Assistant Vice President, Equity and Access Services

Assistant Vice President, Equity and Access Services

George Mason University (“Mason”), Virginia’s largest and most diverse public research university, seeks qualified candidates for the role of Assistant Vice President, Equity and Access with the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). George Mason University has a strong institutional commitment to the achievement of excellence and diversity among its faculty and staff, and strongly encourages candidates to apply who will enrich Mason’s academic and culturally inclusive environment.

Position Summary:

Reporting to the Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, the Assistant VP for Equity and Access Services may be designated as the Title IX Coordinator and/or ADA Coordinator in the Office for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). The AVP is a visionary leader that is outcome and assessment-oriented and facilitates the University’s commitment to providing a learning and working experience free of all discriminatory behavior and provides leadership to promote the full inclusion of persons with disabilities in all aspects of the campus community. This position is responsible for coordinating and directing Mason’s compliance efforts with obligations under various civil rights legal frameworks and Equal Opportunity and Nondiscrimination legal frameworks, such as, Title VI & Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and Age Discrimination Act of 1975. This responsibility includes enforcement of these requirements for students, employees, and third parties. The AVP will oversee complaint resolution and educational programs to prevent and eliminate protected class discrimination, harassment, and retaliation, prevent its recurrence and remedy its effects. This oversight includes establishing goals, policies, and best practices for Equity and Access Services and supporting the achievement of DEI’s functions and goals.

The AVP is responsible for the University’s compliance with Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972 as well as VAWA, including respective regulatory updates, and other relevant federal and state laws and regulations. The incumbent receives and reviews reports and/or complaints of sexual harassment, discrimination and retaliation, which may include protected class discrimination under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. The AVP is responsible for the University’s compliance with the ADA Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, Fair Housing, and all other federal and state laws and regulations pertaining to persons with disabilities.

Additionally, the AVP will establish and implement a university-wide, coordinated effort to ensure:

1. Prompt and equitable resolution of complaints;
2. Develop and implement educational programs, training, and initiatives to educate and support students, faculty, and staff;
3. Communicate rights and, where applicable, obligations under Title IX, EO/Title VII, and ADA/EO; and
4. In consultation with the appropriate offices, determine applicable sanctions/disciplinary action for violations of University policy(ies).

The AVP is expected to partner with University Life, Campus Police, Human Resources, Academic Affairs, Athletics, General Counsel, as well as other units across campus.

Position Duties:

The AVP will utilize a highly consultative, inclusive, and collaborative approach to support and embrace Mason’s mission and culture. The primary responsibilities of the AVP will include leadership and direction of the university’s EO, Title VII, Title IX, and ADA compliance efforts, as well as:

