Investigator (Hybrid Opportunity)

About UMass Amherst

The flagship of the Commonwealth, the University of Massachusetts Amherst is a nationally ranked public land-grant research university that seeks to expand educational access, fuel innovation and creativity, and share and use its knowledge for the common good. Founded in 1863, UMass Amherst sits on nearly 1,450-acres in scenic Western Massachusetts and boasts state-of-the-art facilities for teaching, research, scholarship, and creative activity. The institution advances a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community where everyone feels connected and valued-and thrives, and offers a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees across 10 schools and colleges, and 100 undergraduate majors. We believe every member of our university community can contribute to our ongoing success by striving for the highest level of excellence as we seek breakthrough solutions to mounting environmental, social, economic, and technological challenges in our world.

Job Summary

Under general direction of the Associate Vice Chancellor for Equal Opportunity and Access and Director of Investigations, the Investigator effectively investigates alleged violations of campus non-discrimination policies, including discrimination, harassment, and related retaliation. The investigator works under the direction of other senior staff on complex cases.

Essential Functions

• Manages an on-going caseload of reported complaints filed under various university policies and procedures.
• Conducts impartial fact-based investigations including scheduling, witness interviews, and evidence gathering.
• Drafts investigative summaries, recommendations, and reports.
• Maintains all records and documentation associated with complaint investigations, including updating case tracking software.
• Works under the direction of senior staff and other experts on complex investigations to ensure prompt and thorough resolution of complaints within prescribed timelines.
• Builds trusting and collaborative relationships with university constituencies.
• Works with parties to resolve cases informally where appropriate.

Other Functions

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Bachelor's degree and three (3) years of experience conducting investigations relating to allegations of discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment, and sexual misconduct.
  • A Juris Doctorate (JD) or Master's degree in related field can substitute one (1) year of experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge of federal and state equal opportunity and non-discrimination laws and regulations including Title IX, Title VI, Title VII, ADA / Sec. 504, Violence Against Women Act and other applicable laws and regulations as required.
• Experience working with diverse populations.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, analytical skills, and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated application of judgment based on experience and knowledge.
• Discretion, good judgment, and ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality.
• Exceptional levels of professionalism and tact.

Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Knowledge of the principles of conducting trauma-informed investigations.
• Mediation skills.
• Experience in conducting investigations within higher education, particularly Title VI and student-on-student Title IX matters.
• Experience in working in a unionized higher education environment.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

• Typical office environment.

Work Schedule

• Monday - Friday, 8:30 am - 5:00 pm.
• This position has the opportunity for a hybrid work schedule, which is defined by the University as an arrangement where an employee's work is regularly performed at a location other than the campus workspace for a portion of the week. As this position is non-unit, it is subject to the terms and conditions of the University of Massachusetts Board of Trustees Non-Unit (Professional) Employee Personnel Policy.

Salary Information

Salary Level 28

Exempt Hiring Ranges

Special Instructions to Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume and cover letter. Finalists will be required to submit a writing sample. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references. Applications will be reviewed on a continuous basis until the position is filled. Early submissions are encouraged.

UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, caste, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, disability, political belief or affiliation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related condition(s), veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, natural and protective hairstyle and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University. To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans. It is the policy of UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.