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Diversity, Title IX, and Compliance Officer

College of the Desert
3 days ago
Full-time
On-site
Palm Desert, California, United States
$117,975.12 - $170,843.40 USD yearly
Company Culture & Engagement

About College of the Desert
The College of the Desert, Desert Community College District enrolls approximately 20,000 students each academic year with steady enrollment growth each year. College of the Desert embraces diversity in all forms and the right of all people to have access to quality higher education in a safe learning environment. Designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), College of the Desert administers an array of student programs specifically focused on student support and helping students achieve their educational and career goals. As a two-year college, we offer Associates Degree for Transfer, both in Art and Sciences, Associates Degrees, and Certificates across a wide range of disciplines. 
 

College of the Desert is a district that consists of leadership, staff, and faculty who are committed to enhancing our community through supporting the academic success of all of our students including racially and ethnically diverse students, students with disabilities, students who are first generation to college, veterans, students of all ages, students with diverse socio-economic backgrounds, “dreamers”, and students of diverse sexual orientation and gender expression. 

When you join College of the Desert you can expect to be part of a diverse, inclusive, and collaborative community. We provide students with a rich and dynamic learning experience that embraces differences, emphasizes collaboration, and engages students in and out of the classroom. We are committed to ensuring that College of the Desert is a welcoming place for the success of all students.

Interested in learning more about College of the Desert and the Coachella Valley? Visit the links below. 

Who We Want:
College of the Desert is seeking individuals from a broad range of cultural heritages, socioeconomic backgrounds, genders, abilities, and orientations. As such, we prioritize individuals who fully demonstrate their understanding of the community we serve, the benefits of diversity in a professional and educational setting, and values creating a culture that brings people together. A successful candidate will value working in a collegial, collaborative environment that is guided by a commitment to inclusion, student education, and equity. An equity-minded individual is a person who already does or has demonstrated the desire to:

  • Understand the importance of holding ourselves accountable as faculty, staff and leadership for closing equity gaps and engaging in equitable practices; 
  • Reframe inequities as a problem of practice and view the elimination of inequities as an individual and collective responsibility; 
  • Encourage positive race-consciousness and embrace human difference; 
  • Reflect on institutional and teaching practices and aim to make them more culturally responsive; and 
  • Strategically build buy-in and participation among colleagues for equity-related initiatives.

BASIC FUNCTION

BASIC FUNCTION
Plans directs, manages, oversees, and facilitates the District’s equal employment opportunity programs and activities, disability interactive process, and investigations; ensures District compliance with all requirements under Title IX of the Educational Amendments Act of 1972, Office of Civil Rights, American with Disabilities Act (ADA), Rehabilitation Act of 1972, Section 508, and Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) legal requirements including reports and response to complaints, issue resolution and implementation of remedial measures. 

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED 
Receives general supervision from assigned human resources manager. Exercises supervision over assigned personnel.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS
The duties listed below are only intended as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to this class. 

