Sr Investigator, Faculty Professionalism, Acad Cntr

As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive.

Job Location (Full Address):

220 Hutchison Rd, Rochester, New York, United States of America, 14627

Opening:

Worker Subtype:

Regular

Time Type:

Full time

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

Department:

200017 Office of Faculty Affairs

Work Shift:

UR - Day (United States of America)

Range:

UR URG 115

Compensation Range:

$96,860.00 - $145,290.00

Responsibilities:

Leads the creation and initial operation of a new Faculty Professionalism Advisory Committee (FPAC) for the Academic Center at the University of Rochester. Develops processes for investigating internal complaints that may include faculty misconduct related to any university policy or procedure, and behavior inconsistent with workplace values, such as bullying or disrespectful behavior. Investigates complaints, provides information, and makes recommendations to the FPAC for resolution.

Serves the University's interest in conducting fair and impartial investigations into complaints, in ways that build trust in the University community and meet the University's legal obligations. Documents findings and maintains scrupulous records. Leads a faculty committee in consideration of cases and in writing recommendations for actions to be taken by faculty line management.

Essential Functions:

Defines Processes and Practices for Faculty Professionalism Advisory Committee (FPAC)

Resource, plan, and practice identification and development (25%)

• Develops and leads training offered to members of the committee.
• Leads FPAC in defining and detailing practices for handling cases. This includes development of rubrics for evaluation of actions, processes to ensure fair, thorough, and efficient discussion of each cases.
• Develops plan for external-facing communication with stakeholders, including a committee website, and communications with Deans and Faculty governance bodies.
• Develops a plan and practice for documentation and record keeping.
• Identifies appropriate resources available for corrective coaching for faculty and develops a plan for providing these resources when needed.

Assessment and review (10%)

• Assesses policies and practices. Leads members of the FPAC in revising these as needed.
• Completes on-going best-practice review of the literature and national practice on faculty professionalism.

Collaboration (5%)

• Collaborates with other investigative offices on University-wide bias report system.

Initial Assessments of Cases

• Conducts initial assessments of reports against faculty members to determine whether the allegations of unprofessionalism are within the scope of FPAC.
• Communicates with the appropriate office(s) such as PADH, Title IX, FPAC, FPCMC, Student Conduct, Human Resources, DPS, or Facilities about referral of a report outside the scope of FPAC review; documents referral of cases to outside offices.
• Returns cases to line management when full committee process is not appropriate or when investigation is best done by line management.

Investigations

• Conducts investigations and documents facts regarding complaints against faculty members reported or referred to the FPAC in accordance with best practices.
• Interviews complainants, respondents, and appropriate witnesses for each case, at the investigator’s discretion.
• Completes all investigations in a timely fashion based on scope, complexity, and other relevant circumstances
• Ensures recording of all interviews, conversion to written transcription, and orderly retention of all interview-related documentation
• Creates a detailed summary of each investigation. De-identifies summaries prior to sharing with other FPAC members for review and deliberations.

Leads FPAC in consideration of cases

• Presents cases to FPAC and frames discussion points for members of the committee.
• Participates in discussions of case, in accordance with committee practices and rubrics.
• Documents committee discussions and drafts initial committee recommendations on behalf of FPAC. Reviews recommendations with FPAC committee members as needed outside of meetings.
• Communicates recommendations to academic line management.
• Identifies and recommends resources for carrying out the recommendations.

Data Management, Communications & Record-keeping

• Using management system, maintains scrupulous records for each case, in a manner approved by Legal Counsel
• Ensures that members of the FPAC are kept abreast of meetings, upcoming cases, and necessary trainings
• Maintains records of completed training for all members of the FPAC.
• Prepares summary communication of actions

Other duties as assigned

Minimum Education & Experience:

• Juris Doctorate (JD) required
• 2 years of experience in civil or criminal litigation required
• Experience in conducting and documenting investigations required
• Experience working in or partnering with a higher-education, non-profit or other relevant environment required
• Experience leading teams required
Or equivalent combination of education and experience required

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Ability to apply the appropriate legal standards in conduct of investigations required
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain positive, effective working relationships required
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively across a complex organization required
• Strong oral and written communication skills; strong presentation skills required
• Ability to clearly articulate ideas and present work to a broad constituency, including faculty members required
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and discretion required
• Ability to lead others in decision-making required
• Excellent time management skills required
• Knowledge of project management methodologies; ability to manage projects preferred.
• Ability to compose clear, concise, timely, and professionally written investigative reports required
• Ability to independently and efficiently managing a significant caseload of assigned tasks required

The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture to advance the University’s Mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create – and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law (Protected Characteristics). This commitment extends to non-discrimination in the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates, for all persons consistent with our values and based on applicable law.