Equal Opportunity Associate

University of Minnesota; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 99,000 - 107,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wages

Paid holidays & generous time off

Excellent retirement plans

Job summary

University of Minnesota's Equal Opportunity & Title IX Office seeks a highly qualified Associate to investigate complaints and provide informal resolution while counseling community on equal opportunity issues.

The role is full-time, year-round, with hybrid work options and a strong emphasis on equity, diversity, and collaborative problem-solving. Competitive benefits and salary within the listed range are provided.

Qualifications

• Essential: JD from an accredited law school.
• Experience conducting investigations or analyses of legal or policy violations.
• Exceptional writing and analytical skills.
• Exceptional communication, interpersonal skills, and emotional intelligence.
• Ability to focus on all aspects of a task to ensure accuracy.
• Ability to manage conflicts and work independently.
• Commitment to equal opportunity, equity, inclusion, and diversity.
• Experience with diverse communities and first-generation students.

Responsibilities

• Investigation and Complaint Resolution 85%: Investigate complaints; draft investigation reports; informal problem-solving; manage cases; counsel on equal opportunity issues.
• Other Duties as Assigned 15%: Develop educational programs; participate in policy development; engage in committees.

Skills

Investigations

Legal analysis

Writing

Communication

Equity & Diversity

Education

J.D. from accredited law school

Job description

About the Job

The Associate position offers complex, fast-moving, and fascinating work in a supportive work environment. Associates have significant discretion to craft appropriate investigative and informal responses to complaints. Associates also have the opportunity to collaborate frequently with colleagues in the Office and broader University to resolve case-related challenges. The Office's work has a significant impact on the individuals and units involved in its cases. Associates' thoughtfulness, attention to detail, and commitment to equity and diversity is critical.

The Associate position is a full-time, year-round, professional/administrative position. The Office offers flexibility, hybrid remote and in-office work, and excellent work-life balance. The position offers a competitive compensation package, commensurate with experience and background, and excellent benefits.

Please note, this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program.

Duties and Responsibilities

Investigation and Complaint Resolution 85%

• Investigate complaints of discrimination, sexual misconduct, nepotism, and related retaliation to determine whether University policy violations occurred.
• Draft clear and accurate investigation reports and make recommendations for responsive action.
• Engage in informal problem-solving methods to address concerns.
• Manage cases in timely and effective ways, exercising good judgment.
• Counsel members of the University community (senior leaders, staff, faculty, and students) on complex equal opportunity issues.

Other Duties as Assigned 15%

• Participate in new initiatives to improve services.
• Develop and present educational programs about discrimination, sexual misconduct, equal opportunity, diversity, and other related topics.
• Participate in policy development and oversight of the University's approach to preventing, and responding to, discrimination, sexual misconduct, nepotism, and related retaliation concerns.
• Participate in committees serving the broader University.

Qualifications

Essential

• JD from an accredited law school.
• Experience conducting investigations or analyses of legal or policy violations.
• Exceptional writing and analytical skills.
• Exceptional communication, interpersonal skills, and emotional intelligence.
• Ability to focus on all aspects of a task or process, including small details, to ensure accuracy and thoroughness.
• Ability to manage and work with conflict.
• Ability to work independently and efficiently and balance workload.
• Ability and desire to work actively, collaboratively, and creatively as part of a team.
• Demonstrated commitment to the principles of equal opportunity, equity, inclusion, and diversity.
• Demonstrated experience in, and an ongoing commitment to, working effectively with and across diverse communities, including: people of color, underrepresented groups and new immigrant populations; American Indians; people with both visible and invisible disabilities; women; people of various gender and sexual identities and expressions; and first-generation students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

Preferred

• Experience applying discrimination laws.
• Knowledge of discrimination, sexual misconduct, and equal opportunity laws.
• Experience investigating employee and/or student misconduct.
• Experience developing and presenting educational programs on discrimination, sexual misconduct, equal opportunity, or related topics.
• Experience using alternative dispute resolution techniques.

About the Department

The Equal Opportunity & Title IX Office is seeking a highly qualified, motivated, and skilled individual to respond to complaints of discrimination, sexual misconduct, nepotism, and related retaliation through investigation and informal problem-solving and to counsel University community members on equal opportunity issues.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $99,000- $107,000 annually; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment; 12 month

Position Type: P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.