ODR Fellow

Grade: 057 Department: Office of the President and Provost FLSA Status: Exempt Company Description By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive. Why join Harvard University Central Administration? Harvard University's Central Administration (CADM) is a 5,000+ employee organization that supports the university's overall excellence by understanding and serving the needs of its schools, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and surrounding communities. Through dynamic and collaborative partnerships, CADM provides high-quality and efficient services to the schools to help them achieve their goals.

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.

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