The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.
Position Summary
The Office of Institutional Equity serves as the primary resource for addressing all reports of discrimination and discriminatory harassment, including Title VI, Title IX, and other relevant federal and state regulations. The Office is responsible for reviewing, investigating, and managing all incidents from inception to resolution, regardless of whether the Respondent is a student, faculty member, staff, or affiliate.
The Manager of Investigative Support oversees the work of the Investigations Assistants, ensuring high-quality investigation support, and coordinating complex case management activities. This role involves supervising Investigations Assistants, providing guidance on investigation research and document preparation, and directly supporting the investigation in all aspects of case handling and compliance. The Manager of Investigative Support reports to Vice Provost for Office of Institutional Equity.
Responsibilities
Case Support and Document Management
Collaborate with investigation team to manage complex case files, ensuring that all documentation is organized, updated, and compliant with investigation standards.
Oversee the preparation and review of case summaries, interviews, and other documents prepared by Investigations Assistants, ensuring accuracy and thoroughness.
Serve as the primary point of contact for the Investigation Assistants in escalating issues related to document preparation.
Investigation Research and Case Analysis
Conduct investigation research to support ongoing investigations and case strategies.
Draft and review investigation documents, including memos, and reports for use by attorneys.
Ensure that all investigation documents prepared by the team meet institutional standards for quality, accuracy, and compliance.
Administrative and Operational Support
Coordinate with Investigations Assistants to manage scheduling of meetings, interviews, and other key case activities.
Ensure that all case records are maintained accurately and securely, adhering to confidentiality and compliance requirements.
Assist in developing and implementing office protocols and procedures to improve the efficiency of investigation support operations.
People
Act as a liaison between Investigations Assistants, investigation team, and other departments, ensuring smooth communication and coordination on case-related matters.
Provide support to the Office of Institutional Equity by engaging with stakeholders, managing inquiries, and maintaining professional and responsive communication.
Oversee the daily activities of Investigations Assistants, providing guidance, mentorship, and support to ensure efficient and accurate completion of tasks.
Assign and monitor the workload of Investigations Assistants, ensuring balanced distribution of responsibilities and adherence to deadlines.
Develop training programs and resources for Investigations Assistants to enhance their skills in research, case management, and document preparation.
Other
Uphold the highest standards of confidentiality and integrity when handling sensitive information related to investigations.
All other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor???s degree in legal studies, criminal justice, or related field is required. 5+ years of experience working as a paralegal, with demonstrated experience in supervising or leading a legal support team.
Paralegal certification from an accredited program.
Strong knowledge of legal research techniques, document management, and case management practices.
Excellent organizational, analytical, and communication skills.
Writing sample required.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in a higher education setting or working within an Office of Institutional Equity.
Advanced skills in legal research databases (e.g., Westlaw, LexisNexis) and case management software.
Proven ability to mentor and develop junior legal staff, fostering a collaborative and supportive team environment.
Familiarity with legal frameworks related to equity, Title VI, Title VII, and Title IX cases.
Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran
Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.
Columbia University is one of the world's most important centers of research and at the same time a distinctive and distinguished learning environment for undergraduates and graduate students in many scholarly and professional fields. The University recognizes the importance of its location in New York City and seeks to link its research and teaching to the vast resources of a great metropolis. It seeks to attract a diverse and international faculty and student body, to support research and teaching on global issues, and to create academic relationships with many countries and regions. It expects all areas of the university to advance knowledge and learning at the highest level and to convey the products of its efforts to the world.