PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR Job Listing at University of California in Oakland, CA (Job ID 63711)

Description

Job Posting

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Position Base: Oakland
Location: UCOP - Franklin Building

UC OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

At the University of California (UC), your contributions make a difference. A world leader producing Nobel and Pulitzer prize recipients with over 150 years of groundbreaking research transforming the world. Choose a career where you can leverage your knowledge, skills and aspirations to inspire and support some of the greatest minds in the world, and those who will follow in their footsteps. Working at the University of California is being part of a unique institution, and a vibrant and diverse community. At the University of California, Office of the President, we propel our mission through impactful work locally, in government centers and systemwide. We are passionate people, serving the greater good.

The University of California, one of the largest and most acclaimed institutions of higher learning in the world, is dedicated to excellence in teaching, research and public service. The University of California Office of the President is the headquarters to the 10 campuses, six academic medical centers and three national laboratories and enrolls premier students from California, the nation and the world. Learn more about the UC Office of the President

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

Systemwide Office of Civil Rights – composed of the existing Systemwide Title IX Office, a new Systemwide Anti-Discrimination Office, and a new Systemwide Disability Rights Office provides direction and support for the Title IX offices at the university's 10 campuses and the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL), as well as the Office of the President. We assist in implementing systemwide initiatives and best practices in harassment prevention and response. We also provide investigative support and develop and deliver education and training to Title IX offices and other university partners involved in preventing and responding to sexual harassment and sexual violence.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Principal Investigator will investigate complaints alleging violations of the University's policies prohibiting harassment and discrimination on the basis of a protected class, including sexual harassment, sexual violence and other sex-based harassment and discrimination for all UC locations. This includes conducting highly sensitive, critical, confidential and time-sensitive investigations. The position duties will involve interviewing witnesses, analyzing complex information, conducting research and preparing reports of investigations. The Principal Investigator will interact with all levels in the organization, including senior leadership. The Principal Investigator will be responsible for providing accurate and timely oral and written reports of investigation activities to the campus Local Implementing Officers, Title IX officers, the Systemwide Office for Civil Rights Executive Director or Systemwide Anti-Discrimination Deputy Director, Systemwide Title IX Deputy Director, and other senior executives. The person in this position must exercise judgment in selecting investigation methods, techniques and evaluation criteria for obtaining appropriate results. The Principal Investigator reports to the Systemwide Title IX Director or Deputy Systemwide Title IX Director and will contribute to development of systemwide policy, and work on special assignments related to sexual harassment prevention and response. As needed, the Principal Investigator will develop specialized expertise in specific subject matter; in particular, the Principal Investigator may be asked to develop expertise and knowledge to support the University's efforts to detect, prevent and respond to sexual misconduct in the clinical/health care setting. The Title IX Principal Investigator will collaborate with numerous University employees including but not limited to campus Title IX Officers, campus and health sciences Compliance Officers, Office of General Counsel and campus counsel, Human Resource Personnel, Internal Auditors, University Police and a variety of external representatives.

Responsibilities

65% Investigations

• Plans and conducts neutral, fact-finding investigations of complaints alleging violations of University policy and procedure in the workplace and educational setting.
• Conducts interviews of complainants, respondents, witnesses and other investigation participants to gather relevant facts associated with the complaint.
• Identifies, collects, reviews and analyzes relevant files, documents, electronic records and other information.
• Maintains confidentiality of information and identities of all participants in the investigation process in accordance with applicable University policies.
• Provides timely communications to complainants, respondents and campus officials.
• Develops timely and detailed written reports of investigations for review by the Local Implementing Officer/Title IX to communicate results to all levels of management, and makes recommendations as appropriate.
• Effectively communicates investigation results, both verbally and in writing, so they are placed in the appropriate context and understood by all parties.
• Provides testimony as needed in administrative and legal hearings.
• Develops specialized expertise in specific subject matter as needed by the University; for example, may be required to develop expertise and knowledge to support the University's efforts to detect, prevent and respond to misconduct in the clinical/health care setting.

10% Complaint Processing

• Facilitate processing of suspected violations of UC's Anti-Discrimination Policy, Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy and related policies, including identifying issues, determining jurisdictions and applicable UC policies.
• Ensure appropriate interaction, notification and collaboration with all relevant internal parties and/or external representatives to collect data and prepare response.
• Where appropriate, serve as the University's representative with external agencies pursuing complaints against the University.
• Performs intake processing of UC faculty, employee and student complaints.

