Investigator, Faculty Professionalism Advisory Committee for the Academic Center (FPAC)

As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive.

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ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Initial Assessments

• Conducts initial assessments of reports against faculty members to determine whether the allegations of unprofessionalism are within the scope of FPAC
• Communicates with the appropriate office about referral of a report outside the scope of FPAC review (e.g. reports alleging discrimination on the basis of protected status or Title IX should be referred to the Civil Rights Compliance Team in OEI), as needed

Investigations

• Conducts investigations of complaints against faculty members reported or referred to the FPAC in accordance with best practices, including allegations of inappropriate relationships between faculty and students in violation of the Faculty Handbook
• Interviews complainants, respondents, and any appropriate witnesses for each case, whether identified by the parties, witnesses or at the investigator’s discretion
• Completes all investigations in a timely fashion based on scope, complexity, and other relevant circumstances
• Ensures recording of all interviews, conversion to written transcription, and orderly retention of all interview-related documentation
• Creates a detailed summary of each investigation, then de-identify to share with the Chair and FPAC for review and deliberation

Data Management, Communications & Record-keeping

• Utilizes a database management system, maintains scrupulous records for each case, in a manner approved by Legal Counsel
• Ensures that members of the FPAC are kept abreast of meetings, upcoming cases, and necessary trainings
• Maintains records of completed training for all members of the FPAC; manages calendar of meetings and completes decision correspondence for Chair

Research & Reporting

• Prepares de-identified summary of each report prior to FPAC deliberations
• Completes on-going best-practice review of the literature and national practice on faculty professionalism.
• Provides timely reports on all relevant cases to stakeholders (i.e. PADH/OEI)
• Ensures that correspondence is confidentially maintained; follows up on all corrective action assignments, including education, restorative practice, discipline, etc.
• Assists line management with referrals to corrective action measures when indicated

Bias-related Incident Reporting

• Leads the bias-related incident report team, in collaboration with OEI
• Refers cases to appropriate investigatory body: PADH, Title IX, FPAC, FPCMC, Student Conduct, Human Resources, DPS, Facilities
• Documents incident in database management system and actions taken

Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

• Bachelor's degree
• Juris Doctorate
• 2 years of experience in civil or criminal litigation
• Experience in conducting investigations into allegations of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation
• Experience composing clear, concise, timely, and professionally written investigative reports, managing confidential information, and independently and efficiently managing a significant caseload
• Experience conducting investigations in a higher-education, non-profit or other relevant setting
• Or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Demonstrated ability to determine and apply the appropriate legal standards in assessing and investigating allegations of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation
• Extensive knowledge of the elements of proof for discrimination, harassment, and retaliation
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain positive, effective working relationships
• In depth knowledge of the federal and state laws pertaining to civil rights, discrimination, harassment and affirmative action, as they apply to colleges and universities including the Equal Employment Opportunity Act of 1972 (EEO)
• Familiarity with the Americans with Disabilities Act (Title II), Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI), Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII), Title IX of the Educational Amendments Act of 1972 (Title IX), the Jeanne Clery Act of 1990 (Clery Act), the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 (VAWA), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), all as amended where applicable, and other federal and state anti-discrimination laws and requirements
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively across the organization
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and discretion

EOE Minorities / Females / Protected Veterans / Disabled:

The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion to advance the University’s mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create – and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion/creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other status protected by law.  This commitment extends to the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates from underrepresented populations, veterans, and persons with disabilities consistent with these values and government contractor Affirmative Action obligations.