The Role In Context
Georgia Institute of Technology seeks an experienced and highly capable leader to serve as its next Senior Director of Equal Opportunity & Compliance/Title IX Coordinator. As a leading public research university with a national and global profile, Georgia Tech operates within a complex academic, regulatory, and public environment that places heightened importance on fairness, consistency, and institutional accountability.
The Senior Director plays a central role in ensuring the Institute meets its obligations under federal and state civil rights laws while maintaining processes that are credible, humane, and trusted by the campus community. The position requires deep technical expertise as well as professional judgment, independence, and the ability to operate effectively across a wide range of constituencies.
Reporting to the Vice President for Equal Opportunity, Compliance, and Conflict Management, the Senior Director provides leadership at both a strategic and operational level. The role is highly visible and carries significant responsibility for how Georgia Tech responds to matters involving discrimination, harassment, and retaliation, and for how confidence in institutional processes is sustained over time.
Why This Role
This position offers the opportunity to lead a critical institutional function at a senior level. The Senior Director sets standards for process, ensures consistency in how matters are handled, and supports outcomes that the Institute can stand behind. The role requires steady leadership and the ability to balance regulatory requirements with the realities of a complex academic environment.
Why Now
The national landscape governing civil rights compliance and Title IX continues to evolve, increasing expectations for clarity, consistency, and credibility in institutional response. For an institution of Georgia Tech’s scale and visibility, these expectations extend beyond regulatory compliance to include the confidence of students, faculty, staff, and external stakeholders.
Georgia Tech is seeking a leader who can guide the Institute through ongoing regulatory change while reinforcing sound process, clear communication, and principled decision-making.
Why Georgia Tech
Georgia Tech’s public mission, research scale, and institutional complexity make it a compelling environment for an experienced compliance leader. The Institute values rigor, transparency, and accountability, and expects its leaders to approach sensitive matters with care, consistency, and sound judgment.
The Senior Director of Equal Opportunity & Compliance/Title IX Coordinator is responsible for the leadership, management, and execution of Georgia Tech’s equal opportunity and Title IX compliance program. The role encompasses institution-wide responsibilities and requires a high level of discretion, judgment, and professional expertise.
STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP AND ADMINISTRATION
- Serve as Georgia Tech’s designated Title IX Coordinator as well as Title VI Coordinator, with institution-wide authority and responsibility.
- Provide strategic leadership and direction for the Office of Equal Opportunity, Compliance, and Conflict Management.
- Develop, implement, and regularly review institutional policies and procedures related to discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct, and retaliation.
- Ensure alignment of policies and practices with applicable federal and state laws, regulations, and guidance.
- Manage resources, staffing, and workflows to support effective and timely program operations.
INVESTIGATIONS AND RESOLUTION
- Oversee the intake, assessment, investigation, and resolution of complaints involving discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct, and retaliation.
- Ensure that investigations are prompt, thorough, impartial, and conducted in accordance with institutional policies and legal requirements.
- Provide oversight and guidance to investigators, hearing officers, and decision-makers.
- Ensure appropriate coordination with campus partners, including Human Resources, Student Integrity, and Public Safety, as applicable.
- Support fair and consistent outcomes while maintaining confidentiality and procedural integrity.
COMPLIANCE OVERSIGHT AND RISK MANAGEMENT
- Monitor institutional compliance with Title IX, Title VI, Title VII, VAWA, the Clery Act, the ADA, Section 504, and related requirements.
- Track regulatory developments and assess their implications for institutional policy and practice. Advise senior leadership on compliance risks, emerging issues, and mitigation strategies.
- Prepare and coordinate responses to external inquiries, audits, and investigations by regulatory agencies.
- Ensure accurate documentation, recordkeeping, and reporting in accordance with legal and institutional requirements.
EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND PREVENTION
- Design and oversee education and training programs for students, faculty, staff, investigators, and decision-makers.
- Ensure that training content is current, effective, and aligned with legal requirements and best practices. Support prevention initiatives addressing discrimination, harassment, and sexual misconduct.
- Develop educational resources and communications to support awareness and understanding across the campus community.
DATA, ASSESSMENT, AND CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT
- Oversee systems for data collection, case tracking, and trend analysis.