• Manage, monitor, and implement all functions of the university related to Title IX, EO/Title VII, and ADA compliance in accordance with statutory and regulatory requirements, federal and state laws, and applicable university policies;
• Lead a high-performing team of DEI professionals in the areas of Title IX, EO/Title VII, and ADA providing leadership, supervision, coaching, and mentorship to design, implement, facilitate, and support an anti-racist institution that is free of all discriminatory behavior and inclusive in all aspects;
• Provide thought leadership and serve as a key contributor in maintaining an anti-racist institution that is free of all discriminatory behavior and inclusive in all aspects;
• Work with university senior leaders and their teams to define an inclusive excellence strategy that meets school/college/unit specific objectives, as well as advances university priorities of diversity and inclusion;
• Collaborate with academic and administrative units and partners including Student Support and Advocacy Center, Office of Student Conduct, University Counsel, the George Mason University Department of Police and Public Safety, Human Resources, and Athletics;
• Direct supervision of DEI Case Coordinator for Community Engagement, Title IX Coordinator/Senior Deputy Title IX Coordinator, ADA Coordinator/ADA Deputy Coordinator, ATI Manager, EO Associate Director and Chief Investigator;
• Communication with and education of the campus community regarding Title IX, EO/Title VII, and ADA rights and responsibilities, relevant university policies, including the processes for filing complaints for purposes of investigation and resolutions;
• Development, implementation, and coordination of ongoing and effective training programs for students, faculty, and staff;
• Management of the Title IX, EO/Title VII, and ADA grievance processes for students, faculty, and staff in active collaboration with numerous campus departments and agencies;
• Review of data/records pertaining to training and complaints, investigations and findings, incorporating input from community partners, and assess effectiveness of campus efforts to prevent sexual misconduct and recommend changes, as appropriate, to senior administrators;
• Review of university policies, procedures, protocols, and practices to ensure compliance with Title IX, EO/Title VII, and ADA and related regulations;
• Staying abreast of regulations and statutes relating to gender-based violence including, but not limited to, Title IX and VAWA. Act as university representative when attending conferences and communicating with federal government compliance or investigation officers;
• Management of the University’s Title IX Review Committee required under Virginia Code § 23.1- 806. Reporting of acts of sexual violence;
• Co-management of the University’s Sexual Assault and Interpersonal Violence (SAIV) Committee to lead prevention efforts with campus partners to provide education and programming around sexual and gender-based discrimination/harassment;
• Serve as the DEI representative on the campus Threat Assessment Team, Insider Threat Assessment Team, and other related committees, and maintain appropriate levels of training required by state law and University policy for service on these committees; and
• Co-management with Athletics to ensure compliance with NCAA certifications and requirements as dictated by the NCAA.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA’s):

• Demonstrated knowledge of and ability to interpret federal and state equal opportunity and non-discrimination laws and regulations, including Title IX, Title VII, sexual harassment, and other applicable laws and regulations is required;
• Demonstrated ability in policy development and drafting in compliance with federal and state laws and regulations;
• Demonstrated knowledge of sexual misconduct’s disproportionate impact on marginalized communities and history of establishing effective working relationships with these communities;
• Demonstrated knowledge of creating and implementing a trauma-informed Title IX process and a working/learning environment where all members can thrive;
• Knowledge of current trends and issues in federal and state laws pertaining to access and disabilities;
• Understanding of and sensitivity to meeting the needs of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability status, gender identity, sexual orientation and ethnic identities of Mason students, faculty, staff, and community;
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a dynamic environment;
• Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills;
• Demonstrated skill in effective and respectful interpersonal communication;
• Demonstrated skill in organization and planning;
• Demonstrated ability to investigate complaints of discrimination, harassment and retaliation, and document and communicate findings with a strong attention to accuracy and detail;
• Ability to organize and conduct effective accommodation analysis and prepare concise and cogent written analysis of accommodation requests and complaints, and make recommendations for administrative action;
• Ability to stay current with laws, rules, and regulations related to civil rights enforcement and compliance administration;
• Demonstrated ability to handle, manage, and secure confidential and private information;
• Ability to strategically design system of EO/Title VII, Title IX, and civil rights compliance monitoring, technology, trend forecasting, and stakeholder collaboration;
• Demonstrated ability to influence change, make decisions, and build collaborative partnerships and productive relationships;
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing;
• Demonstrated ability to use discretion and good judgment, maintain confidentiality; and
• Demonstrated ability to work under multiple deadlines as required by policy and regulation.

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in a related field such as student affairs, counseling, psychology or legal area, or equivalent combination of relevant education and experience;
• Significant professional experience in policy administration, complaint resolution, and investigation of grievances; and
• Considerable amount of supervisory experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Relevant administrative experience directly in higher education, or non-profit, and/or public sector organization in related field; and
• Experience in the successful development and implementation of educational and training programs with demonstrated effective presentation and facilitation skills.

Special Instructions to Applicants: 

For full consideration, applicants must apply at https://jobs.gmu.edu/; complete and submit the online application; and upload a cover letter, resume, and a list of three professional references with contact information.

Equity Statement: 

George Mason University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, committed to promoting inclusion and equity in its community. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any characteristic protected by law.