About the position

Talent and Culture at West Virginia University is currently accepting applications for an Employee Relations Investigator. The Division of Talent and Culture, in partnership with the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities, supports WVU’s compliance with federal, state, and University requirements related to discrimination, harassment, retaliation, sexual misconduct, general misconduct, and other employee policy violations. The Investigator position plays a critical role in this work by conducting employee investigations involving the Code of Conduct, BOG 1.6, and Title IX. This role collaborates closely with the Employee Relations team, University leaders, and employees to address workplace concerns through conflict resolution and mediation when appropriate. The position also conducts impartial investigations of complaints referred by the Office of Compliance involving WVU employees, students, applicants, and visitors across the Morgantown campus, divisional campuses, and the statewide extension system.

Responsibilities

• Investigates complaints involving discrimination, harassment, retaliation, sexual misconduct, general misconduct, and other policy violations.
• Conducts impartial, comprehensive investigations in accordance with established procedures, University, and federal requirements.
• Develops case-specific investigative strategy, including identification of issues, evidence, and witnesses.
• Conducts interviews with complainants, respondents, witnesses, and other relevant parties using professional investigative interviewing techniques.
• Navigates and investigates Code of Conduct complaints by engaging with the complainant, witnesses, and/or leadership. Works to informally resolve and assist the leader on addressing the situation when appropriate.
• Can serve as a mediator, specifically in Code of Conduct matters, to resolve workplace disputes.
• Collects, reviews, and documents relevant evidence while maintaining objectivity and following all leads.
• Provides case status and procedural updates to complainants, respondents, and leaders as appropriate during the investigation.
• Prepares accurate, thorough, and well-organized investigative reports for review by the Assistant Director, Executive Director, or designated decision-makers.
• Maintains investigative files with discretion, confidentiality, and sound judgment regarding sensitive information.
• Coordinates with the Office of Compliance and Prevention Education, Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities, Office of the General Counsel, Employee Relations, and other relevant offices.
• Assists with Title IX hearing preparation and presents case information clearly and objectively when required.
• Conducts investigations on regional campuses and within the statewide extension system as needed.
• Maintains ongoing professional development to stay current on best practices, policy updates, and applicable legal or procedural requirements.
• Performs other related investigative and conduct-related duties as assigned in support of the Division of Talent and Culture and, as needed, the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities.

Requirements

• A master’s degree in human resources, social work, education, criminal justice, or a related field.
• A minimum of two (2) years of experience in the following: Experience conducting investigations; including interviews, evidence review, documentation, and written findings; or related experience managing complex employee relations matters is required.
• Experience conducting investigations, including interviews, evidence review, documentation, and written findings; or equivalent experience managing complex employee relations matters is required.
• All qualifications must be met by the time of employment.
• Ability to establish rapport and create a professional, supportive environment for individuals participating in interviews during stressful or sensitive situations.
• Ability to respond calmly and appropriately in difficult, emotional, or potentially volatile circumstances.
• Ability to conduct impartial investigations and apply effective investigative interviewing techniques.
• Knowledge of the legal and policy framework governing discrimination, harassment, retaliation, sexual misconduct, employee conduct, and related University policy matters.
• Ability to apply relevant policies, procedures, and standards appropriately in the review and investigation of complaints.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear reports, correspondence, and case-related documentation.
• Ability to communicate professionally with complainants, respondents, witnesses, advisors, supervisors, and campus partners throughout the investigative process.
• Ability to manage multiple cases and competing priorities while maintaining organization, accuracy, and timeliness.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment when handling highly sensitive and personal information.
• Ability to work effectively with individuals involved in personal, disputed, or emotionally charged matters.
• Demonstrated ability to interact effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds, roles, and circumstances.
• Proficiency with personal computers and software for word processing, documentation, recordkeeping, email, and scheduling.
• Ability to maintain a regular work schedule with occasional flexibility required by case demands or unusual circumstances.
• Ability to travel to regional campuses and other University locations as needed.

Nice-to-haves

• Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience will be considered.

Benefits

• 37.5-hour work week
• 13 paid holidays (staff holiday calendar)
• 24 annual leave (vacation) days per year (employee leave)
• 18 sick days per year (for when you’re ill, for when you need time to care for sick family, for your own, or your family’s, regularly scheduled medical appointments. Who is family for the purpose of this leave? A lot of people in your life including immediate relatives and in-laws as well as others considered to be members of your household living under the same roof)
• WVU offers a range of health insurance and other benefits
• 401(a) retirement savings with 6%25 employee contribution match, eligibility to continue health insurance, and other retiree perks. Looking for more retirement benefits information? Check out retirement health insurance benefits, retirement income, and FAQ’s.