Senior Director of Civil Rights

The Senior Director of Civil Rights serves as the university’s primary administrator for civil rights compliance, providing strategic leadership and subject-matter expertise on programming and services required by Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), and other applicable federal and state laws and regulations. This position ensures consistent policy interpretation, implementation, and oversight of civil rights programming, including Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation (DHR) services, in alignment with institutional policies and procedures.

As the designated Whistleblower Administrator, the Senior Director of Civil Rights oversees the university’s processes for reporting and addressing allegations of misconduct, ensuring thorough, impartial investigations, and compliance with reporting requirements. This role leads efforts to foster a culture of accountability, integrity, and transparency across campus.

The Senior Director of Civil Rights also provides expert guidance and strategic recommendations on civil rights compliance and equity-related initiatives. This includes managing investigations, resolving complaints, and implementing preventive education programs that promote a respectful and inclusive campus environment.

• Provide leadership and oversight of civil rights compliance functions, including Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, VAWA, and DHR programming and services.
• Supervise and guide staff in the Office of Equity and Compliance, establishing priorities, managing workloads, and ensuring accurate and timely completion of tasks. • Serve as the university’s Whistleblower Administrator, overseeing processes for reporting and addressing allegations of misconduct.
• Develop and deliver robust education programs to raise awareness of civil rights compliance and foster a culture of respect and accountability.
• Oversee mandated trainings for faculty, staff, and students on topics such as Title IX, DHR, and VAWA compliance.
• Lead efforts to educate the campus community on whistleblower policies and reporting procedures.
• Ensure consistent policy interpretation, implementation, and oversight of programming and services related to civil rights laws and regulations, including Title IX, Title VI, VAWA, FEHA, and DHR.
• Oversee investigations into complaints of discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and other misconduct, ensuring thorough, impartial processes and compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Represent the university in compliance matters with external regulatory agencies such as the EEOC, California Civil Rights Department, and the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights. Strategic Guidance and Advocacy
• Provide expert guidance to senior leaders on civil rights compliance, whistleblower matters, and institutional equity initiatives.
• Collaborate with campus stakeholders to implement policies and programs that advance justice, equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging.
• Serve on campus committees and councils to promote a unified approach to civil rights compliance and inclusive practices.
• Analyze trends and data related to complaints, investigations, and training to assess campus efforts and recommend improvements.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Experience:  Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible professional experience in managing Title IX, DHR, or similar compliance programs with 3 years of experience in a leadership or supervisory role overseeing staff, projects, or departmental operations.

• Master’s degree in higher education administration, law, social work, public policy, or a related field.
• Juris Doctor or equivalent from an accredited law school.
• Experience conducting investigations related to discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or accessibility complaints.
• Experience developing and delivering training programs on compliance, diversity, equity, and inclusion topics.
• Experience working in California higher education or a public sector organization is strongly preferred.