Principal Equal Opportunity Investigator

Summary

Principal Equal Opportunity Investigator

The George Washington University (GW) is committed to maintaining a positive climate for study and work, in which all individuals are judged solely on relevant factors, such as skill and performance, and can pursue their activities in an environment free from discrimination, harassment, and violence. The Office of Equal Opportunity supports this commitment by offering complaint resolution options, support to individuals involved in incidents, and educational opportunities designed to prevent incidents and to encourage prompt reporting. The Principal Equal Opportunity Investigator conducts investigations into reported discrimination and harassment based on a protected characteristic, with a special emphasis on cases involving identity-based discrimination and retaliation. In addition, the Principal Equal Opportunity Investigator facilitates informal resolutions which are voluntary, remedies-based and rooted in restorative justice principles. The Principal Equal Opportunity Investigator reports directly to the Director of Complaint Resolution.

Job Duties: The Principal Equal Opportunity Investigator is responsible for the following:

• Serving as a key partner in ensuring GW's compliance with federal, state, and local anti-discrimination laws.
• Conducting prompt, reliable and impartial investigations, including the development of investigation plans, drafting notices of allegation and other essential correspondence, identifying and interviewing witnesses, gathering evidence and data, conducting site visits as needed, keeping accurate and thorough records and notes of the investigation process, applying GW policies and preparing detailed investigation reports, which may include analysis and recommendations as appropriate.
• Providing leadership and support to the Lead Equal Opportunity & Title IX Investigators and the Equal Opportunity investigators in the area of Title VI, VII, and IX discrimination and enforcement of the university's Equal Opportunity, Non-Discrimination, Anti-Harassment and Non-Retaliation Policy, Title IX Sexual Harassment & Related Conduct Policy, and the Prohibited Relationships with Students Policy.
• Assisting the Director of Complaint Resolution with the development and implementation of policy and procedural improvements related to complaint resolutions.
• In the absence of the Director of Complaint Resolution or as otherwise needed, representing OEO at various campus/community stakeholder meetings, such as EO Case Review meetings, Threat Assessment meetings, and the DMV Title IX Administrator Working Group meetings.
• Facilitating impartial informal resolutions, rooted in restorative justice principles, that are aimed at identifying the harms experienced and identifying actions that can be taken to acknowledge harm, prevent its recurrence, and address its effects.
• Communicating with students, faculty, and staff in a clear and compassionate manner. This may include explaining complex processes in a digestible manner, as well as providing timely updates regarding resolution processes.
• Collaborating with appropriate university offices during resolution processes to provide a coordinated response and holistic support.
• Maintaining an impartial and neutral approach and appropriate level of privacy throughout the process.
• Engaging in required training to ensure that skills and knowledge are current.
• Leading training programs for faculty, staff, and students on topics related to discrimination and harassment based on a protected characteristics.
• Assisting the Response team by providing supportive measures as needed when caseloads are high.
• The position is based at GW's Foggy Bottom Campus in Washington, DC but may require travel to GW's campuses in Mount Vernon, DC and Ashburn, VA and to surrounding areas.
• Performs other work duties as assigned. The omission of specific duties does not preclude the supervisor from assigning tasks logically related to the position.

Minimum Qualifications: Qualified candidates will hold a Bachelor's degree in an appropriate area of specialization plus 7 years of relevant professional experience, or, a Master's degree or higher in a relevant area of study plus 5 years of relevant professional experience. Degree must be conferred by the start date of the position. Degree requirements may be substituted with an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Preferred Qualifications: Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree preferred. At least 5 years experience investigating and resolving discrimination/harassment complaints is preferred. Other comparable experience may serve as a substitute for investigatory experience (i.e. litigation experience, HR investigatory experience). Prior experience working in a higher education environment. Exceptional analytical and writing skills. Demonstrated expertise in applying relevant federal, state, and local laws desired. Strong communication and organizational skills. Familiarity with Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, VAWA, the DC Human Rights Act, the Clery Act, and FERPA desired. Experience working in union and non-union environments desired. Experience leading and providing support to other investigators. Familiarity with the concept of restorative justice. Experience with public speaking and ability to facilitate training sessions for university community members. Ability to manage and work with conflict, including meeting with individuals who may be experiencing high levels of stress. Ability and desire to work actively, collaboratively, and creatively, as part of a team.

