Civil Rights Investigator and Complaint Resolution Officer

HOW TO APPLY

For full consideration, applicants should attach their resume and cover letter when applying for a job opening. For guidance related to the application process or if you are experiencing difficulties when applying, please review the Applicant Resources on our website.

• How to Apply
• Troubleshooting
• Tips for Applicants
• FAQ's

INITIAL REVIEW DATE (IRD)

UC Santa Cruz jobs are posted until filled. All application materials submitted by 11:59 pm on the IRD will be routed to the hiring team for consideration. NOTE: Applicants who miss the IRD are still encouraged to apply; their materials will still be forwarded for consideration if requested by the hiring team. Application materials cannot be accepted outside of the jobs portal. Applications cannot be edited on an applicant's behalf. For more information about the IRD and the applicant review process, view this link.

The IRD for this job is: 07/24/2025

ABOUT UC SANTA CRUZ

UC Santa Cruz is a public university like no other in California, combining the experience of a small, liberal arts college with the depth and rigor of a major research university. It's known as an unconventional place where innovation and experimentation is part of the campus's DNA. That playful, bold spirit still thrives today, all on a campus renowned as among the most beautiful in the world.

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

The Equity & Equal Protection Office is responsible for administering UC Santa Cruz's policies and procedures regarding sexual harassment, sexual violence, and discrimination and harassment based on protected characteristics. Our work includes stewarding complaint processes for students, staff, and faculty who have experienced discrimination or harassment and ensuring that members of our community can engage in protected activity free from retaliation. We are responsible for ensuring the University's compliance with state and federal laws relating to harassment and discrimination, and for implementing laws and policies to prevent any member of our community from being denied participation in a university program based on a protected characteristic or engaging in protected activity. For more information, please visit: https://equity.ucsc.edu.

JOB SUMMARY

The Civil Rights Investigator and Complaint Resolution Officer (CRI/CRO) reports directly to the Title IX Director/EEO Director. Under general direction, the CRI/CRO focuses on responding to complaints of harassment and discrimination based on a protected identity category, including complaints based on race, religion, disability status, status as a Whistleblower, and Title IX complaints of sexual harassment, sexual violence, and sex discrimination.

The CRI/CRO exercises independent judgment during the intake, initial assessment, alternative resolution, and formal investigation of complaints, as well as in generating strategies and/or recommendations for the resolution of complaints. The CRI/CRO also provides safety and supportive measures, educational conversations, documented discussions, conflict resolution, and problem-solving in response to complaints and inquiries received from members of the campus community and affiliates, including employees, students, parents, and the public.

The CRI/CRO is considered a campus subject matter expert on investigation best practices, conducts relevant research, and makes recommendations to Equity & Equal Protection leaders regarding continuous quality improvement in unit investigation operations. The CRI/CRO will also conduct trainings and provide leadership and mentorship on the investigations team.

APPOINTMENT INFORMATION

Budgeted Salary: $125,000 - $140,000/annually. Salary commensurate with skills, qualifications and experience.
Under California law, the University of California, Santa Cruz is required to post a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role. The salary shown above is the budgeted amount the University reasonably expects to pay and the salary extended should not exceed this posted amount.

Benefits Level Eligibility: Full benefits

Schedule Information:

• Full-time, Fixed
• Percentage of Time: 100%, 40 Hours per Week
• Days of the Week: Mon-Fri
• Shift Includes: Day

