Job Description

JOB SUMMARY

The Civil Rights Investigator within the University of Connecticuts Office of Inclusion and Civil Rights(OICR) serves the entire University of Connecticut system(Storrs main campus and four regional campuses located at AveryPointHartfordStamford and Waterbury as well as UConn Health(UCH)) through consistent and neutral response to concerns implicating the Universitys non-discrimination policies.

OICR is charged by Connecticut law (Conn. Gen. Stat. 46a-68(b)(4)(A)) with investigating complaints of discrimination made against university employees and mitigating any discriminatory conduct that is found to exist. OICR is responsible for reviewing and where applicable objectively investigating complaints of discrimination and harassment based on protected classification to determine if employee conduct violates the Universitysnondiscrimination policies.

The Civil Rights Investigator will be hired at either the University Staff Professional (USP) 1 classification or the University Staff Professional (USP) 2 classification dependent upon the incumbents experience skills and abilities as determined by the University. The USP 1 classification will be used for an entry-level or early career professional whereas the USP 2 classification will be used for a seasoned professional. While the USP 1 will still perform the duties and responsibilities listed below they will work under more direct supervision of the Associate Director of Civil Rights Investigations compared to the USP 2 who will perform the duties under more general direction.

The incumbent is expected to work both independently and as part of a team. They will demonstrate leadership in promoting inclusiveness within their team and University and will work with and build relationships with diverse populations.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Investigation and Case Management

• Intakes inquiries and complaints and assesses for appropriate response. Provides consultation and education to members of the University community regarding discrimination harassment and/or retaliation concerns and available resources for support and assistance in addressing and resolving concerns.
• Develops investigative plans which include deciding which witnesses to interview outlining which questions to ask and planning which documents to request and how to acquire said documents.
• Assesses allegations to determine whether interim measures are required and if so ensure the appropriate implementation of such measures.
• Conducts neutral prompt and thorough discrimination harassment and retaliation investigations including where appropriate conducting joint investigations with other University offices such as Human Resources or University Compliance.
• Executes investigative plans by leading witness interviews and reviewing documentation (including but not limited to personnel files supervisory files and disciplinary history of relevant parties). Analyzes witness statements makes credibility assessments records findings of fact and communicates with parties and witness advocates while protecting the independence integrity and privacy of the investigation.
• Consults with parties and/or management as necessary concerning the status of the investigation process and the availability of additional appropriate resources for support and assistance.
• Drafts and presents memoranda of findings and appropriate supporting documents related to the resolution of each matter.
• Provides education and guidance concerning the Universitys non-retaliation policy during and after investigation for all parties involved in the complaint and investigation.
• Interfaces with University offices including the Department of Human Resources University Compliance the Center for Students with Disabilities Patient Experience and union representatives relative to informal conflict resolution remedial action/training interim measures prior to and during investigations investigation activities outcomes and further response as needed following investigations.
• Responds to inquiries from members of the University community regarding matters related to university discrimination and harassment policies.
• Assists in maintaining OICRs case management system which shall include access to confidential information which may be used in collective bargaining.
• As directed assists with the preparation and maintenance of statistical demographic and subject matter data necessary to respond to inquiries regarding the Universitys case management system or other University reporting obligations.

Policy Development:

• Assists OICR leadership in the development and review of university-wide policies and procedures consistent with current non-discrimination law and policy.
• Regularly updates knowledge and awareness of trends and laws related to discrimination issues at institutions of higher education including academic medical centers.
• At the direction of the Director of Civil Rights Compliance or Associate Director of Civil Rights Investigations serves as liaison and representative to internal and external committees and professional associations.

Training:

• As directed assists the Director of Civil Rights Compliance or Associate Director of Civil Rights Investigations in preparing revising and/or presenting non-discrimination and other related training or educational programming for supervisory and non-supervisory employees as well as students of the main campus in Storrs regional campuses and UConn Health.

Additional Activities:

• Assists the Director of Civil Rights Compliance or Associate Director of Civil Rights Investigations in responding to requests for records.
• Assists the Director of Civil Rights Compliance or Associate Director of Civil Rights Investigation in reviewing and compiling data.
• May consult with members of the search compliance unit and other stakeholders on matters related to faculty and staff recruiting and hiring activities.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. Bachelors degree plus two years of related professional experience (related professional experience may include but not be limited to conducting investigations interviewing parties and witnesses evaluating evidence preparing written investigative reports and/or providing education or advising on civil rights policies laws or regulations). The University Staff Professional 2 classification requires at least five years of related professional experience.
2. Professional writing skills.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

1. Professional experience conducting neutral employment civil rights or student conduct investigations.
2. Working knowledge of state and federal civil rights laws and regulations including but not limited to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972 Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and/or related state statutes and regulations.
3. Graduate degree or Juris Doctor.
4. Professional experience conducting employment discrimination or civil rights litigation.
5. Professional experience in higher education and/or an academic medical setting.
6. Experience working in a unionized environment or a large organization with a complex human resource or labor relations structure.
7. Proficiency with Microsoft Word Outlook Excel and PowerPoint.
8. Experience working with electronic case management systems.
9. Professional verbal communication skills.
10. Completion of sexual violence investigation prevention and/or response training.

APPOINTMENT TERMS

Work is normally performed in a typical office environment. The position requires in-person presence in Storrs and may require presence at UConn Health and regional campuses. This is a year-round management/confidential position.

The University offers a competitive salary and outstanding benefits including employee and dependent tuition waivers at UConn and a highly desirable work environment. For additional information regarding benefits visit: AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

TO APPLY

Please apply online at Faculty and Staff Positions Search #497434 to upload a resume cover letter and contact information for three (3) professional references.

This job posting is scheduled to be removed at 11:55 p.m. Eastern time on December 19 2025.

The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce. The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner. This makes it essential for each member of our community to feel secure and welcomed and to thoroughly understand and believe that their ideas are respected by all. We strongly respect each individual employees unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color religion gender gender identity or expression sexual orientation national origin genetics disability age or veteran status.

The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO Employer.

Required Experience:

Staff IC

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