Senior EEO Investigator

Summary

The Senior Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Investigator is responsible for overseeing and conducting thorough investigations into complaints of discrimination, harassment, and other EEO-related issues within the organization. The Investigator will also assist in facilitating reasonable accommodations for employees under the authority of the Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer.

The Investigator conduct annual workplace rights training for all members of the workforce, collects and analyzes trends data and appears on behalf of NYPA in internal and external forums on relevant topics. Through these efforts, the Investigator ensures that NYPA's commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility continue to drive employee engagement and accountability.

This role is part of a larger diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (DEIA) team, and this individual will collaborate with and lead initiatives in a wide variety of areas within the DEIA space.

Responsibilities

- Under minimal supervision of leadership, perform the responsibilities listed below

- Investigate and make recommendations regarding complex complaints of discrimination, harassment and retaliation based on protected class status by and against NYPA employees and affiliates

- Collaborate with HR Business Partners, Employee Relations, Legal, etc.

- Draft investigative reports and deliver associated findings regarding investigations to appropriate stakeholders

- Prepare accommodation determinations for review and issuance by the Designee for Reasonable Accommodations (DRA), investigate claims of improper denial

- Ensure that updated policies and procedure are communicated enterprise-wide via various platforms

- Meet regularly with internal and external stakeholders, including senior leaders

- Develop and deliver training content in 1:1, small and large group formats, including to civic groups, professional/trade organizations and other SMEs

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

- Ability to work independently, maintain the highest level of confidentiality and interact effectively with all levels of management required

- Demonstrated knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, regulations and guidelines related to labor and employment and affirmative action

- Ability to analyze and interpret Agency rules and regulations, as well as laws and other pertinent guidelines relating to the HR specializations of classification, staffing, labor relations, and employee relations

- Thorough understanding of mediation processes and techniques (e.g., negotiation and arbitration) strong people skills, impartiality, and the ability to protect confidential information.

- Proven ability to manage a large workload within tight time constraints and complete tasks in a timely manner

- Knowledge of diversity & inclusion principles, Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and affirmation action laws & regulations

- Demonstrated knowledge of and ability to interpret and apply federal, state and local laws and regulations (including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as amended, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act and related non-discrimination statutes, state and local laws, Executive Orders and guidelines) pertaining to equal opportunity, access and inclusion to employment, services and activities of the NYPA/Canals

- Strong organizational, planning, and investigatory skills

- Ability to assess and negotiate highly complex, confidential, and sensitive matters of discrimination, harassment, and disproportionate impact, while maintaining objectivity and neutrality

Education, Experience and Certifications

- Bachelor’s degree required; JD or Master’s Degree in related field preferred

- Minimum 5 years of experience in corporate, academic or government compliance, civil rights and inclusion, diversity, equity, accessibility (DEIA; DEI), Title VII / Title IX, dispute resolution or mediation

Physical Requirements

Ability to travel up to 25% of the time primarily within NY State

The New York Power Authority is committed to providing fair, competitive, and market-informed compensation. The estimated salary range for this position in White Plains is: $97,000-$120,000 and $84,000-$110,000 in Buffalo and Marcy . The salary offered will be determined based on the successful candidates’ relevant experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities.

The New York Power Authority and Canal Corporation believes that diversity, equity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage women, people of color, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents and veterans to apply. As an equal opportunity employer, NYPA/Canals is committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect communities across New York and enthusiastically serve them. We proudly celebrate diversity and do not discriminate based on race/color, creed/religion, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, age, disability, military status, gender/sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, pregnancy and related conditions, familial/marital status, domestic violence victim status, predisposing genetic characteristics, arrest/criminal conviction record or any other category protected by law.

NYPA/Canals will also provide reasonable accommodations during the hiring process related to candidates’ disabilities, pregnancy-related conditions, religious observances/practices and/or domestic violence concerns. To request an accommodation, please email  accessibility@nypa.gov .