, including: people of color, underrepresented groups and new immigrant populations; American Indians; people with both visible and invisible disabilities; women; people of various gender and sexual identities and expressions; and first-generation students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience applying discrimination laws.
• Experience investigating employee and/or student misconduct.
• Experience developing and presenting educational programs on discrimination, sexual misconduct, equal opportunity, or related topics.
• Experience using alternative dispute resolution techniques.

The Equal Opportunity & Title IX Office (formerly Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action) is responsible for responding to complaints of discrimination, sexual misconduct, nepotism, and related retaliation through investigation and informal problem-solving processes. The Office oversees the University's anti-discrimination policies, and counsels University members on the application of these policies. Equal Opportunity & Title IX is a systemwide office that reports to the Office of the Vice President for Equity and Diversity.

Pay Range: $96,050 - $102,000 annually

Time Appointment: 75%-100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Application must be made electronically through the University of Minnesota's Online Employment System at https://employment.umn.edu/.

Applications will be reviewed beginning February 5, 2025 and will be accepted until the posting is closed.

Please submit the following documents online: a cover letter setting out how your background qualifies you for this position and a current resume. You may be asked for additional materials, including references, at a later time. If you have questions regarding the position, please contact Gabrielle Mead at gdmead@umn.edu (Phone: 612-626-8112). If you have difficulty negotiating the electronic application process, please contact Human Resources at 612-624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).