10% Training & Education/Systemwide Support 

• Provides UC employees and supervisors training in effectively conducting investigations and otherwise implementing the Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy and related policies and procedures.
• Consults and advises campuses on best practices and the handling of complex and sensitive matters to reduce risk.
• Maintains database and keeps appropriate campus representatives advised of status.
• Assists the Systemwide Office of Civil Rights Directors and Deputies with responsibilities to manage and respond to matters, including appropriate elevation of sensitive and significant issues.
• Keep abreast of relevant new legislation and legal practice to stay informed of developments in the field.
• Provide guidance and assistance to Local Implementing Officers, Title IX officers, investigators and other UC officials on complaints of retaliation, discrimination and harassment.

15% Other duties as assigned.

Experience
Required Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of experience doing workplace investigations or demonstrated understanding of workplace investigations and processes.

Skills and Abilities
Required Qualifications

• In-depth and demonstrated knowledge of best practices and methodologies for conducting investigations, including interviewing, gathering and analyzing evidence, and writing investigation reports.
• Advanced knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations, case law, and guidance related to sexual harassment in in the educational and employment setting.
• Experience investigating sexual harassment or other equivalently sensitive allegations in an empathetic and confidential manner.
• Ability to maintain the confidentiality of sensitive work related information.
• Proven ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion and industry best practices in stewardship of data security and integrity when handling data of the most sensitive or potentially most sensitive issues.
• Expert knowledge of the complexities of sexual harassment, including sexual violence, in the post-secondary setting.
• Demonstrated skill, sensitivity and experience interacting with constituents who are diverse in characteristics such as age, education level, race, gender identity and expression, ability, and socioeconomic backgrounds in a culturally-competent manner.
• Demonstrated understanding of the relevance of trauma in the context of sexual violence (for example, the neurobiology of trauma and trauma-informed investigation techniques). 
• Demonstrated written and oral communication skills; builds rapport in an open, friendly, and accepting way; listens attentively.
• Ability to gather, organize, analyze, and report on issues and recommendations that are complex in nature; critical thinker.
• Ability to apply policy and legal concepts to issues. Strong interviewing, analytical skills and experience in research and interpreting data.
• Able to communicate complex information to all levels of management and administrators in a clear and concise manner both written and verbal.
• Thorough knowledge of state and federal laws, regulations and personnel policies and procedures governing discriminatory practices, retaliation and equal opportunities.
• Knowledge of state and federal administrative agencies and their roles in the complaint process, including Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Department of Fair Employment Housing, Office of the Federal Compliance Program, Office for Civil Rights, and the Department of Labor.
• Exceptional tact, diplomacy, discretion, professionalism, and judgment in the exercise of decision making and higher level communications.
• Ability to remain neutral, independent and objective in all investigations.
• Ability to handle multiple assignments by effectively planning, organizing and prioritizing assignments.
• Strong computer and internet skills.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver training and presentations to a variety of audiences.
• Ability to travel throughout the University system, as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in with Title IX investigations in higher education, or related experience.
• Experience working in with Title IX investigations in academic medical centers, or related experience.
• Familiarity with HIPAA; standards of the Department of Public Health, the Joint Commission and other accreditation and regulatory agencies; and policies and procedures specific to the clinical setting, may be useful qualifications.

Education
Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training is required

Licenses and Certifications
Professional certification preferred.

Travel Requirements
5% Occasional business travel

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

The person hired will be required to reside within California and report to work on-site at UC's Office of the President (UCOP) located in Oakland, CA on a regular basis.  Current policy requires that a new employee work on-site at least two days a week on Tuesdays and Wednesdays (“anchor days”).

SALARY AND BENEFITS

Job Title: Audit Professional 5
Job Code: 005972
Salary Grade: Grade 26

Payscale:$155,000 - $171,500, commensurate with experience
Full Salary Range:$117,000 - $226,000

The University of California, Office of the President, is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The full salary range shows the growth potential for this position and the pay scale is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position.

Benefits: For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University visit: Benefits of Belonging

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

HOW TO APPLY

Please be prepared to attach a cover letter and resume with your application.

APPLICATION REVIEW DATE

The first review date for this job isApril 15, 2024. This position has been extended to May 13th for first review.  The position will be open until filled.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Background Check Process: Successful completion of a background check is required for this critical position. Background check process at UCOP

Smoke Free Work Environment: The University of California, Office of the President, is smoke & tobacco-free as of January 1, 2014. UC Smoke & Tobacco Free Policy

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs, as may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

EEO STATEMENT

The University of California, Office of the President, is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status. EEO/AA Employer UC Nondiscrimination Policy

The University of California, Office of the President, strives to make this job board accessible to any and all users. If you have comments regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact us at: Accessibility or email the Human Resource Department at: epost@ucop.edu.

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