Job Description Summary

The search will remain open until the position has been filled. First consideration will be given to applications received by May 30, 2025. Applications received after May 30, 2025 may be reviewed depending on search progress and needs but are not guaranteed full consideration.
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About URI:

The University of Rhode Island enrolls approximately 17,000 students across its graduate and undergraduate programs and is the State’s flagship public research university, as well as the land grant and sea grant university, for the state of Rhode Island. The main campus is located in the historic village of Kingston, and the Bay Campus is located in Narragansett. Both campuses are near major beaches in a beautiful coastal community. URI is just 30 minutes from Providence, RI and within easy reach of Newport, Boston, and New York City.
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Please Note:
After six months of an initial onboarding period, this role will be eligible for a HYBRID WORK SCHEDULE up to one day per week OFFSITE.

BASIC FUNCTION:

Under the direction of the Director, provide civil rights compliance support to the University. Participate in the development, implementation, and monitoring of civil rights compliance programs. Work independently or collaboratively, as needed, to ensure fair and respectful treatment of the University’s employees and students consistent with the University’s mission, values, and non-discrimination policies, and in accordance with federal, state, and local civil rights laws and regulations. Investigate and resolve complaints of discrimination and harassment, as assigned; design and deliver training programs; and assist in the development, implementation, and monitoring of affirmative action/equal opportunity programs. Compile statistical data for inclusion in state and federal reports, compliance reviews, and progress reports. Provide guidance and counseling in matters relating to equal opportunity and civil rights.

Duties and Responsibilities

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Assist with the supervision of the day-to-day operations of the Office of Equal Opportunity. Serve as the institutional Americans with Disabilities Act Liaison. Work with other responsible Offices, as identified, to carry out the essential functions below:

• Receive inquiries and charges/complaints of discrimination and harassment in service delivery and employment.

• Provide consultative services to University students and personnel.

• Interview parties, inform them of their rights and responsibilities under the Policy on Nondiscrimination and the laws enforced by the Office of Equal Opportunity, and conduct preliminary review of information gathered to determine jurisdiction.

• Obtain documentary and testimonial evidence that is relevant and material to the resolution of the issues under investigation through witness interviews, written requests for information, on-site investigations, and research.

• Draft meeting summaries, witness statements, and reports for review and approval of the supervisor.

• Draft well-written reports of investigative findings citing specific testimonial and/or documentary evidence, as well as relied upon, applicable case law, policies, and precedents.

• Evaluate investigative outcomes to determine if further evaluation of programs, activities, and services is recommended for compliance.

• Work with stakeholders to address issues identified through continuous evaluation.

• Work with Facilities Group to conduct evaluations of buildings, roads, sidewalks, and other facilities for compliance, and recommend actions to improve compliance.

When necessary, provide coverage for the Director and represent the office at various meetings and events.

Use appropriate statistical software or tools to measure and monitor equal opportunity, affirmative action, and other civil rights compliance reporting requirements.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Report survey results, statistics, and recommendations for corrective action to the Office of Equal Opportunity Director and other appropriate stakeholders.

Develop and deliver training to the University community (employees, students, and faculty) on civil rights topics as needed. Continually review content to ensure it meets the needs of the University and is current with respect to legal and/or internal policy changes. Monitor participation levels and evaluate participant feedback to continually improve program content and delivery.

Provide counsel, support, and referral for individuals and groups with concerns regarding equal opportunity, discrimination/harassment, and accessibility at the University.

Assist in record-keeping procedures, compliance reviews, program evaluations, and reporting procedures pertaining to all facets of the University’s Equal Opportunity program and Affirmative Action Plan. Gather and interpret data requested by persons or groups either on or off campus. As necessary, generate internal reports for the URI community.

Work within a highly confidential and sensitive environment.

Perform other duties as assigned.

LICENSES, TOOLS, AND EQUIPMENT:

Personal computers, printers, Microsoft Word, intermediate to advanced Microsoft Excel, database management and spreadsheet software; PeopleAdmin, Oracle, PeopleSoft, Adobe, graphics, and Web software.

Required Qualifications

REQUIRED:

1. Bachelor’s degree.

2. Minimum of three years of experience conducting investigations of discrimination in service delivery or employment or a related field and producing written findings in alignment with regulations and guidelines.

3. Demonstrated ability to write in a clear, concise, and organized manner.

4. Demonstrated ability to interpret and enforce state and federal civil rights laws and regulations.

5. Demonstrated strong verbal and interpersonal communication skills.

6. Demonstrated proficiency in written communication skills.

7. Demonstrated knowledge of methods and procedures used in collecting, analyzing, interpreting, and reporting data.

8. Demonstrated ability to work in a highly confidential and sensitive environment.

9. Demonstrated experience in developing and facilitating trainings.

10. Demonstrated ability to work with diverse groups/populations.

Preferred Qualifications

PREFERRED:

1. Master’s degree in labor relations, public administration, education, or related field, or a Juris Doctor degree.

2. Demonstrated knowledge of civil rights compliance laws and regulations.

3. Demonstrated experience gained through practicums, formalized training, or law clinics.

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The University of Rhode Island is an equal-opportunity employer committed to the principles of affirmative action. It is the policy of the University of Rhode Island to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability.

Environmental Conditions

This position is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions.

Posting Date

04/30/2025

Closing Date