University Overview
The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn’s distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer, Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America’s Best Large Employers in 2023.
Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.
The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.
Posted Job Title
Associate General Counsel and Chief Investigator
Job Description Summary
In September 2024, Interim President J. Larry Jameson announced the establishment of Penn’s Office of Religious and Ethnic Inclusion (Title VI)—the first of its kind nationally. Reporting jointly to the Senior Vice President and General Counsel and to the Managing Director of the newly opened Office of Religious and Ethnic Inclusion (Title VI), the Associate General Counsel and Chief Investigator will effectively, appropriately, and equitably advise the University on issues relating to discrimination based on religion, shared national ancestry, and ethnicity under Title VI. Maintaining confidentiality and acting with sensitivity, discretion, and objectivity, this role will have oversight of the Office’s investigations of complaints in a manner consistent with the University's procedures.
The Associate General Counsel and Chief Investigator will have oversight of the Office’s:
- bias/discrimination/harassment complaint intake process;
- investigations (interviews, document review, and other analyses);
- investigative reporting, including findings and recommendations;
- mediation and mitigation efforts;
- University-wide training and educational programs on the prevention of conduct that violates Penn’s policies and obligations under Title VI;
- efforts to provide information about the University’s policies and resources related to preventing and responding to relevant complaints from Penn faculty, students, staff, postdoctoral researchers, and other members of the Penn community.
The incumbent will also advise campus resource offices to ensure that Penn takes all reasonable steps to prevent and respond to antisemitism, Islamophobia, and other forms of hate, and in so doing maintain an environment that is welcoming to any individual or group based on shared ancestry, ethnicity, or religion.
Job Responsibilities
- Provide professional legal advice, expertise and investigative guidance to University constituents on certain Title VI issues and obligations, including responding to complaints of discrimination based on religion, shared national ancestry, and ethnicity under Title VI and/or Penn policy.
- Prepare investigative reports that include findings of fact, assessments of credibility, and determinations of whether relevant University policy has been violated. If so, recommend appropriate sanctions and/or other restorative actions as necessary.
- Advise the Managing Director(s) in identifying trends and/or areas that require particular attention, aid in data collection and analysis, write reports, and develop strategies to address areas of concern.
- Advise on training for staff and faculty who serve as advisors and co-investigators in Title VI complaints.
- Advise on education regarding the University's policies and procedures to prevent and respond to misconduct in the Penn community.
- Advise the Managing Director(s) in mediation and mitigation efforts (e.g., restorative practices).
- Foster effective working relationships and an understanding of the roles and responsibilities of campus resource offices, including the Division of University Life, Office of the General Counsel, Division of Human Resources, Division of Public Safety, and Office of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Programs.
- Maintain current information on external resources available to support parties to complaints.
- Stay abreast of developments in relevant federal, state, and local laws and regulations, particularly as they relate to certain Title VI complaints.
- Advise the Managing Director(s) in identifying best practices for conducting investigations and delivering education that aids in implementing the University’s Title VI policy and commitment to equitably responding to and preventing complaints.
Qualifications
- Candidates must have a JD from an ABA accredited law school and at least 5 years of relevant professional experience investigating or resolving complaints, preferably in a higher education setting, (and/or with a relevant governmental oversight authority, such as the Office of Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Education).
- Extensive knowledge of civil rights laws (including Title VI).
- Expertise in matters related to the investigation and resolution of misconduct complaints is required.
- Evidence of strategic agility, excellent judgment, complex problem-solving capabilities, and responsiveness in crises and emergent situations is necessary.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential: (including comfort with public speaking). Strong analytical skills are also required.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and neutrality when working with a broad range of people is essential.
- Demonstrated understanding of disciplinary processes utilized in higher education contexts is highly desirable.
- This position requires an ability to identify and resolve complicated and sensitive problems creatively and with professional discretion; a proactive approach to problem solving; an ability to handle multiple priorities in a dynamically fluid environment; the ability to be a "team player" on multiple teams playing different sports concurrently; the ability to identify, frame and solve complex legal issues creatively and to convey advice clearly and effectively; superior organizational skills; and the ability to interact and function effectively in an academic and research environment.
- Must be admitted and in good standing in Pennsylvania or other state bar; admission to Pennsylvania bar required within one (1) year as a condition of continued employment.
To be considered for this position, please submit a resume and cover letter.
Job Location - City, State
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Department / School
President's Center
Pay Range
$110,850.00 - $215,000.00 Annual Rate
Salary offers are made based on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, as well as internal and market factors and grade profile.
Affirmative Action Statement
Penn adheres to a policy that prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected class.
Special Requirements
Background check required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.
University Benefits
Health, Life, and Flexible Spending Accounts : Penn offers comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits to protect you and your family’s health and welfare. You can also use flexible spending accounts to pay for eligible health care and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.
Tuition : Take advantage of Penn's exceptional tuition benefits. You, your spouse, and your dependent children can get tuition assistance here at Penn. Your dependent children are also eligible for tuition assistance at other institutions.
Retirement: Penn offers generous retirement plans to help you save for your future. Penn’s Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans allow you to save for retirement on a pre-tax or Roth basis. Choose from a wide variety of investment options through TIAA and Vanguard.
Time Away from Work: Penn provides you with a substantial amount of time away from work during the course of the year. This allows you to relax, take vacations, attend to personal affairs, recover from illness or injury, spend time with family—whatever your personal needs may be.
Long-Term Care Insurance: In partnership with Genworth Financial, Penn offers faculty and staff (and your eligible family members) long-term care insurance to help you cover some of the costs of long-term care services received at home, in the community or in a nursing facility. If you apply when you’re newly hired, you won’t have to provide proof of good health or be subject to underwriting requirements. Eligible family members must always provide proof of good health and are subject to underwriting.
Wellness and Work-life Resources : Penn is committed to supporting our faculty and staff as they balance the competing demands of work and personal life. That’s why we offer a wide variety of programs and resources to help you care for your health, your family, and your work-life balance.
Professional and Personal Development: Penn provides an array of resources to help you advance yourself personally and professionally.
University Resources: As a member of the Penn community, you have access to a wide range of University resources as well as cultural and recreational activities. Take advantage of the University’s libraries and athletic facilities, or visit our arboretum and art galleries. There’s always something going on at Penn, whether it’s a new exhibit at the Penn Museum, the latest music or theater presentation at the Annenberg Center, or the Penn Relays at Franklin Field to name just a few examples. As a member of the Penn community, you’re right in the middle of the excitement—and you and your family can enjoy many of these activities for free.
Discounts and Special Services: From arts and entertainment to transportation and mortgages, you'll find great deals for University faculty and staff. Not only do Penn arts and cultural centers and museums offer free and discounted admission and memberships to faculty and staff. You can also enjoy substantial savings on other goods and services such as new cars from Ford and General Motors, cellular phone service plans, movie tickets, and admission to theme parks.
Flexible Work Hours: Flexible work options offer creative approaches for completing work while promoting balance between work and personal commitments. These approaches involve use of non-traditional work hours, locations, and/or job structures.
Penn Home Ownership Services: Penn offers a forgivable loan for eligible employees interested in buying a home or currently residing in West Philadelphia, which can be used for closing costs or home improvements.
Adoption Assistance: Penn will reimburse eligible employees on qualified expenses in connection with the legal adoption of an eligible child, such as travel or court fees, for up to two adoptions in your household.