1. Oversees, receives and/or investigates allegations, inquiries, or complaints of discrimination, harassment, retaliation, Title IX, or sexual misconduct; reviews, interprets, analyzes, and evaluates witness statements, documents, and other evidence collected during the investigation; prepares and presents comprehensive investigatory reports of findings of each investigation and makes recommendations for corrective or proactive actions in consultation with the supervising administrator, administration, campus security, and/or legal counsel as appropriate. 
2. Coordinates and implements the District’s EEO and diversity programs and activities for faculty and staff; consults with administration, staff and collective bargaining groups on diversity initiatives; serves as the primary resource to hiring committees on EEO and other compliance matters ensures compliance with legal requirements and established policy; advises selection committees on requirements of Title 5 and other applicable state and federal regulations and laws; develops and implements strategies to increase recruitment of qualified job applicants from underrepresented groups. 
3. Develops, coordinates and provides training to District employees, including annual Title IX training, sexual harassment and discrimination prevention, sexual violence, and gender equity including EEO, student and staff diversity, ADA, accessibility training, and harassment prevention; participates in staff and student orientation activities. 4. Maintains and oversees case management database to organize, manage, and track incidents; researches, analyzes, and prepares statistical reports on a variety of applicable data; performs adverse impact calculations; identifies patterns and makes recommendations to address any patterns or systemic problems revealed; maintains investigatory files, disposition reports and other records regarding harassment and discrimination cases. 
5. Recommends appropriate proactive and corrective actions to address disability and access compliance issues; establishes and maintains procedures that provide for resolution of disability related complaints; leads efforts to establish Section 508 compliance policies and processes; monitors progress, maintains communication/follow-up, and maintains documentation of issues filed.  
6. Manages oversight of the District's efforts to comply with legal and regulatory obligations as they relate to area of assignment; coordinates regulatory compliance with local, state and federal civil rights laws and regulations; revises, updates, and make recommendations on communication on college website, social media pages, job descriptions, and internal documents to ensure the use non-discriminatory language. 
7. Administers and facilitates the interactive and reasonable accommodation process and employee return to work processes; collaborates with appropriate staff to coordinate employee leave programs related to FMLA/CFRA, Education Code, District policy and bargaining unit agreements.
8. Selects, trains, supervises, and evaluates the performance of assigned staff; sets goals and priorities for assigned staff; recommend transfers, reassignments, discipline, terminations, promotions and other personnel actions as appropriate. 
9. Monitors budgets and expenditures; makes recommendations regarding allocation of resources and expenditure of funds; ensure that fund spending and purchases are consistent with budget stipulations and District policies, and applicable guidelines. 
10. Reports complaints defined as crimes under the Clery Act to the Public Safety Department, or those that may be subject to Clery Act required emergency notification; communicates with the Public Safety Department, as necessary and appropriate, regarding the District’s responsibilities under Title IX. 
11. Serves as a consultant and advises on reporting options, processes, rights and resources available at the District and in the community pertaining to the area of assignment. 
12. Identifies areas of institutional risk and develops, recommends, and implements District wide policies regarding EEO, non-discrimination, sexual harassment prevention, Section 504 and 508, Title IX, compliance, or ADA; works in collaboration with various District departments and divisions to implement recommendations. 
13. Serves as the District representative when attending conferences and communicating with federal or state compliance or investigation officers; Serves on governance and administrative committees, as assigned. 
14. Perform other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

  • A bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Human Resources Management, Psychology, Social Work, or Public Administration, or a closely related field or the equivalent; and four (4) years of increasingly responsible experience in human resources or related field. Two (2) years of the experience must include significant experience supporting discrimination, harassment, Title IX, or various types of investigations related to Title IX, EEO, or related compliance issues. 

Preferred qualifications 
  • Recent ATIXA certifications. 

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of
1. Federal and state laws and state regulations related to unlawful discrimination and sexual harassment based on all protected categories, including Title II, Title V, Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, ADEA, ADA, Sections 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Clery Act, Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), and Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). 
2. Best practices as related to institutions of higher education compliance with Title IX and VAWA. 
3. Administrative principles and practices, including goal setting, program development, implementation, and evaluation, and project management. 
4. Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility. 
5. Organization and management practices as applied to the development, analysis, and evaluation of programs and operational needs of the assigned functions. 
6. Record-keeping principles and procedures. 
7. Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment and applications related to the work. 
8. Techniques for effectively representing the College in contacts with governmental agencies, community groups, and various business, professional, educational, regulatory, and legislative organizations. 
9. Techniques for providing a high-level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, students, and College staff, including individuals of various ages, disabilities, socio-economic and ethnic groups. 

