Civil Rights Specialist - 03437

State of Iowa - Executive Branch; Des Moines (IA); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

Paid time off

IPERS pension

401A retirement

Flexible spending accounts

Employee discounts

Hybrid work schedule

Job summary

State of Iowa - Executive Branch seeks a Civil Rights Specialist (Employment Law Focus) to enforce civil rights laws in Iowa. The role emphasizes in-depth legal analysis, investigative reporting, and collaboration with a team of legal professionals.

The position offers a hybrid work schedule, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities to contribute to public service and justice for Iowans.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in any field, and experience equal to two years of full-time work as an investigator requiring knowledge in civil rights laws or criminal investigation, including drafting investigative reports which involve application of relevant statutes.
• A total of six years of education and/or full-time experience (as described in number one), where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university coursework in any field equals one year of full-time experience.
• Graduation from an accredited school of law.

Responsibilities

• Review and investigate complaints of discrimination in employment, public accommodations, housing, credit, and education.
• Conduct interviews with complainants, respondents, and witnesses.
• Analyze records, gather comparative evidence, and apply legal standards to determine if discrimination occurred.
• Prepare clear, well-reasoned written reports outlining investigative findings and legal analysis.
• Work closely with a team of legal professionals dedicated to civil rights in Iowa.

Skills

Legal writing

Investigations

Interviews

Legal analysis

Civil rights laws

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Bachelor's degree in any field

Job description

Job Description

Join Our Team – Make a Difference in Civil Rights Enforcement. Are you a law school graduate or a professional with strong legal writing experience looking for a meaningful career in public service? Do you have a passion for justice and a commitment to enforcing civil rights? If so, the Iowa Office of Civil Rights (IOCR) wants to hear from you! We are seeking a Civil Rights Specialist (Employment Law Focus) to join our dedicated team. This role is perfect for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment, enjoys in-depth legal analysis, and is ready to make a real impact on civil rights enforcement in Iowa.

Why IOCR?

At IOCR, we are more than just an office—we are a team of hardworking professionals committed to fairness, equality, and justice. Our work directly impacts the lives of Iowans by enforcing civil rights protections. We foster an open and collaborative culture where your contributions are valued, and your skills are put to meaningful use.

Our office handles a high volume of discrimination complaints, carefully analyzing facts and legal standards to uphold the Iowa Civil Rights Act. This means collecting documents, conducting interviews, and drafting detailed legal reports. If you have strong analytical and writing skills, this is your opportunity to play a critical role in civil rights enforcement.

What You’ll Do

• Review and investigate complaints of discrimination in employment, public accommodations, housing, credit, and education.
• Conduct interviews with complainants, respondents, and witnesses.
• Analyze records, gather comparative evidence, and apply legal standards to determine if discrimination occurred.
• Prepare clear, well-reasoned written reports outlining investigative findings and legal analysis.
• Work closely with a team of legal professionals dedicated to civil rights in Iowa.

What We Offer

When you join IOCR, you become part of a mission-driven team while also enjoying an outstanding benefits package, including:

• Competitive salary with opportunities for increases.
• Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and life insurance options.
• Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and nine paid holidays per year.
• Iowa Public Employee Retirement System (IPERS) pension plan and optional 401A retirement plan with employer contributions.
• Flexible Spending Accounts for healthcare and dependent care.
• Employee discounts on wellness programs, recreation, travel, and more.
• A hybrid work schedule (two days in the office, three days remote) following the initial probationary period.

Our office is located in a modern, state-of-the-art building just minutes from downtown Des Moines, historic Valley Junction, and the western suburbs. With ample parking, onsite fitness facilities, and easy access to parks and entertainment, our location offers convenience and a great work-life balance.

Be a Part of Something Bigger

At IOCR, your work matters. You’ll play a key role in upholding civil rights in Iowa, helping ensure fairness and equality for all. If you're ready to use your legal skills to make a difference, learn more about the benefits available as a State of Iowa Employee here.

E-Verify and Right to Work

The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States. The State of Iowa also complies with the federal Right to Work laws, which protect employees’ rights to work without being required to join a labor organization. For more information, please visit www.e-verify.gov.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Applicants must meet at least one of the following minimum requirements to qualify for positions in this job classification:

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in any field, and experience equal to two years of full-time work as an investigator requiring knowledge in civil rights laws or criminal investigation, including drafting investigative reports which involve application of relevant statutes.
• A total of six years of education and/or full-time experience (as described in number one), where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university coursework in any field equals one year of full-time experience.
• Graduation from an accredited school of law.

Additional Qualification Requirements

Must be free to travel occasionally and work varied hours. Employees must arrange transportation to and from assigned work areas.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

The Iowa Office of Civil Rights is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome and encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply.