Associate Director, Investigations

• Job Type: Officer of Administration
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Salary Range: $120,000-$135,000

Position Summary

Reporting to the Director of Investigation, Student Discrimination/Harassment, the Associate Director is responsible for managing investigations of incidents of alleged Discrimination, Harassment and Gender-Based misconduct including: discriminatory harassment, sexual assault, sexual harassment, gender- based harassment, domestic violence and stalking where a University employee or third-party affiliate is accused of this behavior. Facilitated in close collaboration with the Title IX Coordinator.

Columbia University recently combined its Title IX, Gender Based Misconduct, Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action (EOAA), and Office of the Protection of Minors teams into one centralized office. These offices are supervised by the Vice Provost for EOAA.

Through the applicable policies and procedures for faculty, staff and students, the University provides the means to address discrimination, harassment, sexual and related misconduct, including gender-based harassment, sexual harassment, sexual assault, domestic and dating violence, stalking and sexual exploitation. These offices are responsible for ensuring compliance under these policies and with federal, state and local laws regarding Title VI, Title VII and Title IX.

Responsibilities

• Conduct a prompt and thorough investigation when a complaint is filed which includes identifying and interviewing witnesses, gathering relevant documentation and preparing a detailed report of the investigative findings to ensure a well-documented investigation process.
• Work closely with other University offices in the course of investigations. This position requires a significant amount of writing and analysis of documents, and an ability to investigate multiple complaints simultaneously in an efficient manner.
• Maintain accurate and thorough investigatory files and reports; providing on-going updates to the Directors of Investigations, Title IX Coordinator and Vice Provost, and others as needed.
• Work closely with the Director of Investigations and a variety of University and community resources including but not limited to the Office of the General Counsel, the Center for Student Success and Intervention, Columbia University Human Resources, Deans of Students Offices and Sexual Violence Response to ensure thorough investigative process and compliance with applicable federal, state and local laws.
• Assists with alternative resolutions, as well as supportive and interim measures. Will assist, as needed, with campus training, reporting, campus programming and outreach, and other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree and Juris doctor degree required.
• Demonstrated knowledge and the ability to interpret federal, state and local equal opportunity and non-discrimination laws and regulations.
• A successful candidate must have strong organization, planning, analytic and problem resolution abilities and excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to remain neutral.
• Demonstrated ability to: communicate effectively both verbally and in writing; multitask and meet sensitive timelines; use discretion and good judgment; maintain a high level of confidentiality, and work collaboratively with diverse constituencies including students, faculty, staff, administrators and community partners.
• Must be able to work evenings and weekends as necessary.

Preferred Qualifications

• A minimum of six years of experience conducting investigations related to protected class discrimination and harassment, sexual misconduct, sexual harassment, and gender-related violence in a higher education setting or other related field, or equivalent combination of degree and experience.
• Knowledge of Title VI, Title VII and Title IX.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct thorough, impartial and efficient investigations.
• Excellent judgment with the ability to manage highly sensitive and confidential information.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing and to produce concise, logical, analytical reports concerning complex issues.
• Excellent critical thinking skills, including the demonstrated ability to analyze information, evaluate and problem solve.
• Strong ability to multitask and meet sensitive timelines
• Work collaboratively with diverse constituencies including students, faculty, staff, administrators and community partners.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.