Hiring Range - $82,950.66 - $136,814.41

GW Staff Approach to Pay - How is pay for new employees determined at GW?

Healthcare Benefits

GW offers a comprehensive benefit package that includes medical, dental, vision, life & disability insurance, time off & leave, retirement savings, tuition, well-being and various voluntary benefits. For program details and eligibility, please visit

Campus Location: Foggy Bottom, Washington, D.C.

College/School/Department: Diversity and Inclusion

Family: Diversity and Inclusion

Sub-Family: Equal Opportunity

Stream: Individual Contributor

Level: Level 4

Full-Time/Part-Time: Full-Time

Hours Per Week: 40

Work Schedule: M-F

Will this job require the employee to work on site? Yes

Employee Onsite Status - Hybrid

Telework: Yes

Required Background Check: Criminal History Screening, Education/Degree/Certifications Verification, Social Security Number Trace, and Sex Offender Registry Search

Special Instructions to Applicants: Employer will not sponsor for employment Visa status

Internal Applicants Only? No

Posting Number: S014455

Job Open Date: 09/10/2026

Job Close Date:

If temporary, grant funded, Sponsored Project funded or limited term appointment, position funded until:

Background Screening - Successful Completion of a Background Screening will be required as a condition of hire.

EEO Statement: The university is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer that does not unlawfully discriminate in any of its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.

Posting Specific Questions

1. * Are you currently employed with The George Washington University?
   • No
   • Yes
2. * For current GW employees, have you completed your Introductory Employment Period (IEP)? (As a reminder, employees in their IEP are not eligible to apply for other internal university staff and research positions until the IEP is complete.)
   • Yes, IEP complete
   • No, still in IEP
   • N/a - not a current GW employee
3. * What is your salary range expectation? (Open Ended Question)

Documents needed to Apply

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter

Job Description

Principal Equal Opportunity Investigator

The George Washington University (GW) is committed to maintaining a positive climate for study and work, in which all individuals are judged solely on relevant factors, such as skill and performance, and can pursue their activities in an environment free from discrimination, harassment, and violence. The Office of Equal Opportunity supports this commitment by offering complaint resolution options, support to individuals involved in incidents, and educational opportunities designed to prevent incidents and to encourage prompt reporting. The Principal Equal Opportunity Investigator conducts investigations into reported discrimination and harassment based on a protected characteristic, with a special emphasis on cases involving identity-based discrimination and retaliation. In addition, the Principal Equal Opportunity Investigator facilitates informal resolutions which are voluntary, remedies-based and rooted in restorative justice principles. The Principal Equal Opportunity Investigator reports directly to the Director of Complaint Resolution.

Job Duties: The Principal Equal Opportunity Investigator is responsible for the following:

