Title IX, Equal Opportunity Director

Position Title: Title IX, Equal Opportunity Director

Department: Equal Opportunity

Advertised Pay: Competitive

Campus Location: Washburn University

Application Review:  Application review will begin as applications are received and will continue until the position is filled. 

Position Summary: The Title IX, Equal Opportunity Director serves as a member of the President's Executive Staff and proactively promotes a respectful work and learning environment. The employee must maintain a high level of confidentiality and discretion in all situations and circumstances. The Director serves both Washburn University and Washburn University Institute of Technology (Washburn Tech).

About Washburn University: Washburn University is a teaching-focused, student-centered, public institution located in the metropolitan setting of Topeka that has earned national recognition for its high-impact programs for first-generation students. Washburn has a student body of just over 7,000 students, a significant and growing number of whom are first-generation and Pell-Grant eligible. The University has created educational pathways for all students to be successful and achieve their educational goals.

Washburn is dedicated to recruiting and retaining a dynamic faculty, staff, and student body and cultivating a robust learning and working environment and curriculum. We employ more than one thousand faculty and staff on our campuses throughout Topeka and strive to offer competitive wages, an excellent benefits program, and a supportive culture and a healthy work/life balance. Washburn seeks to create an environment that reflects our core values for creating positive IMPACT: inclusion, modernization, partnership, achievement, community and transformation. In 2024, Washburn was recognized as one of the best colleges in the nation to work for, according to Great Colleges to Work For® program.

Essential Functions:
• 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 non-discrimination, 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 Act, as amended, as well as other civil rights laws and regulations.
• 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 discrimination, sexual harassment/harassment, and equal opportunity issues and concerns.
• Review and assess programs and practices to ensure compliance with equal opportunity policies and regulations. Recommend changes and modifications as concerns are identified to increase compliance.
• Meet with academic and administrative departments, employees, and students to discuss issues about equal opportunity, discrimination, and sexual harassment/harassment and retaliation as issues and concerns develop. Provide confidential advice and guidance as needed to deal with difficult and complex issues.
• Identify needs and recommend expenditures relative to ADA compliance for inclusion in budget requests.
• Serve as a resource for Human Resources and the Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA) staff as needed. Recommend procedures to ensure fair and equitable treatment of all candidates throughout the University's recruitment processes, employment, or salary issues to ensure compliance with EEO University policies, regulations, and procedures.
• Serve as the designated University official to implement the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as amended and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
• 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 for all individuals on campus. Advise Facilities Services staff of ADA requirements to plan and complete remodeling/construction projects at the University.
• Work with Information Technology staff and others as identified to assure accessibility of the University website, online courses, and other web-based resources.
• Conduct periodic reviews of athletic programs and University practices to ensure ongoing compliance with federal regulations for both concerns. Responsible for investigating complaints of sexual harassment, sexual violence, and sexual assault related to the University's compliance with Title IX.
• Survey University students annually to determine interest and abilities in athletic competitions. 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.
• Establish or modify and implement University grievance procedures to facilitate the resolution of discrimination and sexual harassment/harassment complaints. Review, investigate, or oversee the investigation of complaints according to procedures. Identify, recommend, and supervise appropriate action to address and resolve each complaint received.
• 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 on Equal Opportunity and Sexual Harassment/Harassment policies and concerns as needed and upon request.
• Perform additional job-related duties as assigned or as appropriate.

Required Qualifications:
• Master's or Juris Doctor degree.
• Five years of experience in EEO, employment law, Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, civil rights, ADA, or other relevant experience.
• Three years of experience conducting prompt, thorough, and equitable investigations regarding allegations of harassment, discrimination, sexual misconduct, sexual violence, or equivalent legal experience.
• Experience designing and conducting training and professional development opportunities related to anti-harassment, non-discrimination, Title IX, or ADA in various formats.

Preferred Qualifications:
• EEO experience in a higher education environment.
• Knowledge of current state and federal laws and regulations, best practices, and trends in the field of education related to discrimination, harassment, and retaliation that violate Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, VAWA, and the ADA.
• Effective communication and presentation skills.
• Proven ability to present information clearly and concisely to individuals and groups.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise independent initiative, sound judgment, maintain objectivity, and safeguard confidential and sensitive information.

Exempt, Full-time    
Background Check Required