" This position is an anticipated vacancy. It is expected to be vacant by 09/23/2024. However, the current incumbent has a right to rescind their retirement, leave, or resignation up until the day of the expected vacancy date. Your hire will not be confirmed until the position is vacated. Reports to: Assistant Superintendent of Equity Founded in 1647, Boston Public Schools (BPS) is the oldest public school district in the country. With approximately 48,000 students from over one hundred countries, over 10,000 employees, including nearly 5,000 teachers, and a billion dollar annual budget, the BPS is the largest school district in Massachusetts. The Office of Civil Rights is charged with monitoring and helping to ensure employment and educational equity districtwide. The Office has primary responsibility for investigating reports of possible violations of internal policies regarding bias-based conduct, sexual misconduct, and disability and religious accommodations from employees, students, and families, and identifying and addressing potential educational equity gaps. The Director will assist the Assistant Superintendent of Equity in carrying out the district's responsibilities to attain employment and educational equity, including but not limited to management of the Office of Civil Rights, implementation of non-discrimination and equal opportunity policies, laws and regulations, and investigation of possible violations of these policies by the district's employees, students, and third parties who participate in BPS activities. The Director's primary role is overseeing and ensuring compliance with Title IX regulations and other related federal and state laws pertaining to discrimination, harassment, and sexual misconduct within the school district. This role involves performing and managing investigations, implementing educational programs, and providing consultation and support to students and staff. We are seeking a highly skilled, energetic, committed individual to join our team. RESPONSIBILITIES: Ensure the district's policies and practices comply with Title IX and related regulations. Investigate allegations of bias-based conduct and sexual misconduct brought by employees, students, families, and other third parties based on the protected classes under state and/or federal law: age, criminal records, disability, homelessness, gender, pregnancy, gender identity, genetics, military personnel, national origin or ancestry, race, color, religion, retaliation, and sexual orientation. Conduct effective, objective, and confidential interviewing and fact-finding, thoroughly and accurately document investigations, write a clear and comprehensive final report, and offer thoughtful and well-reasoned recommendations. Provide effective and supportive coaching and support to operations staff, school administrators, central office supervisors and others who may be designated to conduct investigations. Actively identify opportunities for early resolution and apply alternative dispute resolution skills where appropriate. Assist and advise the Assistant Superintendent of Equity on matters pertaining to employees' and students' civil rights. Communicate effectively with all members of the school community regarding Title IX policies and procedures. Promote awareness and understanding of Title IX and related policies through workshops, seminars, and informational materials. Assist in the oversight, implementation, and enforcement of BPS Equity policies and procedures, and local, state and federal laws and mandates to ensure that the district does not engage in any discriminatory practices. Serve as the Title IX coordinator and monitor the district's compliance with Title IX. Assist in the development, review, and updating of district policies and procedures related to Title IX. Cultivate strong partnerships with key external partners, such as the Department of Children and Families, Suffolk District Attorney's Office, and Children's Advocacy Center. Serve on districtwide cross-functional teams to support equity. Attend fact-finding conferences, public hearings, and court proceedings as required in matters pertaining to discrimination complaints filed at the MCAD, EEOC, and the courts. Occasional evening and weekend hours required. Perform other tasks as assigned. QUALIFICATIONS - REQUIRED: Experience conducting workplace and/or school-based investigations, preferably including allegations of bias-based conduct and/or sexual misconduct. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Excellent writing and verbal communication skills. Ability to coordinate multiple projects simultaneously. Ability to work effectively in a team-oriented, fast-paced environment both within and across departments. Ability to initiate and maintain cooperative working relationships with individuals at every level of the internal organization as well as external partners. Demonstrated commitment to inclusion, with a history of working effectively with people who are members of a wide variety of protected categories and other identities. Personal and professional literacy related to diversity, cultural competence, inclusion, and equity. Able to work independently, employing impeccable judgment, discretion, and integrity. Ability to use computer software, such as Word, PowerPoint, Excel, an online calendar, Google products, including Mail, Docs, Calendar, Sheets, Slides and email. Current authorization to work in the United States by the first day of employment. QUALIFICATIONS - PREFERRED: Law degree or other relevant advanced degree. Demonstrated knowledge of Title IX, Title VI, and/or Title VII civil rights laws and regulations that protect employees and students from discrimination, and the internal complaint investigation process. Demonstrated experience with project managing a high volume caseload, including meeting tight deadlines to successfully achieve goals. Familiarity with urban educational settings, particularly the Boston Public Schools. Experience with alternative conflict resolution and/or restorative justice strategies. Bilingual, preferably in Spanish or Haitian Creole. Qualities: Results-oriented team player who can work collaboratively, but is also able to take initiative and work independently. Ability and willingness to continually reflect on and improve on one's own performance. Ability to maintain neutrality and confidentiality. Exceptional attention to detail. A passionate commitment to achieving a bias-free workplace and a firm belief that there is no more urgent task than ensuring that every child in Boston has equitable access to a high-quality public education. Ability to manage stress effectively. Essential functions of the job include, but are not limited to: Physical presence in the Office during the times that employees and students may contact the Office, which may sometimes extend beyond 9:00 am - 5:00 pm. Ability to manage a high volume caseload and meet prescribed deadlines. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, and interpersonal skills. Strong investigative skills. Ability to travel throughout the district. TERMS: Managerial, Tier D61. (additional educational differential for individuals with a J.D. or Ph.D.) The Boston Public Schools, in accordance with its nondiscrimination policies, does not discriminate in its programs, facilities, or employment or educational opportunities on the basis of race, color, age, criminal record (inquiries only), disability, homelessness, sex/gender, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, genetics or military status, and does not tolerate any form of retaliation, or bias-based intimidation, threat or harassment that demeans individuals' dignity or interferes with their ability to learn or work.