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Title: HR Investigator

Org Unit: Office of Institutional Equity

Work Days:

Weekly Hours: 35.00

Exemption Status: Exempt

Salary Range: $106,500.00 - $120,800.00

*As required under NYC Human Rights Law Int 1208-2018 - Salary range for this role when Hired for NYC Offices

Position Summary

As a key member of a centralized investigative team, this role is responsible for conducting fair, impartial, thorough, and confidential workplace investigations, ensuring compliance with institutional policies and employment laws. This position investigates potential violations of WCM HR policies involving academic and non-academic staff. The Investigator performs comprehensive investigations into a wide range of HR issues, including ethical concerns, policy violations, professionalism concerns, and workplace violence matters. Investigations involving protected classes are not within the scope of this position.

Job Responsibilities

+ Independently leads prompt, impartial, & comprehensive internal investigations into potential violations of company policies, incl. but not limited to claims of harassment, favoritism, ethical violations, retaliation, misconduct & other workplace concerns.

+ Analyzes complaints, develops investigative plans, conducts fact-finding interviews, reviews evidence, conducts related research, prepares correspondence, and submits reports containing investigative findings.

+ Applies relevant policies and legal standards to assess whether allegations are substantiated and recommends appropriate corrective actions.

+ Exercises sound judgment and analytical skills to investigate and resolve complex and sensitive employee relations matters.

+ Prepares thorough documentation throughout the process. Informs appropriate HR staff when additional investigation is required.

+ Maintains accurate, detailed records of investigative activities, ensuring timely entry of notes and supporting materials into the case management system.

+ Collaborates closely with Human Resources, Legal, Compliance, and other internal stakeholders to ensure a coordinated and legally sound approach to resolving issues.

+ Clearly and professionally communicates investigation outcomes and provides guidance and support to management on appropriate actions based on investigative findings.

+ Manages multiple priorities in a dynamic, fast-paced environment while maintaining strong relationships with internal clients and stakeholders.

+ Demonstrates flexibility in work hours to respond to urgent matters and fluctuating workload demands.

+ Identifies trends and systemic issues, offering insights and recommendations for organizational improvements and preventative strategies.

+ Monitors ongoing legal updates with assistance from General Counsel.

+ May be called upon to develop and deliver investigative training for managers and supervisors.

+ May be called upon to conduct other workplace investigations and duties as assigned.

Education

+ Bachelor's Degree

+ Advanced or Graduate Degree (Master’s, JD) in related field (ie., Human Resources, Law) preferred.

Experience

Approximately 3-5 years of related experience.

• Strong knowledge of employee relations, state and federal employment/civil rights laws, including ADA, FMLA, and FLSA.

• Experience in a healthcare or university setting preferred.

Demonstrated experience with the development and alignment of complex processes.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

+ Excellent judgment with the ability to manage highly sensitive, confidential data and information.

+ Demonstrated responsibility in analysis, reporting, planning and compliance management.

+ Outstanding written and verbal communication skills with the ability to effectively convey complex information to a wide array of audiences.

+ Demonstrated ability to draft concise, well analyzed investigative reports in a timely fashion.

+ Familiar with current best practices and a working knowledge of emerging issues in equity and compliance.

+ Demonstrated ability to influence through expertise with a proven record of success in working with all levels of leadership and staff in a rapidly changing and complex organization.

+ Creative problem-solving skills and the ability to make difficult decisions.

+ Demonstrated strong analytical skills.

+ Ability to manage multiple, competing priorities and meet deadlines.

+ Ability to work both autonomously and in consultation with senior leaders, faculty, staff, and students.

+ Integrity, flexibility and ability to adapt to an ever-changing environment.

Licenses and Certifications

+ SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP preferred

+ Association of Workplace Investigators or "AWI-CH” certification preferred

Working Conditions/Physical Demands

Investigations may require travel to various WCM facilities across NYC.

Cornell welcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world-class education and career opportunities, to further the founding principle of “any person, any study.” No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual’s genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Cornell University embraces diversity in its workforce and seeks job candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We hire based on merit, and encourage people from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply. Consistent with federal law, Cornell engages in affirmative action in employment for qualified protected veterans as defined in the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRRA) and qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.