• Serving as a key partner in ensuring GW's compliance with federal, state, and local anti-discrimination laws.
• Conducting prompt, reliable and impartial investigations, including the development of investigation plans, drafting notices of allegation and other essential correspondence, identifying and interviewing witnesses, gathering evidence and data, conducting site visits as needed, keeping accurate and thorough records and notes of the investigation process, applying GW policies and preparing detailed investigation reports, which may include analysis and recommendations as appropriate.
• Providing leadership and support to the Lead Equal Opportunity & Title IX Investigators and the Equal Opportunity investigators in the area of Title VI, VII, and IX discrimination and enforcement of the university's Equal Opportunity, Non-Discrimination, Anti-Harassment and Non-Retaliation Policy, Title IX Sexual Harassment & Related Conduct Policy, and the Prohibited Relationships with Students Policy.
• Assisting the Director of Complaint Resolution with the development and implementation of policy and procedural improvements related to complaint resolutions.
• In the absence of the Director of Complaint Resolution or as otherwise needed, representing OEO at various campus/community stakeholder meetings, such as EO Case Review meetings, Threat Assessment meetings, and the DMV Title IX Administrator Working Group meetings.
• Facilitating impartial informal resolutions, rooted in restorative justice principles, that are aimed at identifying the harms experienced and identifying actions that can be taken to acknowledge harm, prevent its recurrence, and address its effects.
• Communicating with students, faculty, and staff in a clear and compassionate manner. This may include explaining complex processes in a digestible manner, as well as providing timely updates regarding resolution processes.
• Collaborating with appropriate university offices during resolution processes to provide a coordinated response and holistic support.
• Maintaining an impartial and neutral approach and appropriate level of privacy throughout the process.
• Engaging in required training to ensure that skills and knowledge are current.
• Leading training programs for faculty, staff, and students on topics related to discrimination and harassment based on a protected characteristics.
• Assisting the Response team by providing supportive measures as needed when caseloads are high.
• The position is based at GW's Foggy Bottom Campus in Washington, DC but may require travel to GW's campuses in Mount Vernon, DC and Ashburn, VA and to surrounding areas.
• Performs other work duties as assigned. The omission of specific duties does not preclude the supervisor from assigning tasks logically related to the position.

Minimum Qualifications: Qualified candidates will hold a Bachelor's degree in an appropriate area of specialization plus 7 years of relevant professional experience, or, a Master's degree or higher in a relevant area of study plus 5 years of relevant professional experience. Degree must be conferred by the start date of the position. Degree requirements may be substituted with an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Preferred Qualifications: Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree preferred. At least 5 years experience investigating and resolving discrimination/harassment complaints is preferred. Other comparable experience may serve as a substitute for investigatory experience (i.e. litigation experience, HR investigatory experience). Prior experience working in a higher education environment. Exceptional analytical and writing skills. Demonstrated expertise in applying relevant federal, state, and local laws desired. Strong communication and organizational skills. Familiarity with Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, VAWA, the DC Human Rights Act, the Clery Act, and FERPA desired. Experience working in union and non-union environments desired. Experience leading and providing support to other investigators. Familiarity with the concept of restorative justice. Experience with public speaking and ability to facilitate training sessions for university community members. Ability to manage and work with conflict, including meeting with individuals who may be experiencing high levels of stress. Ability and desire to work actively, collaboratively, and creatively, as part of a team.

Hiring Range - $82,950.66 - $136,814.41

GW Staff Approach to Pay - How is pay for new employees determined at GW?

Healthcare Benefits

GW offers a comprehensive benefit package that includes medical, dental, vision, life & disability insurance, time off & leave, retirement savings, tuition, well-being and various voluntary benefits. For program details and eligibility, please visit

Campus Location: Foggy Bottom, Washington, D.C.

College/School/Department: Diversity and Inclusion

Family: Diversity and Inclusion

Sub-Family: Equal Opportunity

Stream: Individual Contributor

Level: Level 4

Full-Time/Part-Time: Full-Time

Hours Per Week: 40

Work Schedule: M-F

Will this job require the employee to work on site? Yes

Employee Onsite Status - Hybrid

Telework: Yes

Required Background Check: Criminal History Screening, Education/Degree/Certifications Verification, Social Security Number Trace, and Sex Offender Registry Search

Special Instructions to Applicants: Employer will not sponsor for employment Visa status

Internal Applicants Only? No

Posting Number: S014455

Job Open Date: 09/10/2026

Job Close Date:

If temporary, grant funded, Sponsored Project funded or limited term appointment, position funded until:

Background Screening - Successful Completion of a Background Screening will be required as a condition of hire.

EEO Statement: The university is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer that does not unlawfully discriminate in any of its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.

Posting Specific Questions

1. * Are you currently employed with The George Washington University?
   • No
   • Yes
2. * For current GW employees, have you completed your Introductory Employment Period (IEP)? (As a reminder, employees in their IEP are not eligible to apply for other internal university staff and research positions until the IEP is complete.)
   • Yes, IEP complete
   • No, still in IEP
   • N/a - not a current GW employee
3. * What is your salary range expectation? (Open Ended Question)

Documents needed to Apply

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter