Director of Equity, Compliance, and Title IX

Position Overview

Primary Function:

The Director of University Equity & Compliance integrates University-wide compliance operations with a coordinated framework for equitable access and regulatory integrity that ensures Sewanee meets its obligations under federal and state regulations while advancing a culture of fairness, accountability, and ethical conduct.

The Director serves as Sewanee’s Title IX Coordinator, providing comprehensive leadership for Title IX policy, prevention, response, and reporting. The position also oversees incident response, supportive measures, and education initiatives that promote equitable access and institutional consistency.

The Director reports to the Assistant Vice President, Human Resources (with a dotted line to the Dean of Students) and collaborates closely with colleagues across Human Resources, Student Life, Academic Affairs, Athletics, the Sewanee Police Department, and the Office of General Counsel.

This position works with considerable independence and self-direction. Only the general direction and scope of the work to be accomplished are discussed with the supervisor. The staff member is expected to independently carry out position duties and understand what is expected and how to do it.

Position Appointment Details:

• Career Band: 2E
• Full-Time

Position Description

Typical Duties & Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership & Institutional Alignment

• Provide strategic leadership for Sewanee’s equity-related regulatory portfolio, including Title IX, Title VI, Title VII, ADA/Section 504, and related federal and state mandates
• Develop and implement strategic goals for organizational effectiveness.
• Use data and assessment to inform decision-making and continuous improvement.
• Ensure alignment with Sewanee’s mission, values, and commitments to fairness and inclusion..

• Serves as Sewanee’s Title IX Coordinator, ensuring full adherence to federal regulations and institutional policy by coordinating Title IX functions across Sewanee’s schools, programs, and operational units.
• Provides strategic oversight of the institution-wide incident response function and supportive measures in response to reports of discrimination, harassment, and sexual misconduct.
• Ensures timely, equitable, and trauma-informed response processes.
• Oversees the intake, assessment, and response to all incoming reports, including the development and implementation of supportive measures for complainants and respondents.
• Ensures consistent case management practices and appropriate documentation in case management systems.
• Establishes and refines processes to support institutional compliance with federal and state law. Collaborates with campus partners to ensure access to resources and support.
• Provides Title IX education and training to faculty, staff, students, TIX teams, and executive leadership.

• Provides strategic direction for education, prevention, and awareness initiatives related to equity, access, and regulatory obligations.
• Directs, designs, and implements required and elective training for faculty, staff, and students. Collaborates with university partners to develop and oversee educational programs.
• Monitors participation metrics and ensures adherence to federal and state training mandates.
• Evaluates training effectiveness and incorporates best practices and emerging technologies.

• Prepares regular reports on activities, trends, and risks for senior leadership and governing bodies, including Clery reporting.
• Supports audits, accreditation processes, and government inquiries.
• Maintains confidential reporting mechanisms and ensures timely review and resolution of concerns.
• Monitors and enforces non-retaliation protections.

Attributes of a Successful Candidate

Education
Required: Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
Preferred: Master’s degree or JD

Licenses/Certifications:
Professional certification in compliance or equity governance (e.g., ATIXA certification, CCEP).

Experience:

• At least 8–10 years of progressively responsible experience in regulatory compliance, Title IX administration, or equal-opportunity governance within higher education.
• Demonstrated experience designing or overseeing compliance and ethics programs.
• Extensive knowledge of Title IX, Title VI, Title VII, ADA/Section 504, Clery, and FERP
• Strong proficiency with case-management systems (e.g., Maxient).
• Knowledge of athletics-related regulatory frameworks.

• Diplomacy and knowledge in relevant federal and state laws and regulations, management and supervisory skills, team building, and integration
• Excellent written and oral communication, problem-solving, conflict resolution, planning, presentation, and project management skills
• Ability to prepare and present detailed reports, educational programs, training, and assessments

Supplemental Information

Confidential Information:
Case details

Working Environment:
Office

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The University of the South, familiarly known as “Sewanee,” is home to a nationally recognized College of Arts and Sciences and a School of Theology. Sewanee is distinguished by its dedication to cultivate academic excellence, community values, and environmental stewardship that produces informed, self-aware, and participatory citizens for our democracy and servant-leaders for the world. Nestled on 13,000 acres atop Tennessee’s Cumberland Plateau, the University offers both a uniquely beautiful setting and convenient access to nearby cities—Chattanooga, Nashville, and Huntsville. The University is affiliated with the Episcopal Church and seeks to be a place where individuals from a variety of backgrounds and experiences find support, opportunity, and purpose.

Support in the Hiring Process
If you have questions about a position or need assistance filing an application, or if you are a person with a disability and would like to request an accommodation in the application and interview process, please contact Human Resources at 931.598.1381 or hr@sewanee.edu.

Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of the South is an equal-opportunity institution, dedicated to treating all applicants fairly and fostering a welcoming environment for employees and students alike.

University Benefits