Institutional Compliance Officer and Title IX Coordinator

The Institutional Compliance Officer (ICO) provides vision and leadership to Truman State University’s comprehensive commitment to equal opportunity and affirmative action.  As the Title IX Coordinator and Section 504 Coordinator, the incumbent will help ensure an inclusive work and learning environment free of harassment and discrimination in compliance with Title II, Title VII, Title IX, Section 504, and other equal opportunity laws at the state and federal levels, as well as University policies.

As a visible, engaged leader on campus, the ICO helps determine strategic priorities, monitors processes and policies, establishes fiscal and data management systems to achieve the mission of the office, and has primary responsibility for leading the production and implementation of Affirmative Action reporting.  Additionally, the ICO ensures the production of required and engaging training initiatives for University constituents addressing the scope of EEO topics, including sexual misconduct prevention and grievance procedure compliance.  

The Institutional Compliance Officer reports to the General Counsel, serves as an advisor to the President, conducts special projects and studies, and represents the University’s positions and directives to various constituents related to issues of discrimination, harassment, diversity, inclusion, equal opportunity, affirmative action, and access.

Essential Functions:

• Coordinate the University’s compliance with all aspects of Title II, Title IV, Title VII, Title IX, Section 504, and ADA.
• Review and develop University policy related to equal opportunity, affirmative action, and non-discrimination, in compliance with federal and state laws, regulations, and policies, and in furtherance of institutional values.
• Ensure a well-documented investigation process, including: develop an investigation plan for each matter; identify and interview relevant parties; gather relevant documentation; provide regular updates to the parties; keep accurate and thorough records and notes; use software and technology to manage documentation; prepare comprehensive, unbiased written reports that include a written analysis and findings.
• Create and provide ongoing training to students, faculty, and staff to inform them of their rights and responsibilities concerning discrimination in an effort to prevent discrimination, harassment, and retaliation and to foster a safe, productive, and respectful educational and work environment.
• Develop and maintain the University’s affirmative action plan, monitoring its progress and communicating related initiatives to the University community in furtherance of its legal responsibilities and institutional interests.
• Maintain current expertise in the field, including meaningful and continuing engagement, as well as training and professional development on inclusion, diversity, and equity issues. Identify and incorporate advances, innovative techniques, and best practices in the equity and non-discrimination field into practice.
• Collaborate with key partners in the Truman community (e.g., Center for Diversity and Inclusion, Counseling Center, Department of Public Safety, Student Access and Disability Services, General Counsel, Athletics, Greek Life, Human Resources, Academic Affairs, Residence Life, and Student Affairs), as appropriate. 
• Develop strategic plans and initiatives to address areas of concern identified through survey results.
• Serve as a member of the Students of Concern Committee.
• Other duties as assigned.
  

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in related administrative, business, liberal arts, or social sciences discipline.
• Minimum of two (2) or more years of experience and knowledge interpreting and applying internal policies and state and federal statutes and regulations dealing with all nondiscrimination laws, including federal and state laws and regulatory practices related, but not limited to, the Civil Rights Act; Title IX; the Americans with Disabilities Act; the Violence Against Women Act and the Federal Educational Rights and Privacy Act.
• Minimum of two (2) or more years of experience investigating formal and informal complaints of sexual harassment, harassment, and discrimination, involving various forms of alleged civil rights violations.
• Demonstrated ability to assess campus-wide training needs and develop and implement innovative and meaningful educational programming for faculty, staff, and students relating to diversity, inclusion, and civil rights compliance.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity and success in working with diverse constituencies.

• Knowledge of trauma-informed investigative techniques.
• Excellent investigative, research, analytical, and oral and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
• Self-directed, with the ability to work independently in a time-sensitive environment and effectively manage multiple priorities and deadlines
• Demonstrated judgment, organizational skills, and ability to manage sensitive and confidential information.
• Ability to maintain impartiality.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Juris Doctorate or master’s degree in a related discipline.
• Experience in higher education or at a public institution.
  

The Institution:

A vibrant community of teacher-scholars engaged with an academically talented student body, Truman is a residential university providing its approximately 3,700 students with a distinctive blend of liberal arts and science programs across 52 undergraduate majors and 11 graduate programs. Truman is nationally recognized for the quality of educational opportunities it offers and for its leadership in the assessment of student learning and continuous improvement. The institution is committed to a strong focus on high-impact learning experiences, and more than one-third of Truman’s undergraduates go on to pursue graduate education. Truman is consistently ranked among the nation’s best colleges. For 28 consecutive years, U.S. News and World Report has recognized Truman as the No. 1 public university in the Midwest Regional Category. Other accolades include Washington Monthly, which listed Truman as the No. 7 best master’s university in the nation, and Fiske Guide to College magazine, which ranked Truman as one of the top 10 public schools named as a “Best Buy,” offering outstanding educational value. In addition to its commitment to excellence, the University promotes a welcoming culture that puts people first and supports students, faculty, and staff. More information about Truman State University can be found at www.truman.edu.

Location:

Located in Kirksville, Truman plays a vital role in the thriving regional center of northeast Missouri. The campus spreads across 180 acres and is recognized as a Tree Campus USA School. The city enjoys a low crime rate, excellent schools, and a low cost of living. Within a short drive, a broad range of outdoor recreational opportunities is easily accessible. Kirksville is connected to Chicago (ORD) by Contour Airlines (www.contourairlines.com). Amtrak operates the Southwest Chief on daily schedules from La Plata (13 miles from Kirksville) to Chicago, Kansas City, and points southwest to Los Angeles. A. T. Still University maintains dental and medical schools in Kirksville. More information about Kirksville can be found at www.visitkirksville.com.

To Apply: 

Applicants should submit a cover letter specifically addressing how the candidate meets the qualifications as outlined in the posted description, a resume, and contact information for three professional references. Finalists should be prepared to submit transcript(s) to verify academic credentials.

Applications must be submitted electronically at http://employment.truman.edu/. For assistance with submitting an application, please contact Human Resources at 660-785-4031 or hrstaff@truman.edu. Final candidates will be expected to undergo and successfully pass a background check.

Applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, transcripts (unofficial transcripts are acceptable; official transcripts may be required if hired) and contact information for three professional references.

Review of applications will begin November 18, 2024, and continue until the position is filled.

Truman State University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer committed to assembling a diverse, broadly trained faculty and staff. Women, minorities, people with disabilities, and veterans are strongly encouraged to apply. In compliance with applicable laws and in furtherance of its commitment to fostering an environment that welcomes and embraces diversity, Truman State does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, disability, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or protected veteran status in its program or activities, including employment, admissions, and educational programs. Inquiries may be directed to the Institutional Compliance Officer, 660-785-4354, and titleix@truman.edu.

Truman State is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. To request this document in an alternate form or to request an accommodation, please contact Human Resources, McClain Hall 101, 100 E. Normal, Kirksville, MO 63501, 660-785-4031 or hrstaff@truman.edu.