Director, EEO & Affirmative Action Programs
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, VA
Full-time
Education
Posted on April 6, 2024
Summary
Director, EEO & Affirmative Action Programs
The Opportunity
Under the direction of the Associate Vice President (AVP), EAS, the Director, EEO fosters a culture of compliance and oversees policies in the equal opportunity and affirmative action areas, including Title VI, Title VII, E.O. 11246, Section 503, VEVRAA and related OFCCP mandates.
The Office of Equity and Access Services (EAS)
The Office of Equity and Access Services (EAS) advances VCU's commitment to fostering a more diverse, inclusive, and equitable learning and work environment. From equal opportunity and affirmative action, EAS delivers impactful and data-informed programs and strategies, promoting equity and access for all.
About the Role
The role maintains responsibility for developing and implementing the university's Affirmative Action Plan. The incumbent coalesces stakeholders around EEO/AA issues and orchestrates responses to audit and reporting requests. Additionally, the Director manages the investigation and resolution of all equal employment-related incidents reported by employees, students, and others protected under federal and state laws and regulations.
As a member of the Office of Equity and Access Services (EAS), the Director shall foster a diverse, inclusive, and equitable learning and work environment. The Director provides direct supervision for the Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Programs.
Key Responsibilities
The Director will:
· Under the direction of the Associate Vice President (AVP), EAS, the incumbent will manage the day-to-day unit operations.
· Lead the university's efforts to comply with federal and local laws, regulations, and agency guidance related to nondiscrimination.
· Serve as the university's Equal Employment Opportunity Coordinator; develop, facilitate, and monitor university-wide training programs, education campaigns and activities related to Equal Employment Opportunities/Affirmative Action (EEO/AA) laws and regulations.
· Lead the operationalization of the University's Affirmative Action Plan; harnessing the plan to enhance recruitment, retention, and workforce development strategies to ensure EEO compliance.
· Provide guidance to the AVP, EAS on plans and progress to eliminate barriers to equal employment as it relates to Women and Minorities, Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities, including the Americans with Disabilities (ADA) Act, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
· Serve as a liaison to and manage audits by the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Program (OFCCP).
· Provide oversight, and direction over outreach and communications programs, policies, and procedures to ensure compliance pertaining to equal employment opportunity, non-discrimination, harassment, and retaliation under the university policy.
· Classify EEO, Title VI, and Title VII cases to Equal Opportunity Investigators and ensure cases progress in a timely manner.
· Establish and adapt investigative protocols and provide guidance, training, and review of all investigations and case management reports.
· Oversee required reporting and audit response.
· Conduct high-priority and escalated investigations and ensure compliance with legal and institutional requirements, including those initiated by the state, federal, and accreditation policymakers.
· Collaborate with ADA and Title IX areas to address incidents involving multiple areas.
· Coordinate with the broader EAS Office, Human Resources, General Counsel, Colleges, Schools, Law Enforcement, and other stakeholders.
Required Qualifications
· Bachelor's degree in Human Resources Management, Business Administration, or other related field.
· At least five years of relevant experience, including experience in EEO investigations, employment law, Title VI, Title VII, E.O. 11246, Section 503, VEVRAA, and other civil rights.
· Effective management and leadership skills and a professed desire and commitment to serve others.
· Experience designing, disseminating, and directing affirmative actions plans.
· Experience creating and providing training and outreach to students, staff, and faculty
· Experience working in and fostering a diverse faculty, staff, and student environment and a commitment to doing so at VCU.
· Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to engage diverse populations and exercise excellent judgment with interactions in the university community.
· Proficiency in effective and legally compliant investigation techniques.
· Knowledge of job-relevant federal and state laws.
· Demonstrated experience establishing and monitoring performance metrics, and with dashboards.
· The ability to serve as an effective leader with excellent analytical, critical thinking, oral communication, and written communication skills.
· Ability to navigate a fast-paced work environment and challenging work.
· Ability to develop collaborative working relationships and work with and relate to people from all backgrounds and levels of an organization.
· Experience handling high-level, sensitive, and confidential matters and information
· A strong commitment to ethics, to advancing institutional values, and fairness.
· Ability to work successfully in both an in-person and remote environment.
Preferred Qualifications
· Juris Doctor, advanced law degree, or Masters in a related field.
· Professional experience at an institution of higher education or large organization.
Application instructions:
This position will be posted until filled. Candidates should complete the basic personal and demographic application through the VCU job website. Candidates should provide a resume, cover letter, a diversity statement*, and the names and contact information of three references. References will not be contacted without prior knowledge and approval of candidates. All nominations and applications shall be confidential until finalists are named. Application materials should be submitted to the VCU Jobs portal.
As a preeminent national, urban, public research university and academic health center, Virginia Commonwealth University is committed to organizational diversity, equity and inclusion - an environment where all can thrive in their pursuit of excellence. Applicants are requested to submit a Statement of Contributions to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (typically between 150-300 words) providing their career aspirations and contributions toward promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. Through this statement, you can share how your lived experiences; and past, present, and future academic and professional activities have or will contribute to VCU's mission of promoting equity and inclusion.
Note: Examples include working with others to further the goals of equity and inclusion; leading in any capacity that tangibly promotes an environment where diversity is welcomed, fostered, and celebrated; creative activity, research and scholarship that promotes equity and parity; teaching and mentoring students, and/or engaging with faculty and/or staff from traditionally underrepresented groups to create a positive and successful organizational experience.
Virginia Commonwealth University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action university providing access to education and employment without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, age, sex (including pregnancy), political affiliation, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or disability. Women, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Salary Range: Commensurate with Experience
Position Details:
Department: Equity & Access Services
Employment Type: UF - University Employee FT
Restricted Status: No
FTE: 100
Exemption Status: Exempt
