Casual Hourly - Investigator Temporary

The Investigations Unit (IU) is responsible for conducting investigations into allegations of potential University policy violations by employees that are referred from other University departments, including the Dean of the Faculty (DOF), Human Resources (HR), Institutional Equity and Diversity (IED), and Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL), along with all alleged Title IX violations as referred by the Title IX Coordinator. The centralized function of the IU promotes investigative best practices and the foundational principles of consistency, neutrality, fairness, and efficiency.

The University Investigator conducts investigations into allegations of violations of University policy and other relevant work for the IU on an as-needed basis as assigned by the Director of the Investigations Unit (DIU). 

Upon being assigned an investigation, the University Investigator conducts prompt and thorough information gathering, which may include: interviewing parties, identifying and interviewing relevant witnesses, gathering and reviewing documentary and other evidence, and identifying other information that would be helpful in determining if any implicated University policy has been violated. The University Investigator remains neutral and objective throughout the investigation and provides detailed, unbiased information to the referring offices (including DOF, HR, IED, PPPL, and the Title IX office). The University Investigator reports to the DIU.

Please provide a cover letter with your application. 

Hourly rate starting at $80/hr, flexible based on overall experience and qualifications.  This is a temporary position.

Duties and Responsibilities

Investigate alleged violations of University policy. For each case assigned, the University Investigator may be partnered with a co-investigator, may collaborate with other departments within the University during the investigation process, and will be expected to:

• Develop an investigation plan; 
• Conduct party and witness interviews;
• Provide parties and witnesses with information about the investigatory process;
• Gather and review documentary and other evidence;
• Draft investigation reports as necessary;
• Keep accurate and thorough records and notes of interviews, investigatory processes, and information gathered;
• Maintain neutrality throughout the investigation;
• Provide regular status and informational updates to the DIU; 
• Refer individuals to resources and support, where appropriate. 
• Ensure knowledge related to Princeton’s culture and norms, relevant laws, and University policies and procedures is current.

The University Investigator should be prepared to:

• Develop familiarity with the University’s disciplinary and conduct-related policies, procedures, standards, and resources;
• Attend regular training sessions scheduled for the Investigations Unit and otherwise keep abreast of current developments related to investigative practices;
• Maintain familiarity with relevant laws and governance related to investigations;
• Meet regularly with the DIU and larger IU team to share feedback on processes, special challenges faced, and status of cases;
• Understand the culture of faculty, staff, students, and the larger University community and experience;
• Maintain on-campus presence as needed;
• Perform other duties as assigned.  

Essential Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of five years’ related work experience;
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, especially the ability to address highly sensitive, confidential, and emotionally fraught situations with tact and discretion; 
• Ability to manage multiple, ongoing, and complex projects;
• Excellent judgment, discretion, personal maturity, and ability to maintain neutrality in challenging situations; 
• Keen intellect, strong problem-solving skills, and an appreciation for detail and thoroughness;
• Superior writing and editing skills;  
• Demonstrated commitment to serving a diverse population with cultural competence, diplomacy, and sensitivity; 
• Ability and willingness to conduct investigative interviews in person, on or near campus.  

Preferred Qualifications

• J.D. highly preferred. 
• Experience in higher education and/or a residential campus setting. 
• Knowledge of the complexities surrounding biased behavior, discrimination and harassment, and specifically sexual assault and sexual harassment cases. 

Be advised that you will be contacted only if there is further interest in your application. Your candidate dashboard may not display status updates for this requisition.

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

The University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's qualifications, work experience, education/training, key skills, market, collective bargaining agreements as applicable, and organizational considerations when extending an offer. The posted salary range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate for a full-time position; salaries for part-time positions are pro-rated accordingly.

If the salary range on the posted position shows an hourly rate, this is the baseline; the actual hourly rate may be higher, depending on the position and factors listed above.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees. Please see this link for more information.