ODR Fellow

Location: Cambridge, MA, us Department: Office of the President and Provost Employment Type: {'id': 'permanent', 'label': 'Full-time'}

Company Description

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Why join Harvard University Central Administration?

Harvard University's Central Administration (CADM) is a 5,000+ employee organization that supports the university's overall excellence by understanding and serving the needs of its schools, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and surrounding communities. Through dynamic and collaborative partnerships, CADM provides high-quality and efficient services to the schools to help them achieve their goals.

Job Description

The Office for Dispute Resolution (ODR) operates under the Office of the Provost, working in partnership with the University’s Office for Community Support, Non-Discrimination, Rights and Responsibilities (CSNDR), Title IX Resource Coordinators, Local Designated Resources, and other School or unit leadership. ODR is a neutral body that impartially investigates formal complaints of sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, discrimination, bullying, and other rights and responsibilities involving students, staff, faculty, and third parties.

Under the supervision of the ODR Associate Director and Investigator, the ODR Fellow assists with the overall operations of ODR. The ODR Fellow will work on cases with experienced professional Investigators, gaining knowledge and developing skills in the area of civil rights and other rules of conduct in both the education and employment arenas, with a primary focus on Title IX, Title VI, and related state and federal civil rights laws. The ODR Fellow will have the opportunity for hands-on investigative experience and further develop their legal analytical and writing skills. Additionally, ODR has a proven track record of advancement to a second term for successful incumbents in this role.

Job-Specific Responsibilities

Assist the Investigators with case evaluation, investigative planning, preparing for and conducting interviews, processing administrative closures and dismissals, fact-finding (such as review, identification, and analysis of evidence), timely communication with parties, conducting legally sufficient investigations, meeting established timelines, and drafting and issuing written letters and reports.

Conduct documentation activities for investigations, including notetaking during interviews, redaction, quote and grammar checking letters and reports, assembly of exhibits, and casefile maintenance.

Conduct legal research and prepare internal memoranda on questions relevant to the analysis required in the course of investigations.

Assist with ensuring that investigative documents are properly processed, consistent with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and community expectations for the handling of sensitive information.

Assist with ODR, the CSNDR, and other trainings and outreach as assigned.

Conduct informational meetings with community members regarding the policies and procedures under ODR’s purview as assigned.

Qualifications

Candidates MUST meet the following basic qualifications to be considered for this role:

J.D. required.

At least three years of related professional work experience (need not be legal experience). Clinical and/or other relevant legal work completed in law school may count toward this requirement.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

Excellent analytical and writing skills. Strong organizational skills and superb attention to detail. Ability to communicate effectively both in writing and orally, e.g., with complainants, respondents, witnesses, and others within the University community. Consistent use of the utmost discretion while working with confidential and sensitive information. Ability to manage diverse and changing priorities, and ability to work effectively on a team within a hybrid work environment.

Familiarity with federal statutes important to postsecondary education (e.g., Title IX, VAWA, Title VI, Clery Act, FERPA), experience in the higher education environment, and/or fluency in different languages a plus.

Additional Information

Interview Process: Candidates selected for further consideration may be required to submit additional materials/writing samples and/or complete assessments or presentations as part of the hiring process. Our interview process may include both virtual interviews via Zoom and in-person interviews.

Visa Sponsorship: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position

Pre-Employment Screening: Harvard University requires pre-employment reference and background screenings: Identity and Education

Other Information

This is a one-year term appointment with the potential to be extended for a second year.

This position has a 3-month orientation and review period.

Applications require a cover letter, resume, and writing sample.

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 057. Please visit  Harva