Office for Dispute Resolution Fellow

Job Description

The Office for Dispute Resolution (ODR) operates under the Office of the Provost, working in partnership with the University’s Office for Community Support, Non-Discrimination, Rights and Responsibilities (CSNDR), Title IX Resource Coordinators, Local Designated Resources, and other School or unit leadership. ODR is a neutral body that impartially investigates formal complaints of sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, discrimination, bullying, and other rights and responsibilities involving students, staff, faculty, and third parties.

Under the supervision of the ODR Associate Director and Investigator, the ODR Fellow assists with the overall operations of ODR. The ODR Fellow will work on cases with experienced professional Investigators, gaining knowledge and developing skills in the area of civil rights and other rules of conduct in both the education and employment arenas, with a primary focus on Title IX, Title VI, and related state and federal civil rights laws. The ODR Fellow will have the opportunity for hands-on investigative experience and further develop their legal analytical and writing skills. Additionally, ODR has a proven track record of advancement to a second term for successful incumbents in this role.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

• Assist the Investigators with case evaluation, investigative planning, preparing for and conducting interviews, processing administrative closures and dismissals, fact-finding (such as review, identification, and analysis of evidence), timely communication with parties, conducting legally sufficient investigations, meeting established timelines, and drafting and issuing written letters and reports.
• Conduct documentation activities for investigations, including notetaking during interviews, redaction, quote and grammar checking letters and reports, assembly of exhibits, and casefile maintenance. 
• Conduct legal research and prepare internal memoranda on questions relevant to the analysis required in the course of investigations.
• Assist with ensuring that investigative documents are properly processed, consistent with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and community expectations for the handling of sensitive information.
• Assist with ODR, the CSNDR, and other trainings and outreach as assigned.
• Conduct informational meetings with community members regarding the policies and procedures under ODR’s purview as assigned.

Qualifications

Candidates MUST meet the following basic qualifications to be considered for this role:

• J.D. required.
• At least three years of related professional work experience (need not be legal experience). Clinical and/or other relevant legal work completed in law school may count toward this requirement.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Excellent analytical and writing skills. Strong organizational skills and superb attention to detail. Ability to communicate effectively both in writing and orally, e.g., with complainants, respondents, witnesses, and others within the University community. Consistent use of the utmost discretion while working with confidential and sensitive information. Ability to manage diverse and changing priorities, and ability to work effectively on a team within a hybrid work environment.
• Familiarity with federal statutes important to postsecondary education (e.g., Title IX, VAWA, Title VI, Clery Act, FERPA), experience in the higher education environment, and/or fluency in different languages a plus.

Additional Information

• Interview Process: Candidates selected for further consideration may be required to submit additional materials/writing samples and/or complete assessments or presentations as part of the hiring process. Our interview process may include both virtual interviews via Zoom and in-person interviews. 
• Visa Sponsorship: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Harvard University requires pre-employment reference and background screenings: Identity and Education
• Other Information:
  • This is a one-year term appointment with the potential to be extended for a second year.
  • This position has a 3-month orientation and review period.
  • Applications require a cover letter, resume, and writing sample.

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 057. Please visit  Harvard's Salary Ranges  to view the corresponding salary range and related information. 

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to: 

• Generous paid time off including parental leave 
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one 
• Retirement plans with university contributions 
• Wellbeing and mental health resources 
• Support for families and caregivers 
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement 
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks 

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page. 

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.

Salary Grade: 057