- Analyze patterns and trends to identify systemic issues and opportunities for improvement. Use data to inform policy updates, training priorities, and strategic planning.
- Support continuous improvement of processes to strengthen consistency, transparency, and effectiveness.
EXTERNAL RELATIONS AND INSTITIUTIONAL COORDINATION
- Serve as the primary liaison with external agencies, including the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights, the Department of Justice, the EEOC, and state or local oversight bodies, as appropriate. Coordinate with legal counsel on complex matters, litigation, and regulatory compliance.
- Represent Georgia Tech in external forums related to equal opportunity and Title IX, as appropriate.
Georgia Institute of Technology seeks a leader whose experience reflects both deep technical expertise and the professional judgment required to manage complex, sensitive matters in a highly visible institutional environment. The successful candidate will bring a demonstrated record of sound decision-making, discretion, and credibility across a range of equal opportunity and Title IX responsibilities.
This role requires the ability to operate independently while engaging collaboratively with senior leadership, faculty, staff, and students. The Senior Director must be comfortable exercising authority, navigating ambiguity, and communicating clearly in high-stakes situations.
ACADEMIC BACKGROUND AND CREDENTIALS
Master’s degree required; an advanced degree such as a J.D., Ph.D., or equivalent is strongly preferred. Formal training or certification in Title IX, civil rights compliance, investigations, or related areas is desirable.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
- Significant, progressively responsible experience in equal opportunity, civil rights, Title IX, or related compliance work.
- Demonstrated experience overseeing or conducting complex investigations involving allegations of discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct, and retaliation.
- Experience interpreting and applying federal and state regulations in an institutional context, including Title IX, Title VI, Title VII, VAWA, the Clery Act, ADA, and Section 504.
- Leadership experience within higher education, the public sector, or similarly complex organizations.
- Experience working effectively with legal counsel, senior administrators, and external agencies.
PROFESSIONAL ATTRIBUTES AND JUDGMENT
- Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment in complex and sensitive matters.
- High level of integrity, discretion, and professionalism.
- Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with diverse constituencies, including senior leadership. Capacity to build trust and credibility across the institution.
- Ability to balance independence with collaboration in support of fair and consistent outcomes.
- Commitment to equity, fairness, and accountability in institutional practice.
Georgia Institute of Technology is a leading public research university with a strong national and global profile. Established in 1885, Georgia Tech is known for its commitment to rigorous education, impactful research, and public service. The Institute operates within a complex academic, regulatory, and public environment that requires disciplined governance and thoughtful leadership.
Georgia Tech serves more than 50,000 undergraduate, graduate, and executive students across programs in engineering, computing, science, business, design, and the liberal arts. With more than
$1.3 billion in annual sponsored research, the Institute maintains a broad research enterprise spanning areas such as advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, national security, biomedical innovation, and sustainability.
Georgia Tech employs thousands of faculty and staff and operates across multiple campuses and research sites.
As a public institution, Georgia Tech places high importance on integrity, accountability, and consistency in its policies and practices. The Institute’s scale and visibility heighten expectations for how sensitive matters are addressed and how civil rights obligations are met. Leadership roles within compliance and equal opportunity functions therefore carry significant institutional responsibility.
Located in Atlanta, Georgia Tech benefits from proximity to government agencies, research organizations, healthcare systems, and industry partners. The Institute’s urban setting and public mission contribute to the complexity of its operating environment and reinforce the importance of clear process, sound judgment, and trusted institutional practices.
OFFICE OF EQUAL OPPORTUNITY, COMPLIANCE, AND CONFLICT MANAGEMENT
The Office of Equal Opportunity, Compliance, and Conflict Management plays a central role in supporting Georgia Institute of Technology’s compliance with federal and state civil rights laws and in reinforcing consistent, credible institutional processes. The office is responsible for coordinating the Institute’s response to matters involving discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct, and retaliation, and for ensuring that policies and practices align with applicable legal requirements.
The Senior Director of Equal Opportunity & Compliance/Title IX Coordinator provides leadership for this function and serves as the Institute’s designated Title IX Coordinator. In this role, the Senior Director carries institution-wide authority and operates with the professional independence necessary to support fair, impartial, and defensible outcomes, consistent with federal expectations.