Ability To
1. Manage and direct a comprehensive diversity, equity, and inclusion administrative program for a college or other related public service agency. 
2. Perform the essential functions of the position. 
3. Oversee processes and conduct investigations of cases alleging discrimination and/or harassment based on sex or gender, including sexual assault, sexual violence, and related misconduct, including the ability to investigate and analyze problems. 
4. Manage and safeguard personal, sensitive, and complex information and matters with composure, mature judgment, and discretion, and to maintain confidentiality as appropriate. 
5. Research and prepare clear, concise, and effective written reports, and other materials, including the ability to present findings and recommendations. 
6. Interpret current state and federal laws, regulations, policies, procedures, and trends regarding discrimination, harassment, and retaliation, including Title IX, and other relevant laws and/or legislation. 
7. Explain and convey information regarding rules, regulations, policies, and procedures. 
8. Demonstrate clear evidence of sensitivity and understanding of the diverse academic, socio-economic, disability, and ethnic backgrounds of students, staff, and the community. 
9. Communicate to a diverse campus community in a variety of methods in assessing procedural, policy or ethical concerns in complex matters while remaining impartial and projecting impartiality. 
10. Develop, coordinate, and implement recruitment programs that enhance staff diversity. 
11. Develop, implement, and successfully present educational and training programs to a broad campus audience, including faculty, staff, students, and others on a variety of topics, including, but not limited to, sexual harassment/sexual violence, gender-based harassment/discrimination, Title IX, and other relevant laws, legislation, and policies with strong presentation and facilitation skills. 
12. Advocate for programs and support the core values of the college. 
13. Maintain appropriate confidentiality, including the maintenance of confidential records. 
14. Remain calm and cooperative in confrontational situations. 
15. Perform duties in a timely manner despite interruptions. 
16. Advocate and negotiate for improving accessibility 
17. Operate a computer and assigned office equipment. 

EMPLOYMENT STATUS

EMPLOYMENT STATUS:

  • Salary placement is contingent on education, experience, and department budget.
  • Retirement System: CalPERS (upon meeting eligibility criteria) 
  • This position is partially grant-funded.

WORKING CONDITIONS:
  • Office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Incumbents may interact with upset individuals in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures. Outdoors as needed.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
  • Sitting for extended periods of time, pushing and pulling, and visual acuity. The ability to type, use phone, stand intermittently, walk, bend and stoop, occasionally lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects of light to moderate weight (up to 25 lbs.), work at a computer, including sitting and viewing a monitor for various lengths of time, repetitive use of keyboard, mouse or other control device, dexterity of hands and fingers to operate keyboard, ability to communicate and provide information to others. Frequent interruptions. Driving a vehicle to conduct work as necessary. 

REQUIRED APPLICATION AND REQUIRED UPLOADED DOCUMENTS:

To be considered a candidate for this position, the following materials must be electronically uploaded: 

  • Online Application: All sections of the College of the Desert District online application must be completed including education and experience. 
  • Resume: Must include length of employment (month/year start and end dates) for each employer. 
  • Cover Letter: Please address how you meet the minimum requirements for this position and any special qualifications you possess. 
  • College Transcripts: Academic transcripts of all college level coursework showing date degree awarded from an accredited institution. For consideration, degree(s) must be awarded at the time of application. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable at time of application. Successful candidate must provide official transcripts upon hire. Non-U.S. transcripts must include a certified U.S. evaluation (i.e., NACES agency: www.naces.org) at the time of application. Diplomas will not be accepted in lieu of the required transcripts.

REQUIRED IN YOUR APPLICATION: 

  • List of References: References should include at least two supervisors and one colleague. Please include name, title, email and current phone numbers. Letters of reference will not be accepted in lieu of the required List of References.


IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS: 

  • Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.
  • College of the Desert does not offer sponsorship nor take over sponsorship for an employment VISA.
  • Employment is contingent on residence in California.
  • Incomplete application packages will not be considered. 
  • All submitted materials become the property of College of the Desert Community College District and will not be returned or copied and will be considered for this position only. 
  • Salary placement will be contingent on all materials submitted for this position. 
  • Applicant bears the sole responsibility for ensuring that the application package is complete when submitted. 
  • All travel arrangements will be at applicant’s expense. 
  • Application materials must be received by the deadline. Application materials received after the closing deadline will not be accepted. 
  • For online application, information, and instructions, visit the College of the Desert job opportunities website at https:// www.collegeofthedesert.edu/faculty-staff/human-resources/career-opportunities.php or call (760) 773-2529.

