About UMass Amherst
The flagship of the Commonwealth, the University of Massachusetts Amherst is a nationally ranked public land-grant research university that seeks to expand educational access, fuel innovation and creativity, and share and use its knowledge for the common good. Founded in 1863, UMass Amherst sits on nearly 1,450-acres in scenic Western Massachusetts and boasts state-of-the-art facilities for teaching, research, scholarship, and creative activity. The institution advances a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community where everyone feels connected and valued—and thrives, and offers a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees across 10 schools and colleges, and 100 undergraduate majors. We believe every member of our university community can contribute to our ongoing success by striving for the highest level of excellence as we seek breakthrough solutions to mounting environmental, social, economic, and technological challenges in our world.
Job Summary
The Investigation Coordinator/Paralegal plays a critical role in supporting the Equal Opportunity and Access (EOA) Office's mission to promote a respectful, equitable, and inclusive campus community. Under the direct supervision of the Director of Equal Opportunity Investigations, and operating within the broader leadership of the Associate Vice Chancellor for Equal Opportunity and Access, the Coordinator provides essential administrative and paralegal support for EOA intake and investigative functions. This position assists with managing case-related documentation, supports investigative interviews, coordinates meetings and schedules, and ensures timely, organized, and confidential handling of sensitive matters. The Coordinator must demonstrate strong organizational and interpersonal skills and sound judgment. The ideal candidate will be comfortable working with complex and sensitive information and will value collaboration, discretion, and equity in all aspects of their work.
Essential Functions
- Collaborate with and take direction from EOA leadership to provide administrative support for EOA functions, including drafting correspondence, organizing case files, and reviewing documents.
- Maintain all records and documentation associated with complaint investigations, including updating and managing case data in case management software.
- Assist with gathering relevant documents, data, and records from campus partners to support investigative efforts.
- Organize and compile documentation and prepare investigative reports and/or evidentiary files for transmission to campus partners and external counsel.
- Coordinate meetings, interviews, and other appointments for the investigative team, ensuring timely scheduling and communication with involved parties.
- Attend investigative interviews and take accurate, detailed notes to support the development of investigative reports.
- Contribute to a positive and respectful workplace as well as a diverse, inclusive, and respectful campus environment for all community members.
- Maintain working knowledge of and ensure adherence to University, state, and federal civil rights laws and policies. Understand responsibilities and behave in ways consistent with state conflicts of interest law and University policies.
- Maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion in handling sensitive information and protected information to investigations and campus matters.
- Build and maintain trusting and collaborative relationships with university partners.
Other Functions
- Performs related duties as assigned or required to meet Department, Executive Area/Division, and University goals and objectives.
Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)
- At least two (2) years of progressively responsible administrative, legal, or investigative support experience.
- A bachelor's degree may substitute for one (1) year of the required experience.
- Excellent organization skills and attention to detail with an ability to resolve routine problems efficiently, effectively, and independently in a timely manner.
- Excellent interpersonal skills with a demonstrated ability to interact effectively with tact and create and maintain harmonious relationships with a diverse population of staff, faculty, students, and campus partners.
- Knowledge of standard business office practices and procedures, including proficiency with Microsoft Office suite and case/document management systems.
- Ability to work both independently and to be part of an effective team with a highly cooperative and collaborative work style.
- Ability to understand and follow complex written and verbal instructions and create effective and efficient work processes.
- Ability to transcribe/take notes with reasonable speed and accuracy and effectively organize and present materials.
- Ability to assist investigative team with meeting deadlines.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, analytical skills, and attention to detail.
- Demonstrated application of judgment based on experience and knowledge and ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality and discretion.
Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)
- Knowledge of the principles of conducting trauma-informed investigations.
- Familiarity with investigation protocols and best practices in civil rights and equal opportunity contexts.
- Knowledge of federal and state equal opportunity and non-discrimination laws and regulations, including but not limited to Title IX, Title VI, Title VII, ADA/Section. 504, Violence Against Women Act.
- Experience working in higher education, law firm, or compliance-related environment.
- Experience working in a unionized environment.
Physical Demands/Working Conditions
- Typical office environment activity.
Work Schedule
Monday – Friday, 8:30AM – 5:00PM.
Salary Information
Non-unit, Non-exempt Grade 17.
Special Instructions to Applicants
Along with the application, please submit a resume. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references.
The University of Massachusetts Amherst welcomes all qualified applicants and complies with all state and federal anti-discrimination laws.