The office’s work spans policy development, complaint intake and resolution, education and training, and coordination with campus partners. The Senior Director works closely with the Office of General Counsel, Human Resources, Student Integrity, Public Safety, and academic leadership to ensure that matters are addressed consistently and in accordance with institutional standards.
CORE FUNCTIONS OF THIS OFFICE INCLUDE:
- Oversight of the Institute’s equal opportunity and Title IX compliance framework
- Intake, assessment, investigation, and resolution of complaints
- Development, review, and implementation of policies and procedures
- Education, training, and prevention programming
- Data tracking, reporting, and trend analysis
- Coordination with external agencies and oversight bodies, as appropriate
The Senior Director reports to the Vice President for Equal Opportunity, Compliance, and Conflict Management and engages regularly with senior leadership across the Institute. The role requires the ability to navigate complex organizational dynamics, maintain discretion, and support confidence in institutional processes through clarity,
Georgia Institute of Technology is located in Atlanta, one of the nation’s largest and most influential metropolitan areas. Atlanta serves as a major center for higher education, government, healthcare, business, and transportation, and plays a significant role in the economic and civic life of the southeastern United States.
The Atlanta metropolitan region is home to more than six million residents and a diverse range of institutions and organizations, including Fortune 500 companies, research universities, nonprofit organizations, and federal and state agencies. The city’s economy spans technology, healthcare, logistics, finance, media, and advanced manufacturing, creating a dynamic and interconnected professional environment.
Atlanta offers a broad range of cultural, educational, and civic resources. The city is home to nationally recognized museums, performing arts organizations, and historic institutions, as well as extensive park systems and public spaces. Neighborhoods throughout the region provide a variety of residential options, reflecting the city’s size and diversity.
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport provides direct access to destinations throughout the United States and around the world, supporting national and international engagement.
Georgia Tech’s centrally located campus allows for close connection to the region’s professional, governmental, and cultural institutions.
For leaders seeking a setting that combines professional opportunity, public engagement, and institutional complexity, Atlanta provides a substantive and well-connected environment.
NOMINATION AND APPLICATION PROCEDURES:
This search is led by Kevin Ferra, President and Founder of Ferra Executive Search.
Candidates should submit a curriculum vitae or resume and a letter of interest that addresses relevant experience, leadership approach, and alignment with the responsibilities of the role. Materials should reflect experience in equal opportunity compliance, Title IX, investigations, and institutional leadership, as applicable.
Nominations of qualified individuals are encouraged. Individuals wishing to nominate candidates may do so in confidence.
If you have any inquiries or nominations, please send an email to:
Kevin Ferra, Founding Partner
Ferra Executive Search
[email protected]
Please use ‘Title IX Search, Georgia Tech’ as the subject line when you contact Kevin.
Ferra Executive Search is a boutique executive search firm with experience recruiting senior leaders for research universities, complex public institutions, and mission-driven organizations. The firm works closely with governing boards, presidents, chancellors, and senior administrators on searches that require judgment, discretion, and institutional fluency.
Ferra is known for a hands-on, highly engaged approach. Searches are led directly by senior consultants who remain closely involved throughout the process, from early consultation and candidate development through final selection.
Ferra is committed to a search process that is thorough, confidential, and respectful of both candidates and institutions. All inquiries and conversations are handled with appropriate sensitivity, recognizing the professional responsibilities and standing of individuals currently serving in senior leadership roles.
Applications, nominations, and inquiries are welcomed and will be handled in confidence.
Additional information regarding the search process, timeline, and next steps will be shared with candidates as appropriate. References will not be contacted without a candidate’s knowledge.
The Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. The University is committed to maintaining a fair and respectful environment for all. To that end, and in accordance with federal and state law, Board of Regents policy, and University policy, Georgia Tech provides equal opportunity to all faculty, staff, students, and all other members of the Georgia Tech community, including applicants for admission and/or employment, contractors, volunteers, and participants in institutional programs, activities, or services.
Georgia Tech complies with all applicable laws and regulations governing equal opportunity in the workplace and in educational activities.
