Civil Rights Investigator

Job Title: Civil Rights InvestigatorLocation: UWG Recruiting LocationRegular/Temporary: RegularFull/Part Time: Full-TimeJob ID: 298260About UsSince 1906, the University of West Georgia (UWG) has been home to those who seek a transformative college experience. UWG is a leading residential, doctoral comprehensive university that offers a broad undergraduate and graduate curriculum based on a liberal arts foundation.Nestled among the pines on a picturesque 645 acres is the University of West Georgia- a hidden gem approximately 40 miles west of Atlanta. Serving approximately 16,000+ students, and offering more than 100 programs, UWG is committed to advancing innovative academic programs and a student-centered business model. Perennially ranked by U.S. News & World Report, the Princeton Review, and Colleges of Distinction as a top national university, West Georgia offers 86 fields of study, including business, computing, nursing, education, STEM, communication and digital media, social sciences, and the fine and performing arts. UWG generates a regional economic impact of more than $650 million annually and provides a safe, quality, and affordable university experience that connects students to post-graduate career and leadership opportunities. UWG has been recognized by the Carnegie Foundation for its institutional commitment to community engagement through teaching, research and creative activities, and public service. West Georgia is one of only 119 U.S. colleges and universities to receive the elective classification in 2020 and is among only 359 institutions nationally. Dedicated to creating a first-choice university for students, alumni, employees, and communities, UWG seeks employees who will advance and support the University's mission of fulfilling the talent needs of western Georgia and the Atlanta metropolitan area, while contributing to the social, cultural, and economic development of the region and state.The University of West Georgia offers a comprehensive total rewards package designed to support faculty and staff across multiple dimensions; health, wellness, financial security, and professional growth. Employees working at least 30 hours per week gain access to a range of health plans, including medical, dental, and vision, wellness programs, and robust retirement options through Georgia Teachers Retirement System (TRS), Optional Retirement Program, and voluntary 403(b) and 457(b) plans. Employees are granted 13 paid holidays and paid time off accruals and are eligible to participate in the University System of Georgia's Tuition Assistance Program. Fringe benefits include a variety of resources focused on employee physical, mental, financial, and social well-being through Acentra Employee Assistance Program in addition to personal financial advising with Captrust. UWG also offers exclusive discounts and special offers on entertainment, travel, and other products and services through the Perks at Work program, free access to the university recreation facility, discounted campus dining options, and more!Living in Carrollton, "The City of Dreams," offers the advantages of city life with a small-town vibe. This progressive community with Southern flair offers plenty of shopping, restaurants, nightlife opportunities, and cultural events. Named a City of Excellence in Georgia and listed as one of the 50 Best Small Southern Towns, Carrollton is the cultural, educational, health care, and commercial center for the west Georgia region.At the heart of Carrollton is its historic downtown and Adamson Square lined with shops, galleries, and restaurants. Each season offers unique local events and opportunities for year-round recreation. Outdoor activities abound through award-winning spaces, including an 18-mile paved walking and biking Greenbelt trail that encircles the city and passes through the UWG campus.The city embraces the University's students, faculty, and staff, and welcomes the diversity UWG brings to the community.Invested in education with highly rated city and county K-12 systems, both city and county public school graduation rates are 90% and above and rank among the top in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.LocationOur campus is located at 1601 Maple Street, Carrollton, GA 30118.Faculty and staff members are expected to be physically present on campus as needed to support the in-person educational experience and on-campus vitality at the University of West Georgia. Depending upon teaching assignments and student demand, this could include the Carrollton or Newnan campuses.Job SummaryUnder the direction of the Title IX/ADA Coordinator and Equal Opportunity Officer, the Civil Rights Investigator serves as the primary investigator for complaints involving civil rights, discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct, and retaliation under applicable federal and state laws and University policies. The position also supports campus training and education efforts and serves as a backup to the ADA Coordinator.Responsibilities Conducts prompt, thorough, and impartial investigations into complaints involving discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct, retaliation, and other civil rights violations involving students, faculty, and staff. Manages all aspects of the investigative process, including intake, interviews, evidence collection, analysis, and preparation of comprehensive investigative reports. Works collaboratively with campus partners, including Human Resources, Student Affairs, Academic Affairs, and University Police to ensure coordinated and legally compliant responses to complaints. Demonstrates sound judgment, discretion, and neutrality in handling sensitive matters, and exercises and high degree of independence while maintaining collaborative communication with the Title IX/ADA Coordinator. Ensures compliance with federal and state civil rights laws, including Title IX, Title VII, Title VI, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and related University System of Georgia and institutional policies. Assist in reviewing and updating University policies, procedures, and communication materials related to civil rights compliance. Maintains detailed, accurate, and confidential records of all