Employee Classification: Career appointment

Job End Date: None

Work Location: UC Santa Cruz Main Campus

Union Representation: Non-Represented

Job Code Classification: ETHICS AND CMPLNC PROFL 4 (006061), Grade 25

Travel: Never or Rarely

JOB DUTIES

40% - Complaint Resolution and Investigation

• Facilitates timely alternative resolutions and conducts timely formal investigations of complaints of sexual harassment, sexual violence, prohibited harassment, and prohibited discrimination. Exercises independent judgment in the assessment and resolution of investigations of complaints, keeping the Title IX Director, EEO Director, and/or Deputy Title IX Director, and other appropriate administrators informed of progress, potentially controversial matters, and implications of work performed.
• Provides impartial consultation, problem-solving, and options for problem resolution regarding complaints filed with the EEP office. When appropriate, facilitates informal resolutions of complaints arising under Federal, UC, and UCSC policies.
• Communicates effectively, maintains neutrality, meets deadlines, and works effectively and respectfully with diverse constituencies to help create and support a safe and inclusive university community environment.
• Advises complainants and respondents of possible outcomes of responsive processes, and generally informs them of their rights, responsibilities, and applicable procedures as authorized by university policy.
• Conducts investigations of suspected and reported violations of laws and policies in accordance with best practices for civil rights investigations, applicable University of California policies and procedures, ethics, and due process, and in a trauma-informed manner.
• Ensures thorough, timely, and impartial formal investigations of complaints of harassment and discrimination, including interviews with all relevant parties and reviews of all relevant documents and information, and applies facts fairly and appropriately to reach conclusions regarding policy violations.

20% - Assessment and Preliminary Inquiry

• Performs primary and secondary roles in the intake process as needed for reports of sexual harassment, sexual violence, prohibited discrimination, and prohibited harassment that may constitute a violation of University policies.
• Assesses new complaints of potential policy violations and formulates a response based on intake results, procured documentation, and similar historical patterns.
• Participates in initial assessments in any capacity to gather information, take notes, provide safety and supportive measures, or make assessments.

10% - Writing and Record Keeping

• Writes reports clearly and concisely, articulating findings of fact and conclusions, independently interpreting UC and UCSC policies and procedures, and applying them to the facts of a particular case.
• Adheres to all department-designated writing timelines and ensures opportunities for supervisors and teammates to review writing before deadlines.
• Maintains the confidentiality of all reports, complaints, correspondence, notes, drafts, and investigation reports in accordance with UC policy and applicable laws and policies related to privacy and record retention.
• Maintains detailed records of all investigations and communications within relevant department programs and case management systems.

10% - Collaboration

• Collaborates with other campus offices (e.g., Staff Human Resources, Academic Personnel Office, Campus Counsel, UC Police, Student Conduct, CARE, Respondent Support Services, etc.) as necessary regarding issues on complaint processing and redress of complaints.
• Develops and maintains professional relationships and clear lines of communication with students, faculty, staff, and administration.
• Consistently demonstrates openness to receiving and incorporating appropriate feedback to improve work in all areas.

10% - Research and Analysis

• Conducts research on state and federal laws regarding non-discrimination and Title IX matters and their applicability to current complaints.
• Keeps abreast of new and relevant legislation, legal methods, and investigation practices.
• Reviews UC and UCSC complaint and grievance policies and procedures and works collaboratively with the Title IX Director, EEO Director, and Deputy Title IX Director to make recommendations for updates and revisions.
• Works collaboratively with other EEP and Title IX staff in creating, maintaining, analyzing, and reporting statistical data for the unit.
• Identifies patterns of behavior and systemic problems, and facilitates solutions.

5% - Outreach and Training

• Delivers employee prevention, education, and training programs that focus on the elements of University compliance programs under EEP's stewardship. May coordinate training content and location with points of contact in other departments.
• Works collaboratively with EEP staff in developing, revising, and evaluating educational materials. Additionally, collaborates with other campus departments or units in identifying appropriate target audiences and subject matter for training.
• Stays informed of current trends, best practices, and policy and legal changes in the field as it relates to all areas of policy stewarded by EEP.

