Investigator - Office of the Chancellor

Attention:

The Office of the Chancellor at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater invites applicants for the position of Investigator (Equal Opportunity Investigator, CP023).

Job Details:

The Investigator is responsible for conducting fair, thorough, and timely investigations into high-profile, sensitive, and complex complaints involving alleged violations of civil rights and conduct-related policies, including hazing, sexual harassment, sexual violence, discrimination, and retaliation. This position plays a critical role in advancing the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater's commitment to maintaining a safe, respectful, and inclusive campus environment.

The Investigator ensures investigations are conducted in accordance with institutional policies, applicable state and federal laws, and established best practices for professional investigations.

This is a full-time, 12-month appointment reporting to the Director of Compliance.

Essential Functions

• Conduct prompt, impartial, and thorough investigations by developing investigative plans, interviewing complainants, respondents, and witnesses, gathering and preserving evidence, and maintaining comprehensive case records
• Conduct interviews, prepare accurate interview summaries, and ask appropriate follow-up questions to obtain relevant information regarding allegations of misconduct, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or other policy violations
• Draft clear, accurate, and professional correspondence throughout the complaint resolution process
• Evaluate and distinguish relevant and directly related evidence in accordance with applicable policies and procedures
• Prepare comprehensive investigative reports that include factual findings, credibility assessments, and well-supported analyses
• Provide consultative support to affiliated entities regarding ongoing investigations and investigative processes
• Assess incoming complaints, determine applicable policies, and communicate investigative updates to appropriate stakeholders
• Participate in meetings, hearings, grievance proceedings, and other processes related to investigation outcomes
• Maintain strict confidentiality and handle highly sensitive information in compliance with institutional policies and applicable state and federal laws
• Remain current on applicable laws, regulations, and best practices, including Title VI, Title IX, the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), the Clery Act, and related guidance
• Collaborate effectively with departments and stakeholders across the university to support compliance efforts

Department:

Office of the Chancellor

Compensation:

Well-qualified candidates can expect a starting annual salary within a range of $70,000 – $77,000.

UW System employees receive an excellent benefit package. To learn more about the UW System’s comprehensive benefit package, review the UW System Employee Benefits Brochure.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree

• A minimum of three (3) years of professional experience investigating and resolving discrimination, harassment, or employment-related complaints, including complaints involving sexual misconduct or sexual violence. Relevant clerkships, internships, or clinical experience may be considered

• Experience conducting investigations in a higher education, governmental, or regulatory compliance environment

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) or an advanced degree in higher education, employment relations, law, or a related field

• Exceptional analytical, investigative, and report-writing skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws and regulations affecting higher education, including Title VI, Title IX, First Amendment protections, anti-hazing laws, and other civil rights and criminal statutes, with the ability to apply them in a university setting

• Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and manage sensitive information with professionalism and discretion

• Ability to interact respectfully with people with diverse socioeconomic, cultural and ethnic backgrounds

• Willingness and ability to be an active participant in following applicable safety rules and regulations including necessary training and drills

Applications received by August 2, 2026 are ensured full consideration. The most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process.

Only complete application packages will be considered. This includes online submission of the following documents:

• Cover Letter

• Resume

• Name and contact information for three professional references

Contact Information:

For questions regarding this position, please contact:

Bridget Vaughn

Executive Assistant II

262-472-2157

[email protected]

If you have questions regarding this recruitment or if you are unable to complete the application online due to a disability or system problem, please contact us at (262) 472-1024 or [email protected].

CONDITIONS OF APPOINTMENT:

University of Wisconsin-Whitewater does not offer H-1B or other work authorization visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain work authorization throughout the employment term. If you have questions regarding this, please contact Human Resources. UW-Whitewater is not an e-verify employer, therefore STEM extensions are not options for work authorization.

UW-Whitewater is a thriving public university located in southeastern Wisconsin. It leads the way in providing world-class, affordable higher education programs to more students than neighboring regional comprehensives in the University of Wisconsin System. A collaborative team of 1,300 faculty and staff are devoted to the success of the university’s 11,500 students at its main and Rock County campuses. The team provides high-impact practices and academic programs — online and in person — from associate to doctoral levels. Recognized nationally for affordability, inclusion, and career development, UWW serves approximately one-third first-generation students and boasts strength in many areas, especially business and education. The campus and community embrace the Warhawk Family spirit, supporting the university’s arts and nationally recognized NCAA Division-III level championship athletics. As a proud institution of access, more than 10 percent of undergraduate students use the acclaimed Center for Students with Disabilities — a priority mission since the 1970s.   

UW-Whitewater's campuses are located centrally near Milwaukee, Madison, and Chicago, offering easy access to the cultural and commercial opportunities of major metropolitan areas. Near both Lake Geneva and the Wisconsin Dells, the area attracts numerous visitors from across the country. Whitewater is a vibrant college community near the Kettle Moraine State Forest offering area residents seasonal outdoor enjoyment. The nearby Rock County campus is located in Janesville, a town of 60,000 located on the Rock River and known as Wisconsin’s Park Place.  

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is part of the 13-campus Universities of Wisconsin (https://www.wisconsin.edu). 
 
Wisconsin Statute 19.36(7)(b) provides that applicants may indicate in writing that their identity should be kept confidential. In response to a public records request, the University will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful final candidate will be released. See Wisconsin Statute 19.36(7)(a). 
 
Per Regent Policy Document 20-19, University of Wisconsin System Criminal Background Check Policy and Universities of Wisconsin Administrative Policy 1275 Recruitment Policies, UW-Whitewater requires criminal background checks as a contingency to employment. A criminal background check will be conducted prior to an offer of employment. All final candidates must be asked, prior to hire, whether they have been found to have engaged in, are currently under investigation for, or left employment during an active investigation in which they were accused of sexual violence or sexual harassment. When obtaining employment reference checks, these same sexual violence or sexual harassment questions must also be asked. 
 
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater requires that all employees be active participants in following applicable safety rules and regulations including necessary training and drills. 
 
For UW-Whitewater Campus safety information and crime statistics/annual Security Report, see  Annual Security and Fire Safety Report if you would like a paper copy of the report please contact the UW-Whitewater Police at 262-472-4660.

UW IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other bases protected by applicable federal or State law and UW System policies. We are committed to building a workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills, and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.