complaints, investigations, and training activities in accordance with recordkeeping requirements. Serves as a backup to the ADA Coordinator to support campus accessibility initiatives, review accommodation requests, and ensure compliance with disability-related laws. Develops and delivers training programs, workshops, and educational materials on nondiscrimination, harassment prevention, sexual misconduct, and accessibility. Provides timely, professional communication with all parties to ensure procedural fairness and adherence to institutional timelines. Performs other duties as assigned.Required QualificationsRequired Education Bachelor's DegreeRequired ExperienceDemonstrated experience conducting investigations involving discrimination, harassment, or other civil rights-related matters in an employment or educational setting. Working knowledge of federal and state civil rights laws and regulations, including Title IX, Title VII, Title VI, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), as amended, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other related compliance obligations. Strong interviewing, analytical, and writing skills with the ability to evaluate complex information, determine facts, and prepare clear, concise, and impartial reports. Demonstrated ability to maintain neutrality, objectivity, and confidentiality in sensitive and emotionally charged situations. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to interact effectively with individuals at all levels of the institution and from diverse backgrounds. Ability to manage multiple investigations and deadlines simultaneously while maintaining accuracy, professionalism, and attention to detail. Proven ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, and independent decision-making within established guidelines. Proficiency with standard office software applications and case management or records systems (including Smartsheet and Maxient).Preferred QualificationsPreferred EducationMaster's DegreePreferred ExperienceMasters's degree or Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited institution. Professional experience conducting Title IX, Title VII, or other civil rights investigations in a higher education or public sector environment. Formal training or certification in Title IX investigations, civil rights compliance, or trauma-informed interviewing. Experience developing and delivering training programs or educational initiatives.Proposed Salary$70,270 annually. Paid on a monthly basis.Knowledge, Skills, & AbilitiesKnowledgeComprehensive understanding of federal and state civil rights laws and regulations, including Title IX, Title VII, Title VI, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Familiarity with investigative procedures, due process principles, and trauma-informed practices in civil rights contexts. Knowledge of higher education environments and the unique challenges related to civil rights compliance within academic institutions. Awareness of best practices in nondiscrimination, harassment prevention, and accessibility initiatives.SkillsStrong investigative skills, including intake assessment, interviewing, evidence collection, and report writing. Exceptional analytical and critical thinking skills with the ability to evaluate complex information and determine factual findings. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey sensitive information clearly, professionally, and impartially. Proficiency in using case management systems (e.g., Maxient), data tracking tools (e.g., Smartsheet), and standard office software (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite). Effective training and presentation skills for delivering educational programs to diverse audiencesAbilitiesAbility to maintain neutrality, objectivity, and confidentiality in emotionally charged or sensitive situations. Capacity to manage multiple investigations and deadlines simultaneously while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail. Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment while maintaining collaborative communication with supervisors and campus partners. Demonstrated ability to interact effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and across all levels of the institution. Ability to adapt to evolving legal standards, institutional policies, and compliance requirements.Lifting up to 15lbs Office Environment - Work normally performed in a typical interior work environment.USG Core ValuesThe University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.Conditions of EmploymentOffers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of West Georgia as determined by the University of West Georgia in its sole discretion; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials, reference checks; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. Applicants may be subject to a pre-employment drug test. Offers are made expressly subject to the applicable federal and state laws, to the statutes, rules and regulations of this institution and to the Bylaws and Policies of the Board of Regents (BOR) of the University System of Georgia (USG), which are available for your inspection upon request.Equal Employment OpportunityThe University of West Georgia is an equal employment, equal access, and equal educational opportunity, and affirmative action institution. It is the policy of the University of West Georgia to recruit, hire, train, promote, and educate persons without regard to race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status as required by applicable state and federal laws (including Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, Sections 503, and 504, ADEA, ADA, E.O. 11246, and Rev. Proc. 75-50)Other InformationThe mission of the University of West Georgia is to enable students, faculty, and staff to realize their full potential through academic engagement, supportive services, professional development, and a caring, student-centered community. The institutional mission and daily operation of the University of West Georgia are guided by our values that support our vision to be the best place to work, learn, and succeed: ACHIEVEMENT, CARING, COLLABORATION, INCLUSIVENESS, INNOVATION, INTEGRITY, SUSTAINABILITY, and WISDOM.