Senior Investigator

The Office:

The Office of Civil Rights Compliance at the University of Southern California (USC) is seeking a Senior Investigator to join their team. This is an exciting time at USC when the successful candidate will have an opportunity to contribute their knowledge, skills, and abilities in a fast-paced environment working on a variety of civil rights issues in higher education.

In this role, the successful candidate will assess reports of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation regarding protected classes; timely conduct and document fair, thorough investigations; assist with identifying the need for supportive measures; conduct alternative resolutions where appropriate; and work collaboratively with campus partners, including students, on training, investigations, projects, and initiatives.

If you are an experienced investigator with a demonstrated commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity for all, who is able to build collaborative relationships, drive change through excellence, and desire a role where you can have a significant impact, we encourage you to send us your resume for consideration.  

Key Responsibilities

• Assesses, investigates, and resolves discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation complaints; understands and follows proper protocols for administrative investigations; creates comprehensive, well-written, and well-analyzed written reports

• Documents all interviews and meetings with witnesses (e.g., faculty, staff, students, supervisors, managers, senior administrators); maintains detailed, confidential case files

• Serves as an expert on non-discrimination, equal opportunity and civil rights matters; provides advice and guidance as well as administrative, educational, and intellectual leadership to faculty, staff, and/or students on discriminatory practices and equal opportunity matters

• Stays informed of trends and developments in the field

• Participates in the evaluation and ongoing development of university policies and procedures

• Delivers training and educational programs to various university communities

In addition, the successful candidate must also demonstrate, through ideas, words and actions, a strong commitment to USC’s Unifying Values.

Preferred Qualifications:

The ideal candidate for the position of Senior Investigator has the following qualifications:

• 9 years of experience and Juris Doctor (JD)

• Demonstrated commitment to fairness and fostering a culture of belonging and engagement.

• Direct involvement or familiarity in work related to investigative reporting, journalism or law enforcement

• practices.

Additional Information:

USC is a leading private research university located in the heart of downtown Los Angeles – a global center for arts, technology, and international business. As the largest private employer in the city – responsible for more than $5 billion annually in economic activity in the region – we offer the opportunity to work in a dynamic and diverse environment in careers that span a broad spectrum of talents and skills.  As a USC employee, you will enjoy excellent benefits and perks, and you will be a member of the Trojan Family – the faculty, staff, students, and alumni who make USC a great place to work.

The annual base salary range for this position is $98,000 - $139,000. When determining an offer, the University of Southern California considers factors such as the scope and responsibilities of the role, the candidate’s experience, education, training, key skills, internal peer alignment, applicable laws, contractual requirements, grant funding, and market conditions.

Minimum Education
• Juris Doctorate (JD) from an accredited law school, or a Master’s (or higher) in Higher Education, Critical Race Theory, Social Work, Psychology, or a related field.

Minimum Qualifications
• If a JD, a minimum of three years of directly-related investigation experience in civil rights in employment and/or education at an educational institution, large organization, and/or government agency; If a Master’s, or higher, a minimum of six years of such experience
• Ability to conduct interviews and investigations as an unbiased and neutral party
• Thorough knowledge of state and federal laws (e.g., Title IX, Title VI, Section 504, the ADA, Title VII, FERPA, etc.), regulations, and policies and procedures governing discriminatory practices and equal opportunity
• Experience developing and presenting educational materials
• Excellent writing skills
• Excellent time management skills, with the demonstrated ability to effectively manage the pressure of multiple, competing deadlines
• Strong interpersonal skills, judgment, and independence
• Knowledge of applicable nondiscrimination policies and procedures
• Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving capabilities

Minimum Professional Experience
• Build trust and rapport easily; strong, compassionate, and straightforward
• Sound judgment and skill in applying equal opportunity principles and prevailing legal standards to solve complex problems fairly and decisively
• Collaboration with a diverse group of colleagues and stakeholders to resolve case-related challenges
• Thoughtful and proactive, pays attention to details, and demonstrates a commitment to equal opportunity, equity, diversity, and inclusion
• Ability to present ideas clearly and effectively, both oral and written
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and emotional intelligence skills
• Ability to manage and work with conflict, including meeting with individuals who may be experiencing high levels of stress
• Ability to work independently and efficiently, and balance workload
• Ability and desire to work actively, collaboratively, and creatively as part of a team

                                                  

USC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or USC policy. USC observes affirmative action obligations consistent with state and federal law. USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal records in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for employers and the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and with due consideration for patient and student safety. Please refer to the Background Screening Policy Appendix D for specific employment screen implications for the position for which you are applying. 

We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact USC Human Resources by phone at (213) 821-8100, or by email at uschr@usc.edu. Inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law.

• Notice of Non-discrimination
• Employment Equity
• Read USC’s Clery Act Annual Security Report
• USC is a smoke-free environment
• Digital Accessibility

                                                  

If you are a current USC employee, please apply to this  USC job posting in Workday by copying and pasting this link into your browser:

https://wd5.myworkday.com/usc/d/inst/1$9925/9925$143754.htmld