TIMELINES:

  • For consideration, please apply by Sunday, June 28, 2026. Late submissions will not be accepted.
  • Interviews are tentatively scheduled in-person in early August, 2026. 
  • Tentative schedule is subject to change based on District need. 

Notice to all Candidates for Employment:

DISTRICT RIGHTS: College of the Desert reserves the right to re-open, re-advertise, delay, or cancel filling this position. 

 

The SELECTED CANDIDATE is required to complete the following prior to employment:

  • Provide a Certificate of Tuberculosis Exam for initial appointment (Note: The certificate must be renewed every 4 years as a condition of continuing employment).
  • Have fingerprints taken by a Live Scan computer at the candidate’s expense (Clearance must be received prior to the first day of employment).
  • Present original documents for proof of eligibility to work in the United States(Note: We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.) A Social Security Card will be required for payroll processing.
  • Participate in a new hire onboarding, completing all required tasks and forms.
  • May be required to complete a fitness for duty physical exam based on the job description, as applicable. 

 

The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, Public Law 99-603, requires that employers obtain documentation from every new employee which authorizes that individual to accept employment in this country. The Desert Community College District (DCCD) will not sponsor any VISA applications nor take over any VISA.

Employees must reside in California while employed with the Desert Community College District (DCCD).

California Public Employees Retirement System and California State Teachers Retirement System:

A California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) retiree may not accept employment until after the first 180 days of retirement. Anyone retired from CalPERS accepting permanent employment with the DCCD will be required to reinstate as an active CalPERS member. Please contact CalPERS for additional information regarding your retirement status.

Any active vested member of California State Teachers Retirement System (CalSTRS), who accepts employment with the DCCD to perform service that requires membership in CalPERS, is eligible to elect to continue retirement system coverage under CalSTRS

Disability Accommodations:

If you require special accommodations in the application and/or evaluation process, please notify Human Resources at least two (2) business days prior to the job posting close or initial screening date, by either calling (760) 773 -2529 or sending an e-mail to ffrausto@collegeofthedesert.edu. 

Attendance Requirement:

All DCCD employees are required to report to work on a regular and consistent basis, as scheduled, to assigned job.

Campus Crime and Safety Awareness:

Information regarding campus crime and safety awareness can be found at https://www.collegeofthedesert.edu/students/public-safety/.

Non-Discrimination Notice:

The DCCD provides access to its services, classes, and programs without regard to national origin, immigration status, religion, age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, race, ethnicity, color, medical condition, military and veteran status, genetic information, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, or because they are perceived to have one or more of the foregoing characteristics, or based on association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics.

California Fair Chance Act:

The DCCD will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if the DCCD is concerned about a conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Equal Employment Opportunity:

The DCCD is committed to creating an academic and work environment that fosters diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and equal employment opportunity (EEO) for all, and ensures that students, faculty, staff, and managers of all backgrounds feel welcome, included, supported, and safe. Our culture of belonging, openness, and inclusion, makes the DCCD a unique and special place for individuals of all backgrounds.

The DCCD is looking for equity and inclusion-minded applicants who represent the full diversity of California and who demonstrate a sensitivity to the understanding of diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds present within our community. When you join the DCCD, you can expect to be part of an exciting, thriving, equity-focused, and inclusive community that approaches higher education with the lens of social justice and collaboration among students, faculty, staff, managers, and community partners. In deciding whether to apply for a position at the DCCD, you are strongly encouraged to consider whether your values align with the DCCD's mission and goals for DEIA and EEO.

Additional Resources

 

THE DCCD IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER