Program Officer for Professional Conduct, Equity, and Access

Basic Qualifications

Bachelor's degree and eight years of relevant experience. Advanced degree in law, social work, or related field may count toward years of experience.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

We are looking for people with:

• JD or master's degree in psychology, criminal justice, social work, or other relevant fields is desirable.
• Experience in civil rights or related areas, case law and agency interpretation, developing and delivering trainings and presentations to various audiences.
• Familiarity with party and witness interview and investigation techniques, conducting complex legal analysis and reaching legally sound determinations.
• Experience in resolving disputes (e.g., mediation certificate; experience in alternative dispute resolution systems).
• Experience creating and implementing policies and systems for resolving grievances.
• Experience working collaboratively in a complex organization to resolve problems.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise high level of discretion and good judgment, and ability to quickly establish credibility with a broad range of constituents, including faculty, staff, students, law enforcement and others.
• Executive-level verbal and written communication skills, Excellent listening, collaboration, and team-building skills.
• Ability to handle confidential information, including information from individuals who may be experiencing distress, with the utmost discretion and sensitivity.
• Ability to take ownership over projects and proceed with minimal guidance.
• Familiarity with other federal statutes important to post-secondary education (e.g., VAWA, Clery Act, FERPA) desirable.
• Experience in the higher education environment interacting on student life issues with students and administration a plus.

Additional Information

We regret that Harvard Law School is unable to provide visa sponsorship for staff positions.

All offers to be made by HLS Human Resources.

Position Description

As a Program Officer for Professional Conduct, Equity, and Access, Equal Opportunity, you will:

• Advise and counsel members of the University community with questions about the University policies and related procedures - particularly the Non-Discrimination and Anti-Bullying policies, Title IX, and requirements under the HLS Handbook of Academic Policies, directing community members to resources, and, where appropriate, implementing supportive measures.
• In collaboration with other HLS leaders, be responsible for efforts to promote community values and norms around creating a professional work and learning environment, including managing prevention, response, and education efforts related to conflict and misconduct.
• Develop and conduct trainings, individually, or in partnership with other colleagues, related to Non-Discrimination and Anti-Bullying policies, Title IX, and other federal or state civil rights laws. Partner with other offices, schools, and units to develop an effective and sustainable education program.
• Serve as subject matter expert representing the Office of Equal Opportunity at panel presentations. Responsible for workflow/knowledge management and communication about programming.
• Perform fact-finding for internal educational or workplace investigations to assist in resolving certain conflicts. Participate in informal resolution of matters, where appropriate.
• Assist with or oversee student requests for accommodations and implementation of accommodations as needed.
• Responsible for aspects of event planning, programming, and communication of strategy and operations of the Office of Equal Opportunity.
• Assist the Assistant Dean in carrying out other response and prevention responsibilities for the Law School. These may include, but are not limited to data collection, trend analysis, and community outreach.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Job Summary

The Office of Equal Opportunity at Harvard Law School (HLS) is charged with supporting, educating and informing the community about options and resources to address misconduct and remove barriers to participating fully in a highly engaging learning and working environment. The team works toward intentional cultivation of a culture that supports a free exchange of ideas, rooted in shared values and mutual understanding. The office administers the following functions:

• Title IX policies and supportive measures for students, faculty, staff
• Title VI and Title VII policies, support, and fact-finding oversight under Harvard's Non-Discrimination Policy
• Anti-Bullying concerns and administration of complaints, including fact-finding oversight
• Student accommodations support and implementation
• Programming, community engagement, and education for staff in Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging space
• Staffing for HLS Administrative Board

Reporting directly to the Assistant Dean for Equal Opportunity, the Program Officer assists the Assistant Dean in efficient and effective operations of the office with a particular focus on administration of discrimination complaints and educational programming, including overseeing workflows, advising and counseling individuals with questions about policy, conducting training, conducting informal or formal fact-finding and informal resolutions, and being available to answer questions as a member of the Equal Opportunity team. The Program Officer also plays an important role in meeting the University's training and education obligations under Title IX, Title VI, Title VII, and other federal or state civil rights laws, including assisting the Assistant Dean in developing, overseeing, and delivering curriculum and trainings relevant to the Office's mission and charge.

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.

Work Format Details

While the position is based on site in Cambridge, MA, this role has the opportunity for a hybrid work arrangement (some combination of on-site and remote), subject to business need and manager review/approval. All remote work must be performed within a state in which Harvard is registered to do business (CA, CT, GA, IL, MA, MD, ME, NH, NY, RI, and VT).

About Us

Be a part of excellence and leadership in legal education and scholarship at Harvard Law School. We are a community of talented people from diverse backgrounds, lived experiences, and perspectives, dedicated to advancing the cause of justice all over the world. We value our differences and our diversity as a source of strength. We are committed to developing and inspiring our students and our workforce. Whoever you are, whatever you do, however you do it, Harvard Law School is a place where you can thrive.