Civil Rights Investigator & Educator

Job Summary

Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) seeks an Investigator & Educator, Equity & Compliance to join Social Equity & Inclusion.

The Civil Rights Investigator & Educator is responsible for conducting prompt, equitable, and impartial investigations related to civil rights compliance, including but not limited to Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), the Americans with Disabilities Act/Section 504 (ADA/504), and the Clery Act. This position plays a critical role in ensuring fair treatment for all Parties by maintaining strict neutrality, objectivity, and professionalism throughout all investigative proceedings. In addition to investigative responsibilities, the role supports education, prevention, and outreach efforts to advance Rhode Island School of Design’s (RISD) commitment to fostering an inclusive, safe, and equitable learning and working environment.

Essential Functions:

Investigations

• Serve as the primary investigator or co-investigator as assigned for complaints of discrimination, discriminatory harassment, retaliation, and Title IX prohibited conduct.
• Working within an established process, conduct thorough, unbiased investigations by creating an investigative plan, identifying and interviewing parties and witnesses, gathering and assessing evidence, and applying relevant laws and institutional policies. Implement guidance from the Title IX Coordinator and the Title VI, VII, and ADA/504 Coordinator as appropriate. 
• Maintain neutrality at all times while ensuring that all Parties are treated equitably and respectfully throughout the process.
• Partner with campus offices (e.g., Human Resources) for joint investigations as needed, ensuring consistency, fairness, and impartiality.
• Ensure all investigative steps are well-documented, including interview notes, evidence collected, and rationale for determinations of relevancy.
• Prepare comprehensive written investigation reports that clearly identify the allegations under investigation, summarize the procedural history and evidence collected, and outline the findings of fact.
• Provide periodic, timely updates on case progress to the Parties, the Title IX Coordinator, and the Title VI, VII, and ADA/504 Coordinator.

Education & Prevention

• Assess, design, and deliver prevention and education programs related to bias, discrimination, discriminatory harassment (including sexual misconduct), and Title IX prohibited conduct for all RISD community members on a monthly basis.
• Plan and facilitate educational programs, trainings, and outreach materials to increase awareness and prevention of prohibited conduct.
• Collaborate with campus and community partners to facilitate awareness and prevention efforts.

Collaboration & Outreach

• Work closely with the Title IX Coordinator and Title VI, VII, and ADA/504 Coordinator to address systemic issues and ensure compliance with all applicable laws and institutional policies.
• Conduct intake meetings assigned by Title IX Coordinator and/or Title VI, VII, ADA/504 Coordinator to gather preliminary information and review resources with individuals filing reports, and implement supportive measures as needed.
• Foster relationships with institutional partners, community organizations, and external agencies to enhance prevention, education, and response efforts.
• Represent the Office of Equity & Compliance at campus events, workshops, and outreach programs.
• Engage in SEI divisional activities including, but not limited to, staff meetings, events, programs, retreats, and trainings.

Compliance & Administration

• Ensure timely tracking of investigations and procedural requirements.
• Monitor compliance with all applicable regulations and College policies.
• Participate in annual recertifications and professional development to maintain up-to-date knowledge of laws, regulations, and best practices.
• Assist in managing RISD’s employee and student online compliance training programs for Discriminatory Harassment, Title IX, and Sexual Misconduct.
• Assist Equity & Compliance staff with pulling data across case management systems and training platforms.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• A Bachelor’s degree in a related field (e.g., law, social work, higher education, human resources, criminal justice) and one (1) to two (2) years of experience conducting investigations and reviewing alleged violations of Title IX, Title VI, Title VII, ADA, Human Resources policies, and/or similar civil rights and other College policies are required. Master’s Degree preferred. 
• Title IX and/or civil rights investigator certification is preferred.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted for the minimum educational requirement.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Demonstrated knowledge of civil rights laws and regulations, including Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, VAWA, ADA/504, and the Clery Act.
• Experience developing and delivering educational programming related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and compliance is required.
• Proven ability to remain neutral, objective, and impartial throughout investigative proceedings, avoiding both actual and perceived conflicts of interest.
• Demonstrated experience with investigations, including interviewing, evidence gathering, and analysis.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills, including accurate record-keeping and attention to detail.
• Ability to develop and facilitate engaging educational programs for diverse audiences.
• Ability to manage confidential and sensitive information with a high degree of discretion.
• Commitment to supporting an inclusive work environment and the ability to work respectfully and effectively across differences in background, role, and perspective.

Union:

No

Work Schedule:

35 hours per week; 12 months per year

Employment Status:

Full-time; Exempt; Regular

Grade:

540EX

Work Modality

Hybrid Eligible

Documents Needed to Apply:

Resume (Required)

Cover Letter (Required)

Finalist candidates will be asked to submit a writing exercise

Salary Grade Structure

Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please upload all required documents.

The successful candidate will be required to meet our pre-employment background screening requirements.

RISD recognizes inclusion and belonging as fundamental to its learning and working community and integral to an art and design education. We welcome candidates whose experience has prepared them to contribute to this community and to our commitment to excellence. RISD is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, or any other protected characteristic as established by law.

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