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Position Announcement

Director, Equal Opportunity
Recruitment No. 5640213 

Washburn University seeks applications for Director of Equal Opportunity.  The employee serves as a member of the President’s Executive Staff, and works to proactively promote a respectful and diverse work and learning environment.  The Director serves both Washburn University and Washburn Institute of Technology (Washburn Tech).  This will be a three-quarter- to full-time position depending upon University needs and budgetary considerations.

RESPONSIBILITIES

It is essential that the employee maintain a high level of confidentiality and discretion in all situations and circumstances.

Policy and Program Development and Implementation:
  • Develop, recommend and implement University policies such as the Washburn University Equal Opportunity Policy and the Policy on Sexual Harassment/Harassment to ensure compliance with federal and state nondiscrimination, equal access, equal employment and educational opportunity laws, rules and regulations.
  • Design and administer programs and procedures to implement University policy of equal employment and educational opportunity, non-discrimination, Title IX, Title VII, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Equal Pay Act and the Americans with Disabilities as amended as well as other civil rights laws and regulations.
  • Establish and/or modify and implement University grievance procedures to facilitate resolution of discrimination and sexual harassment/harassment complaints.  Review, investigate or oversee the investigation of complaints according to procedures.  Identify, recommend and oversee appropriate action to address and resolve each complaint received.
  • Conduct research and prepare responses on behalf of the University to federal and state enforcement agencies regarding complaints, investigations, complaint resolution and compliance reviews relative to fair and equitable employment practices.
  • Develop training programs and conduct training sessions for University administrators, faculty and staff and educational programs for students and student groups to raise awareness and increase understanding of discriminations, sexual harassment/harassment and equal opportunity issues and concerns.
  • Monitor student life programs to assure that programs and practices comply with equal opportunity policies and regulations.  Recommend changes and modifications as concerns are identified to increase compliance. 
  • Review and assess salary recommendations during the annual budget process to identify concerns.  Recommend budget adjustments to assure/address salary equity among University faculty and staff as indicated.
  • Meet with academic and administrative departments, employees and students to discuss issues pertaining to equal opportunity, discrimination and sexual harassment/harassment and retaliation as issues and concerns develop.  Provide confidential advice and guidance as needed, offering even-handed assistance to deal with difficult and complex issues.
  • Identify needs and recommends expenditures relative to ADA compliance for inclusion in budget requests.
Recruitment and Selection
  • Working with Human Resources or Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA) staff, monitor recruitment and employment activities, offer advice and recommend procedures to ensure fair and equitable treatment of all candidates throughout University recruitment processes.
  • Work with academic departments and the VPAA’s office to develop and approve position announcements and advertising, determine recruitment resources, discuss recruitment processes to assist with the recruitment/search process and ensure compliance with EEO and University policies, regulations and procedures.
  • In collaboration with Human Resources, meet with screening committees to discuss recruitment processes and concerns to assist with application of established recruitment processes and enhance efforts to treat all applicants fairly and equitably while ensuring selection of the best-qualified applicants for University positions.
  • Advise academic areas on a wide range of employment-related issues unique to faculty, such as promotion and tenure, to ensure equity measures are applied in all facets of employment at the University.
Title IX and ADA
  • Serve as the designated University official for the implementation of Title IX regulations and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as amended and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.  Conduct periodic reviews of athletic programs and University practices to ensure on-going compliance with federal regulations for both concerns.  Investigates complaints of sexual harassment, sexual violence and sexual assault as they relate to the University’s compliance with Title IX.
  • Survey University students annually to determine interest and abilities in athletic competition.  Assess survey results and recommend changes in athletic programming to enhance compliance with Title IX requirements and promote equal access to University programs for all Washburn University and Washburn Tech students.
  • Periodically review and inspect University facilities and assess accessibility for persons with disabilities and compliance with federal laws.  Recommend modifications to address identified concerns to increase legal compliance and access to all individuals on campus. Advise Facilities Services staff of ADA requirements to assist with planning and completion of remodeling/construction projects at the University.
  • Meet with staff to discuss, identify and recommend appropriate accommodations for individuals with disabilities.  Arrange for and monitor implementation of reasonable accommodation for employees with disabilities as appropriate.  Advise Washburn University and Washburn Tech disability service providers on student accommodations, hear and consider appeals and make final accommodation decisions.
  • Work with Information Technology staff and others as identified to assure accessibility of the University website, online courses and other web-based resources.
Miscellaneous Duties and Responsibilities
  • Serve as a member of groups and committees such as the Diversity Initiatives group, to participate in the development of University initiatives that enhance diversity throughout the campus. 
  • As the Equal Opportunity Director, participate in strategic planning and serve on various other committees as appropriate.
  • Consult with and advise the President regarding Equal Opportunity and Sexual Harassment/Harassment policies and concerns as needed and upon request.
  • Perform other duties as needed and identified in support of Washburn University.
QUALIFICATIONS

REQUIRED: Master's degree.  Five years of demonstrated knowledge and effective leadership in the administration of policies and procedures designed to ensure compliance with federal and state Equal Opportunity, Title IX, ADA and other nondiscrimination and educational opportunity laws, rules and regulations.  Experience working effectively with diverse populations; conducting investigations and compliance reviews and authoring investigative reports and responses to complaints.  Proven ability to present verbal and written information in a clear and concise manner to individuals and groups, exercise independent initiative and sound judgment, maintain objectivity and safeguard confidential and sensitive information.

PREFERRED: Juris Doctorate.  EEO experience in a higher education environment.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES

Submit a letter of interest, resume, Resume Supplement for Administrative Positions, copy of official college transcript(s), and names and phone numbers of three professional references to getajob@washburn.edu or to Washburn University Human Resources, 263 Morgan Hall, 1700 SW College, Topeka, Kansas  66621. Review of applications will begin March 11, 2013, and continue until a suitably qualified candidate has been identified.  Salary will be determined commensurate with type of appointment, qualifications and experience.  Excellent fringe benefits package.

TO ENRICH EDUCATION THROUGH DIVERSITY, WASHBURN UNIVERSITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.  CANDIDATES FROM UNDER-REPRESENTED GROUPS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY. 

02-08-2013