5% - Accountability and Ethical Behavior

• Consistently recognizes and acts on areas of responsibility and appropriately escalates any issues that require additional oversight or resources.
• Exercises good judgment in effective problem-solving, even in new areas outside of the employee's direct experience.
• Ensures each client and partner receives appropriate engagement from the office and continuity of support when transitioning issues to other areas.
• Upholds confidentiality using appropriate tools, decision-making, and discretion while handling highly sensitive matters.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience and / or training.
• Experience investigating sexual harassment or equivalently sensitive allegations in an empathetic and confidential manner.
• Advanced knowledge of the ethics and compliance profession, theories and systems of control and professional compliance and investigation standards.
• Advanced knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations, case law, and guidance related to discrimination and sexual harassment in the educational and employment setting, including Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), and California (CA) AB1825.
• Knowledge of how to respond to requests from the Office for Civil Rights, CA Department of Fair Employment and Housing, and the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunities Commission.
• Demonstrated report-writing skills, with the ability to synthesize large volumes of information into clear, coherent findings of fact and policy determinations.
• Comprehensive project and time management skills.
• Demonstrated critical thinking skills.
• Demonstrated verbal communication skills; skill building rapport in an open, friendly, and accepting way; attentive listener.
• Ability to demonstrate professional judgment in executing all responsibilities.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement independent recommendations for action as related to complex and varying situations.
• Demonstrated ability to conceptualize, analyze, and interpret compliance issues, policies, and regulations as well as complex written material and data, make recommendations, and effectively communicate results of analyses in written and presentation formats accessible to diverse groups.
• Demonstrated commitment to the principles of equity and inclusive excellence.
• Demonstrated skill, sensitivity and experience interacting with constituents who are diverse in characteristics with the ability to establish rapport and professional credibility.
• Ability to handle highly sensitive and confidential issues that require independent judgment and discretion, and maintain strict confidentiality of privileged information.
• Ability to extract, verify, compile, and develop recommendations related to ethics and compliance programs, issues, policies, and procedures.
• Understanding of the relevance of trauma in the context of sexual violence, harassment, and hate-based crimes (for example, the neurobiology of trauma and trauma-informed investigation techniques).
  

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) or professional degree in law.
• Professional certification(s) applicable to job responsibilities.
• Experience working with federal and state agencies.
• Experience using a case management system.
• Bilingual language skills.
• Leadership expertise and political acumen overseeing sensitive investigations within a large, complex organization.
• Thorough knowledge of the Clery Act and experience with Clery reporting.
• Thorough knowledge of Whistleblower and Whistleblower Retaliation laws.
• Advanced knowledge of the complexities of discrimination and sexual harassment, including sexual violence, in the postsecondary or employment setting.
  

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Selected candidate will be required to pass a pre-employment criminal history background check.
• Selected candidate must pass the employment misconduct disclosure process.
• Ability to work long periods of time at a computer with or without accommodation.
• The selected candidate will be required to work a hybrid work schedule and must be able to work successfully from a home/remote office and fulfill the requirements of the UCSC telecommuting agreement.
• Ability to travel to multiple work locations on and off campus.
• Ability to maintain appearance and conduct suitable for working in a professional setting.
• Selected candidate will be required to complete training within established time frames as directed including UC compliance training.
• The University of California has implemented a Vaccination Policy covering all employees. Employees, including new hires, are required to comply with any applicable policies relating to the University of California vaccine program.
• Per the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA), this position has been identified as a Mandated Reporter. The selected candidate will be required to report known or suspected child abuse or neglect as defined by CANRA and will be required to sign a Statement Acknowledging Requirement to Report Child Abuse prior to commencing employment. CANRA Penal Codes, and related definitions, requirements, and responsibilities may be obtained here.
• Exercise the utmost discretion in managing sensitive information learned in the course of performing their duties. Sensitive information includes but is not limited to employee and student records, health and patient records, financial data, strategic plans, proprietary information and any other sensitive or non-public information learned during the course and scope of employment. Understands that sensitive information should be shared on a limited basis and actively takes steps to limit access to sensitive information to individuals who have legitimate business need to know. Ensure that sensitive information is properly safeguarded. Follow all organizational policies and laws on data protection and privacy. This includes secure handling of physical and digital records and proper usage of IT systems to prevent data leaks. The unauthorized or improper disclosure of confidential work-related information obtained from any source on any work-related matter is a violation of these expectations.

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

a. "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:

• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
• Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

SAFETY STATEMENT

All UCSC employees must understand and follow job safety procedures, attend required health and safety training, proactively promote safety at work, and promptly report actual and potential accidents and injuries.

NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY

EEO/AA

The University of California 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, disability, age, protected veteran status or other protected categories covered by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy.

It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.