About This Position

Job Description:

Purpose:

Under limited supervision, this position is responsible for the resolution of all housing, employment, public accommodation, and discrimination complaints under the authority of the City of Austin Office of Civil Rights.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Interprets Federal, State, and local laws/ordinances concerning discrimination under the Office of Civil Rights’ authority.
• Refers or assigns new complaints of discrimination or denial of rights to investigators in accordance with established procedures.
• Analyzes data gathered during the investigation to determine the merits of the complaint.
• Prepares recommendations for the approval of the Office of Civil Rights leadership concerning unsettled complaints.
• Compiles and analyzes complaints and other available data regarding discrimination to identify potential trends or problem areas and provides recommendations to management for preventive and/or corrective action.
• Provides models, technical information, intervention, and expertise to investigators when cases are novel and complex.
• Prepares monthly reports and weekly closure for the Office of Civil Rights and EEOC for credit review and contract acceptance.
• Serves as liaison with all Federal contracting agencies to ensure all federal contracts and technology changes or improvements are met and implemented.
• Plans, develops, and conducts education and outreach to stakeholders and the community and represents the Office of Civil Rights at City Council meetings, boards, and commissions.

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

Provides leadership, work assignments, evaluation, and guidance to others.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of areas supported.
• Knowledge of Federal, State, and Local laws.
• Knowledge of City practices, policies, and procedures.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
• Skill in using computers and related software.
• Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
• Skill in planning and organizing.
• Ability to interview under a variety of conditions.
• Ability to handle hostile conflicts and uncertain situations.
• Ability to use investigative and research techniques related to human rights issues.
• Ability to research established case law and applicable precedents.
• Ability to perform thorough and accurate data collection and analysis.
• Ability to negotiate settlements.
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
• Ability to train and lead others.
• Ability to develop and maintain current knowledge of Civil Rights programs.
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with other City employees and the public.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in a field related to Government, Communications, Sociology, Business or Public Administration, plus two (2) years of experience in the investigation of discrimination complaints.
• Experience may substitute for education up to the maximum of four (4) years.
• Graduation with a Master's degree from an accredited college or university or graduation with a Juris Doctor may substitute for one (1) year of the required experience.

Licenses and Certifications Required:

• None

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience planning, organizing, and conducting investigations, with the ability to interpret and apply laws and regulations.
• Experience working with members of local, state, and federal agencies; conducting interviews and gathering facts, evaluating findings, and preparing reports.
• Experience in preparation of data and materials for hearings and court proceedings, and the ability to communicate effectively.
• Experience providing leadership and guidance of others and their work.
• Experience maintaining good working relationships with other City employees and the public.

Compensation Range:

Notes to Candidate:

Position Overview:

Austin Equity and Inclusion’s Civil Rights Division is hiring a Civil Rights Investigator Senior. This position is responsible for providing leadership, guidance and expertise to the Investigators in the areas of conducting investigations and interpreting and applying laws and regulations. This position will complete advanced investigative work in the areas of housing, employment and all city laws/ordinances. The ideal candidate has experience building relationships and working with local state and Federal agencies and will ensure Federal contracts and technology changes or improvements are met and implemented. Experience testifying in hearings and court proceedings, as well as a proven history of effectively developing and delivering education to various stakeholders, up to and including City Council, boards and commissions will be essential.

Austin Equity and Inclusion’s Civil Rights Division champions fairness, respect and a shared commitment to justice by:  

• Upholding anti-discrimination laws across critical areas like employment, housing, fair chance hiring, public accommodations, and tenants’ rights to organize. 
• Collaborating through community engagement to build lasting partnerships that drive meaningful change. 
• Educating the public to foster awareness, understanding, and action against discrimination. 

Austin Equity and Inclusion works strategically to promote visibility, transparency, accountability, and responsibility, with the primary goal of ensuring fair treatment for all individuals in the areas of Employment, Housing, Fair Chance, Title VI, Title II, Veteran Services and Public Accommodations.

Location: One Texas Center, 505 Barton Springs Road, Suite 500, Austin, TX 78704

Hours: Monday – Friday, 8AM - 5PM

New hires are to work in the office for their first six (6) months of employment. Employees who are promoted, transferred, or move laterally into the position are required to work in the office for their first three (3) months.

To view the City of Austin Recruitment Video, please click here!

When completing the City of Austin employment application:

The City of Austin employment application is an official document; incomplete applications will not be considered. Please be sure that your application is a reflection of your entire work history.

• Please be sure to detail on the application all previous employment that you wish to be considered as part of your qualifications.
• A detailed, complete employment application is required. It helps us to better evaluate your qualifications and will be used to determine salary if you are selected for this position. Be sure to provide job titles and employment dates for all jobs you wish to be considered. Describe your specific experience for each position. Include all job duties, responsibilities, and employment dates.
• A résumé is required, but will not substitute for a complete employment application. Please include contact information from previous employers.
• A cover letter is also required. In the cover letter candidates should describe, in concise detail, their interest in this position and highlight any prior experience that is relevant to this position.

Benefits:

Working with the City of Austin provides a number of health and welfare benefits such as low-cost medical, dental, vision, paid leave time, a highly competitive retirement plan, training opportunities, and more. Please click HERE for more information.

Important Note to Applicants:
Please be aware that the Job Posting Close Date reflects the final day to apply, but the posting will close at 11:59 PM the day before the date listed. All application steps, including attachments and submission, must be fully completed before that time.

We also recommend that you save or print a copy of the job posting for your records. Once a posting has closed, it will no longer be viewable in the system.

Please note this posting may close any time after 7 days.

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JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM

At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer—we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles – Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity – that anchor our delivery of services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.

What Makes the City of Austin Special?

• Make a Difference: Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.

• Value and Innovation: Work in an environment where employees are valued, and innovation thrives.

• Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.

• Retirement Security: Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.

• Sustainable Transportation Options: Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.

• Focus on Wellness: Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.

• Career Growth: Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.

• Modern Workspaces: Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration.

By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.

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EEO Statement for City of Austin:

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.