PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

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UC OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

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Department Overview

The Office of Ethics, Compliance and Audit Services provides direction, education, oversight for president policy process, investigatory services, auditing and monitoring, guidance and resources to the University to optimize ethical and compliant behavior, provide assurance, and improve operations through effective controls and processes.

Position Summary
The Principal Investigator is a critical role within our Ethics, Compliance, and Audit team, and is responsible for investigating claims of improper governmental activities, retaliation, and violation of University policies and procedures. This includes the responsibility for conducting highly sensitive, critical, confidential and time sensitive investigations. The position duties will involve analyzing complex information, conducting research and preparing reports of investigations. The successful candidate will be responsible for providing accurate and timely oral and written reports of investigation activity to the University's Chief Compliance and Audit Officer, Systemwide Locally Designated Official (LDO), the Systemwide Director of Investigations (DOI) and other senior executives. The position will assist the DOI in the overseeing of UC response regarding whistleblower complaints and claims of retaliation filed under University of California whistleblower policy and whistleblower protection policy. In carrying out these duties and responsibilities, the position will collaborate with numerous University employees including but not limited to Locally Designated Officials (LDO), Whistleblower Coordinators, Human Resource Personnel, Title IX Officers, Campus/General Counsel, Campus and Health System Compliance Officers, Internal Auditors, University Police and a variety of external representatives and investigators. Please note this is a hybrid position with three (3) or more days a week on-site in Oakland, CA.

Key Responsibilities

50% Plans and conducts neutral, fact-finding investigations of complaints alleging violations of suspected improper governmental activity or University policy in accordance with the University's Whistleblower Policy, or whistleblower retaliation in accordance with the University's Whistleblower Protection Policy. Conducts all necessary interviews to gather relevant facts associated with the complaint. Identifies, collects, reviews and analyzes relevant files, documents, electronic records and other information. Conducts credibility assessments. Maintains confidentiality of information and identities of all participants in the investigation process in accordance with applicable University policies. Prepares an organized, detailed and concise report at the end of each investigation, including an analysis of the evidence and findings. Responsible for updating the DOI on assigned cases and updating internal management tracking system. Conducts research as necessary on state and federal laws and regulations to determine their applicability to current complaints and consults with Office of General Council. Assists the Director of Investigations with overseeing and managing outside investigators retained by the University. Effectively communicates investigation results, both verbally and in writing, so they are placed in the appropriate context and understood by all parties. May also be assigned to assist LDOs throughout the system with investigations at their specific location.

30% Train employees and supervisors concerning UC whistleblower policies and other relevant policies. Be cognizant of industry best practices for workplace investigations. Train and mentor other investigators within the UC System. Develop curriculum and present training for campus investigators Systemwide. Keeps abreast of relevant new legislation to stay informed of developments in the field. Attend training relevant to the best practices of workplace investigations. Provide guidance and assistance to Locally Designated Officials (LDOs), whistleblower coordinators, investigators and other University officials on complaints of retaliation, discrimination and harassment.

10% Assist the DOI with responsibility to manage and respond to University Hotline complaints, including appropriate elevation of sensitive and significant issues. (i.e., workplace violence). Follow up on assigned hotline complaints and investigations. Update assigned investigative work in a case management system as required.

10% Research and review various methods and approaches to assist in a wide variety of other projects within the Office of Ethics, Compliance and Audit Services.

Experience
Required Qualifications:

Minimum 10 years of relevant experience.

Skills and Abilities
Required Qualifications

Experience in planning and conducting investigations.

Demonstrated skill in conveying facts, analyses, conclusions and recommendations in a clear, concise manner.

Strong interviewing, analytical skills and experience in research and interpreting data, ability to write cogent and concise reports; excellent presentation and communication skills (oral and written).

Demonstrated experience to communicate complex information to all levels of management and administrators in a clear and concise manner both written and verbal.

Thorough knowledge of state and federal laws, regulations and personnel policies and procedures governing discriminatory practices, retaliation and equal opportunities.

Advanced knowledge of state and federal administrative agencies and their roles in the complaint process, including the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), Department of Fair Employment Housing (DFEH), Office of the Federal Compliance Program (OFCCP), Office for Civil Rights (OCR), and the Department of Labor (DOL).

Strong attention to detail.

Strong computer and internet skills including proficiency in Microsoft applications with an emphasis on Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

Ability to remain neutral, independent and objective in all investigations; and to maintain the confidentiality of sensitive work-related information.

Ability to handle multiple assignments by effectively planning, organizing and prioritizing assignments (multi-tasking of work).

Preferred Qualifications

Advanced knowledge of state & federal laws and University policies and regulations related to confidentiality and access to records.

Demonstrated ability to deliver training and presentations to a variety of audiences.

Education
Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training

Preferred Qualifications

JD or applicable advanced degree preferred

Licenses and Certifications
Preferred Qualifications

Association of Workplace Investigators (AWI) Certificate Holder

Travel Requirements
20% Travel as needed for investigations and training

Job Title
Ethics and Compliance Profl 5

Job Code
006060

Salary Grade
Grade 26

Payscale:
$158,000 - $183,000

The University of California, Office of the President, is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The full salary range shows the growth potential for this position and the pay scale is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position.

Benefits: For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University visit: Benefits of Belonging

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

HOW TO APPLY

Please be prepared to attach a cover letter and resume with your application.

APPLICATION REVIEW DATE

The first review date for this job is March 28. 2025. If needed, add: The position will be open until filled.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Background Check Process: Successful completion of a background check is required for this critical position. Background check process at UCOP

Smoke Free Work Environment: The University of California, Office of the President, is smoke & tobacco-free as of January 1, 2014. UC Smoke & Tobacco Free Policy

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs, as may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.

• "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer.
  • UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
  • UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties
  • APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

EEO STATEMENT

The University of California, Office of the President, is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status. For the University of California's Affirmative Action Policy please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4010393/PPSM-20. For the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination.

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