Commensurate with education and experience Web Announcement

Sr. Equal Opportunity Specialist 
 
The George Mason University Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) office is seeking a Sr. Equal Opportunity (EO) Specialist to assume responsibility for the university’s Affirmative Action Program and provide consultation and education to the Mason community on equal opportunity and nondiscrimination policies, procedures and options for resolution of complaints of discrimination. George Mason University has a strong institutional commitment to the achievement of excellence and diversity among its faculty and staff, and strongly encourages candidates to apply who will enrich Mason’s academic and culturally inclusive environment.

About the Organization:

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) works to make the university a welcoming, and accessible environment for all. DEI ensures that all Mason employees and students are in compliance with Federal, State, and University Policies relating to harassment, discrimination, and sexual misconduct. DEI also supports the university-wide diversity initiative, provides departmental trainings on recognizing and stopping discrimination or harassment, and assistance with disability accommodations.

About the Position:

The Sr. Equal Opportunity Specialist serves as one of the lead change agents in providing strategies, solutions, tools, resources and thought leadership on development of the university’s annual AAPs; performs professional duties in the investigation of and university response to complaints of discrimination by applying best practices that mitigate risk to the university; carries out special projects assigned by the DEI’s leadership, and collaborates on the development and interpretation of appropriate policies and procedures to ensure compliance with all state and federal nondiscrimination laws and regulations.

Responsibilities: 
 
The primary responsibility of the Sr. Equal Opportunity Specialist is to develop comprehensive, highly effective Affirmative Action Plans (AAPs) to ensure the University’s compliance with the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs. This includes developing, monitoring, and maintaining the university’s nine AAPs. 

The incumbent will assist in data analysis and production of annual reports and incidental compliance required by state and federal enforcement agencies; build internal awareness for diversity and inclusion throughout the university; provide strategic guidance on equity matters and related policies and procedures; assist with developing, delivering and administering EEO-related trainings and workshops; partner with the Provost’s Office, the Office of Human Resources and Payroll, and the Office of Contract Compliance Programs to provide oversight to the university’s AAP good faith efforts—search, recruitment and hiring process for faculty and staff. 

In the event of an audit, the incumbent will work with HR and Payroll to ensure federal obligations are met. Further, the incumbent will formulate initial threshold determination with respect to allegations of discrimination on the basis of race, sex, disability, religion, national origin, age, etc. filed with the DEI office. 

The Sr. Equal Opportunity Specialist investigates and resolves complaints of discrimination filed internally, or through external administrative agencies such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and Department of Human Resource Management; will regularly update the VP for DEI on Mason’s progress towards meeting goals; and will represent DEI on various task forces, projects, boards, and committees as needed. 

Required Qualifications:
 

• An advanced degree or a combination of education/training and work experience at a level that equates to an advanced degree;
• High-level analytical, communication, and organizational skills;
• Thorough knowledge of the circumstances associated with diversity and inclusion issues; and ability to deal tactfully and persuasively with university management, executives, faculty, students and others to resolve program issues that are often controversial and sensitive in nature;
• Thorough understanding of the views, values, and perspectives of diverse demographics;
• Substantive knowledge of federal and state equal opportunity laws, regulations and case law and demonstrated experiences in applying said standards when conducting confidential investigations of discrimination;
• Experience in researching and leveraging equal opportunity and diversity trends;
• Experience in designing and conducting EEO trainings and workshops;
• Ability to create persuasive written reports that clearly present a thorough analysis of the evidence presented, with a conclusion that is strongly supported by the evidence;
• Ability to multitask and adjust to changing priorities, communicate effectively both orally and in writing with employees, applicants, students, and administrative agencies; and present in front of large groups effectively and persuasively;
• Experience in a postsecondary education environment; mediation and conflict resolution experience; knowledge of best practices in the recruitment and retention of a diverse workforce.