Public policy h1.location_city

Senior Compliance Officer

The Senior Compliance Officer performs duties of a complex and confidential nature in support of equal opportunity, affirmative action, federal, and system policy compliance. The purpose of this position is to address complaints of policy violations and allegations of discrimination and harassment through internal inquiry; serve as a resource and consultant on institutional policy, Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, ADA/Section 504, ADEA, PWFA, and sexual harassment; safeguard and disseminate highly confidential information both orally and through written reports; develop and deliver training and educational programs to promote institutional compliance; and work proactively to foster equitable practices and an inclusive campus climate.

The Senior Compliance Officer provides guidance and support for investigations, reviews, consultations, and other compliance functions within the Office of Equal Opportunity and Accessibility.

Responsibilities

Compliance Management Functions

• Manages process for handling internal allegations from students, employees, and external parties of possible violations of University policies, higher education and labor laws, and state/federal laws and statutes under the purview of the Office of Equal Opportunity and Accessibility
• Provides supervision and guidance to Compliance Officer and Compliance and Administrative Coordinator as it pertains to complaint management and investigations, and delegates duties as necessary
• Ensures the accurate and timely maintenance of EOA's complaint and investigation database, and provides oversight of electronic case management systems and digital compliance tools
• Collaborates with Executive Director in compiling periodic impact and production reports
• Maintains and regularly updates standard operating procedures (SOP's) for handling complaints
• Participates in conflict resolution through alternative dispute resolution (including mediation) and partners with managers to address systemic issues to reduce or eliminate root causes of concerns
• Develops and implements training and educational programs for campus constituent groups (academic administrators, managers, faculty, student employees, etc.)
• Collaborates on planning, development, and delivery of formal training on EEO compliance, discrimination, and harassment prevention
• Presents information about university policies, procedures, and organizational culture at new faculty/employee orientation and onboarding sessions
• Plans and executes harassment prevention and education programs for the UTC community
• Provides consultative advice, information, and training to campus constituents on handling discrimination, sexual harassment, and other policy violations
• Maintains contact and follow-up communication with departments/individuals to provide post-resolution support and education
• Participates in the review of practices relating to hiring, training, transfer, and promotion of faculty and staff, and recommends corrective action when required
• Provides individual and group consultation, guidance, and professional support regarding interpretation and application of applicable policies, practices, and procedures

Investigation Functions

• Reviews allegations to determine appropriate outcomes and decide if preliminary findings support further investigation
• Manages investigation processes to resolve equal employment opportunity and affirmative action complaints and grievances filed by employees, applicants, or other constituents alleging discrimination or harassment
• Develops investigation plans, including timelines, key issues, witnesses, and evidence to be reviewed
• Conducts in-person and virtual intake and investigatory interviews to address complaints and concerns related to alleged harassment or discrimination
• Gathers, analyzes, and preserves documentary, digital, and physical evidence in accordance with legal and institutional requirements
• Evaluates credibility, reliability, and consistency of witness statements and evidence
• Maintains strict neutrality and confidentiality while conducting investigations and managing sensitive information
• Applies knowledge of federal and state EEO, Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, ADA, ADEA, and other nondiscrimination laws when evaluating complaints
• Performs case preparation duties, including review of records, assembling necessary information, and updating progress in case folders
• Meets with appropriate administrators to review allegations and investigative findings, and provides additional insight, context, and relevant precedent to support informed decision-making
• Prepares written reports and summaries of investigative activities, fact-finding results, and recommendations
• Coordinates with HR, Legal Counsel, Academic Affairs, Student Affairs or Public Safety when investigations overlap with other processes or legal obligations
• Tracks and monitors timelines to ensure investigations are completed in a fair, consistent, and timely manner
• Provides regular status updates to complainants, respondents, and leadership to maintain transparency in the investigative process
• Identifies patterns or repeat behaviors discovered through investigations and escalate systemic issues when appropriate
• Conducts post-investigation follow-ups with parties involved to assess compliance with corrective measures and prevent retaliation

Training and Internal Communications Functions

• Maintains open lines of communication and positive relationships with campus administration, employee groups, and internal/external constituents to promote reciprocal communication and remove barriers in compliance processes
• Periodically reviews the department's website to address equal opportunity, discrimination, and compliance matters
• Supports digitization and electronic storage of permanent records by updating documents related to complaints, communication, and training
• Responsible for compliance enforcement activities (e.g., posting state/federal notices, drafting campus compliance communications)
• Assists with data analysis and reporting to UT System, state, or federal monitoring agencies related to Equal Opportunity and Accessibility
• Regularly analyzes complaint and compliance data to identify systemic issues, recurring patterns, and opportunities for proactive intervention
• Periodically audits and reviews campus practices, monitors changes in law, and recommends proactive compliance or training measures
• Leads or serves on institutional committees, task forces, or advisory groups related to compliance initiatives
• Participates in synthesis and evaluation of information (departmental listings, tenure reports, salary listings, etc.) in collaboration with Academic Affairs, HR, and Institutional Research
• Perform other duties as assigned

The ideal candidate will possess the following:

• Ability to handle confidential information
• Ability to communicate effectively in written and verbal form
• Ability to work collaboratively with others and build consensus
• Ability to analyze, research, and interpret data
• Ability to manage competing priorities
• Ability to work independently
• Ability to work with various computer/data technologies
• Experience conducting civil rights and/or HR investigations

Review of applications will begin on January 19, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled. Applications received by this date will receive priority consideration.

Qualifications

Minimum: Master's degree in HR, Law, Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Higher Education Policy and Leadership, Public Administration, or related field; with minimum of three (3) years' progressively responsible experience in EEO, civil rights, human resources, compliance investigations, or related field. A bachelor's degree with 5 or more years' of directly relevant experience may substitute for Master's degree. Demonstrated knowledge and experience in dispute resolution, and conducting independent investigations including interviews, evidence analysis, report writing and compliance training and education.

Preferred: JD or terminal degree with relevant applied experience. 5 or more years of investigative or compliance experience in higher education, experience as a lead investigator on complex matters, demonstrated experience identifying systemic issues and advising leadership, and experience developing and delivering compliance training programs. Rule 31 Mediation, formal investigator training (e.g., EEO, Title IX, ATIXA, SHRM, or equivalent) preferred.

Job Info

• Job Identification 5821
• Job Category Audit & Compliance
• Posting Date 12/19/2025, 09:21 PM
• Job Schedule Full time
• Locations 720 McCallie Avenue, Chattanooga, TN, 37405, US