Position Title: Equity Officer/Investigator

Employee Classification: Equity Officer

College/Division: President's Office

Department: 480100-INSTITUTIONAL EQUITY, OFFICE OF

Internal or External Search: External - Open to all applicants

Location: Las Cruces

Offsite Location (if applicable):

Target Hourly/Salary Rate:  $53,165.80 -67,786.96

Appointment Full-time Equivalency:  1.00

Exempt or Non-Exempt:  Exempt

Summary:  New Mexico State University (“NMSU”) seeks to hire a highly qualified Equity Officer/Investigator for the Office of Institutional Equity. This position is responsible for investigating allegations of discrimination by students, staff, faculty, and visitors in compliance with federal and state law, including Title IX, and University policies and procedures. Equity Officers ensure compliance with NMSU policy and procedures, act as neutral fact-finders/gathers, maintain a high level of confidentiality and discretion, and ensure a prompt, fair, and neutral process for parties. Equity Officers work with parties in providing supportive measures and perform other related duties as assigned. Equity Officers work closely with campus administrative offices to ensure compliance with federal and state law, as well as NMSU policies regarding unlawful discrimination. The candidate must be highly organized, productive and able to multi-task. Excellent written and verbal skills are essential. Spanish language proficiency preferred. NMSU is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. Minorities, Females, Veterans and those with a Disability are encouraged to apply. All applications must be submitted online.

Classification Summary:
Responsible for conducting fair, thorough, and impartial investigation of allegations of discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct, and other policy violation related to Title IX and institutional equity. The role involves gathering and analyzing relevant evidence, conducting interview, and drafting comprehensive investigative reports to ensure compliance with federal, state laws and University mandates, including Title VII, Title IX, ADEA, ADA, Section 504, and VAWA.

Classification Standard Duties:
Receive, evaluate and investigate formal and informal complaints of discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct, and policy violations filed by students, staff, faculty, or visitors ensuring compliance with federal and state laws and University policies and procedures. Evaluate complaints to identify issues, develops an investigative plan. Conduct thorough, equitable investigations by gathering evidence, interviewing involved parties, and maintaining meticulous documentation with confidentiality, and impartiality. Drafts comprehensive, unbiased finding reports based on the preponderance of the evidence standard and participates in university proceedings related to complaints, finding reports based on preponderance of the evidence standard, and participates in university proceedings related to complaints. Provide interim protective measures and guidance to assistance complainants and respondents. Additionally, the investigator design and deliver trainings on Title IX, non-discrimination and harassment prevention, offers guidance to the campus community to foster a safe, inclusive, and complaint environment, while supporting the University’s commitment to equity through other assigned duties.

Required Education, Experience, Certification/License, Equivalency
Required Education:Bachelor's degree in a related field.; Required Experience:One (1) year of professional experience related to the standard duties as outlined.; Equivalency:Associates Degree and 2 years of related experience may substitute for a Bachelor’s Degree; Required Certification/License:

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
KNOWLEDGE:Strong understanding of investigative principles, procedures, regulations, and Title IX, Clery Act, VAWA, ADA and other federal, state and local regulations governing on non-discrimination and sex misconduct. In-depth knowledge of university policies on non-discrimination and the institutional mission, vision and goals.; SKILLS:Proficiency in conducting comprehensive investigation, including credibility assessment, evidence collection and application of legal standards; strong analytical skills for evaluation findings objectively and reaching fact-based conclusion; excellent written and verbal communication for drafting clear, concise reports; attention to detail in documenting interviews, evidence, and findings; skilled in public speaking, training development in non-discrimination and Title IX compliance.; ABILITIES:Develop and maintain effective working relationships; maintain accurate and orderly records; use independent judgment and initiative; organize and direct activities.vities.

Job Duties and Responsibilities
The Equity Officer/Investigator is responsible for investigating all complaints and allegations of discrimination and sexual misconduct in compliance with federal, state and University mandates, including Title VII, Title IX, ADEA, ADA, Section 504, and VAWA.

Preferred Qualifications

Special Requirements of the Position

Department Contact:  William Nutt, 575-646-3635, equity@nmsu.edu

Contingent Upon Funding: Not Applicable

Bargaining Unit Eligibility: This is NOT a bargaining unit position with American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME).

Standard Work Schedule: Standard (M-F, 8-5)

If Not a Standard Work Schedule: 

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

Environment: Work involves moderate exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises.

Physical Effort: Light physical effort. Effort applies to no more than two (2) hours per day.

Lifting Requirements: Requires handling of average-weight objects up to 10 pounds or some standing or walking.

Risk: Work environment involves some exposure to hazards or physical risks, which require following basic safety precautions.