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Deputy Director: Office of Investigation and Resolution - UTK
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Position Number: 6011898
Location: Chattanooga, TN
Position Type: Assessment, Accreditation, and Compliance

Deputy Director: Office of Investigation and Resolution - UTK
Knoxville, TN, United States

Job Identification: 1677
Job Category: Audit & Compliance
Posting Date: 02/17/2025
Job Schedule: Full Time
Locations: 2450 E J Chapman Drive, Knoxville, TN, 37996, US (On-site)

Job Description
Reporting to the Executive Director of the Office of Investigation & Resolution (OIR) at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, the Deputy Director assists the Executive Director in managing the day-to-day functions of OIR to ensure that OIR thoroughly, equitably, impartially, and promptly investigates or otherwise appropriately responds to/resolves allegations of misconduct against employees. Specifically, the Deputy Director supports the day-to-day functions of OIR, works closely with high-level administrators and personnel across the university, and represents the Executive Director when necessary. The Deputy Director supervises OIR's compliance investigators, oversees the writing and editing of investigation reports, closure memoranda, and referral memoranda, and assists the Executive Director in considering and/or executing alternative and/or non-investigatory resolutions, tracking best practices, and tracking and assessing OIR's work.

Responsibilities
Complaint/Report Intake Review

Assist in managing office workflow and distribution of cases;
Lead intake meetings in response to allegations in collaboration with OIR compliance investigators;
Conduct thorough intake interviews and record thorough and accurate notes;
Identify any relevant campus policies implicated by the allegations;
Assess the need for any Interim measures to promote safety and/or avoid continued noncompliance with campus policy;
Refer parties to appropriate internal and external resources;
Treat all constituents engaged with OIR with sensitivity and neutrality;
Collaborate with University stakeholders relating to informal conflict resolution, remedial action, interim measures before and during investigations, and possible investigation activities;
Identify the appropriate outcome of the Intake Review/Due Diligence Inquiry (case closure, referral, or investigation) in collaboration with the Executive Director and/or compliance investigators; and
Assist in drafting, editing, and/or issuing case closure and/or referral memoranda (including relevant appeals process information).

Investigations

Manage a team of investigators to ensure investigative procedures are being followed, assist in reviewing investigation plans, and, as needed, assist in conducting investigations and preparing reports in high profile or complex investigations of employee misconduct;
Serve as a resource for investigators;
Serve as a point of contact for administrators and campus partners, as appropriate, during investigations;
Meet established timelines and ensure neutrality;
Monitor the evidence share process;
Assist in editing and/or issuing (including relevant appeals process information) investigation reports;
Provide relevant appeal information to the parties;
Monitor appeal deadlines, communicate relevant updates to parties and administrators related to appeals, and ensure that OIR receives and documents any disciplinary action taken in response to an OIR report; and
Collaborate with University stakeholders relating to interim measures before and during investigations, investigation activities, investigation outcomes, and other responses following investigations.

Non-Investigative Resolutions

Issue and/or execute non-investigative resolutions in response to allegations, as appropriate (e.g., education, written summary to supervisor, conflict management, Alternative Resolution, communication facilitation);
Serve as a point of contact for campus or community members; and
Collaborate with University stakeholders relating to informal conflict resolution, remedial action, interim measures, Alternative Resolutions, and other non-investigatory responses to complaints/reports.

Assessment & Service to OIR/Campus

In coordination with the Executive Director and the Office of the General counsel, identify and integrate best practices in investigations and stay up to date on laws, regulations, policies, legal interpretations, and guidance relevant to conduct within the scope of OIR's jurisdiction; and utilize this knowledge to assist investigators in identifying resources and best courses of action to take for the timely and effective resolution of allegations of employee misconduct;
Assist the Executive Director in considering and planning office strategy, including setting short-term and long-term goals for the office;
Monitor the timeliness of investigations and otherwise ensure the quality of institutional investigations of reports of employee misconduct;
Develop and monitor metrics and key performance indicators for OIR intake, investigation, and resolution processes;
Assist the Executive Director in providing consultation and education to members of the University community regarding policies and conduct within the scope of OIR;
Assist the Executive Director in reviewing and/or revising, annually, all public OIR documents;
Draft additional information or resource sheets for internal and/or external use;
Work collaboratively with other University units, including but not limited to Human Resources, the Office of the Provost, the Office of Title IX, the Office of the General Counsel, and deans/department heads/directors; and
Other duties as assigned.

Supervision

Supervise a team of four compliance investigators, including by: scheduling and conducting routine one-on-one meetings; conducting performance evaluations; tracking and recommending professional development and annual training; settings and tracking employee goals; and
Serve as a resource for a team of four compliance investigators, including in response to routine or complex questions about relevant university policy, OIR's procedures and internal office practices, and various campus compliance functions.

Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:

Masters or Terminal Degree
At least 7 years of relevant experience in investigating or overseeing the resolution of complaints of discrimination/harassment at a professional, governmental, and/or university level.
Thorough understanding of federal and state employment labor laws, and laws regulating discrimination and harassment;
Demonstrated experience/ability to identify and apply appropriate policies;
Demonstrated experience/ability to exercise discretion, superior judgment, analytical skills, and neutrality in highly sensitive situations;
Ability to manage a high-volume, time-sensitive workload, prioritize and organize work effectively, and meet demanding deadlines;
Must have a strong focus on attention to detail and accuracy;
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to synthesize information into a cogent, logical report;
Excellent critical thinking and problem solving skills;
Ability to handle sensitive institutional issues with tact, diplomacy and confidentiality;
Sensitivity and respect for the diverse backgrounds of university students, faculty and staff;
Ability to maintain effective relationships with members of the University community;
Supervisory/management experience; and
Ability to function in a team environment and effectively supervise others (collaborate, contribute, take/receive or provide direction and feedback).

Desired Qualifications:

Juris Doctor degree from an ABA-accredited institution; mediation or other investigation or compliance certification;
Demonstrated excellence in writing comprehensive investigative reports;
At least 3 years of supervisory experience;
Subject matter expertise in one or more areas of employment or higher education compliance; and
Experience with Maxient.

To apply, please attach your resume/CV, cover letter, and contact information for three professional references.

About Us
With over 225 years dedicated to education and research, and as one of the 100 largest employers in Tennessee, there is endless potential to discover at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. This advanced academic center comprises 17 degree-granting colleges and schools, 900+ programs of study, 547 graduate programs, and is home to over 7,500 employees statewide who support the continued growth of the state's flagship land-grant university. The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, Anthropological Research Facility, Space Institute, and the UT Institute of Public Service are acclaimed entities of the UT system and with nearby affiliate, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Rocky Top is a university on the rise. UT Knoxville considers its employees its number one asset and with values that focus on work-life balance, compensation, and innovative leadership, all Vols are supported to advance professionally. Employees have access to career development and coaching, continued education, and an extensive list of development and training possibilities. The Volunteer employee experience implements structures and practices that attract and retain a diverse community and that support a culture where everyone matters and belongs. Apply today and join the Vol Family for life!
Ranked nationally as "Best Employer for New Graduates", "One of America's Best Large Employers", "Best Workplace for Women," and has been designated as "Best Place for Working Parents" by Forbes Magazine.

To apply, visit https://fa-ewlq-saasfaprod1.fa.ocs.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1/job/1677/?mode=location