Civil Rights Specialist - 03437

Join Our Team – Make a Difference in Civil Rights Enforcement Are you a law school graduate or a professional with strong legal writing experience looking for a meaningful career in public service? Do you have a passion for justice and a commitment to enforcing civil rights? If so, the Iowa Office of Civil Rights (IOCR) wants to hear from you! We are seeking a Civil Rights Specialist (Employment Law Focus) to join our dedicated team. This role is perfect for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment, enjoys in-depth legal analysis, and is ready to make a real impact on civil rights enforcement in Iowa. Why IOCR? At IOCR, we are more than just an office—we are a team of hardworking professionals committed to fairness, equality, and justice. Our work directly impacts the lives of Iowans by enforcing civil rights protections. We foster an open and collaborative culture where your contributions are valued, and your skills are put to meaningful use. Our office handles a high volume of discrimination complaints, carefully analyzing facts and legal standards to uphold the Iowa Civil Rights Act . This means collecting documents, conducting interviews, and drafting detailed legal reports. If you have strong analytical and writing skills, this is your opportunity to play a critical role in civil rights enforcement. What You’ll Do Review and investigate complaints of discrimination in employment, public accommodations, housing, credit, and education. Conduct interviews with complainants, respondents, and witnesses. Analyze records, gather comparative evidence, and apply legal standards to determine if discrimination occurred. Prepare clear, well-reasoned written reports outlining investigative findings and legal analysis. Work closely with a team of legal professionals dedicated to civil rights in Iowa. What We Offer When you join IOCR, you become part of a mission-driven team while also enjoying an outstanding benefits package , including: Competitive salary with opportunities for increases. Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and life insurance options. Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and nine paid holidays per year. Iowa Public Employee Retirement System (IPERS) pension plan and optional 401A retirement plan with employer contributions. Flexible Spending Accounts for healthcare and dependent care. Employee discounts on wellness programs, recreation, travel, and more. A hybrid work schedule (two days in the office, three days remote) following the initial probationary period. Our office is located in a modern, state-of-the-art building just minutes from downtown Des Moines, historic Valley Junction, and the western suburbs. With ample parking, onsite fitness facilities, and easy access to parks and entertainment, our location offers convenience and a great work-life balance. Be a Part of Something Bigger At IOCR, your work matters. You’ll play a key role in upholding civil rights in Iowa, helping ensure fairness and equality for all. If you're ready to use your legal skills to make a difference, apply today! Learn more about the benefits available as a State of Iowa Employee here. The Iowa Office of Civil Rights is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome and encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply. E-Verify and Right to Work The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States. The State of Iowa also complies with the federal Right to Work laws, which protect employees’ rights to work without being required to join a labor organization. For more information, please visit www.e-verify.gov .

Are you a law school graduate or a professional with strong legal writing experience looking for a meaningful career in public service? Do you have a passion for justice and a commitment to enforcing civil rights? If so, the Iowa Office of Civil Rights (IOCR) wants to hear from you!

We are seeking a Civil Rights Specialist (Employment Law Focus) to join our dedicated team. This role is perfect for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment, enjoys in-depth legal analysis, and is ready to make a real impact on civil rights enforcement in Iowa.

At IOCR, we are more than just an office—we are a team of hardworking professionals committed to fairness, equality, and justice. Our work directly impacts the lives of Iowans by enforcing civil rights protections. We foster an open and collaborative culture where your contributions are valued, and your skills are put to meaningful use.

Our office handles a high volume of discrimination complaints, carefully analyzing facts and legal standards to uphold the Iowa Civil Rights Act . This means collecting documents, conducting interviews, and drafting detailed legal reports. If you have strong analytical and writing skills, this is your opportunity to play a critical role in civil rights enforcement.

Review and investigate complaints of discrimination in employment, public accommodations, housing, credit, and education.

Conduct interviews with complainants, respondents, and witnesses.

Analyze records, gather comparative evidence, and apply legal standards to determine if discrimination occurred.

Prepare clear, well-reasoned written reports outlining investigative findings and legal analysis.

Work closely with a team of legal professionals dedicated to civil rights in Iowa.

When you join IOCR, you become part of a mission-driven team while also enjoying an outstanding benefits package , including:

Competitive salary with opportunities for increases.

Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and life insurance options.

Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and nine paid holidays per year.

Iowa Public Employee Retirement System (IPERS) pension plan and optional 401A retirement plan with employer contributions.

Flexible Spending Accounts for healthcare and dependent care.

Employee discounts on wellness programs, recreation, travel, and more.

A hybrid work schedule (two days in the office, three days remote) following the initial probationary period.

Our office is located in a modern, state-of-the-art building just minutes from downtown Des Moines, historic Valley Junction, and the western suburbs. With ample parking, onsite fitness facilities, and easy access to parks and entertainment, our location offers convenience and a great work-life balance.

At IOCR, your work matters. You’ll play a key role in upholding civil rights in Iowa, helping ensure fairness and equality for all. If you're ready to use your legal skills to make a difference, apply today!

Learn more about the benefits available as a State of Iowa Employee here.

The Iowa Office of Civil Rights is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome and encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply.

Prioritize your well-being with our comprehensive health plans, including medical, dental, and vision coverage. Enjoy the peace of mind knowing that the State of Iowa covers 90% of the premiums, providing you and your loved ones with excellent coverage at a remarkably low cost.

We are proud to offer the Iowa Public Employees Retirement System (IPERS). A defined benefit plan, IPERS benefits are guaranteed for life, meaning once you retire, you will receive the same monthly benefit for the remainder of your life (once vested). We invest in your long-term financial well-being, so you can retire with peace of mind. Click here to learn more about IPERS .

Life is unpredictable, and at the State of Iowa, we understand the importance of work-life balance. Our leave policies, including paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave with unlimited accrual, ensure you have the flexibility you need for personal and family matters.

Elevate your career with continuous learning opportunities. We support your growth through training programs, workshops, and tuition reimbursement.

We care about your well-being beyond the workplace. Access confidential counseling, resources, and support through our Employee Assistance Program.

Be part of a diverse and inclusive workplace that embraces all backgrounds and perspectives. We believe diversity is a strength that drives innovation.

Ready to elevate your career with the State of Iowa? Click here to explore more about our unparalleled benefits and discover what makes us unique. Your success is our priority!

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No - I have NOT filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq

Yes - I HAVE filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq

I have not graduated from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in any field

Less than twenty four months of full time experience as an investigator requiring knowledge in civil rights laws or criminal investigation, including drafting investigative reports which involve application of relevant statutes?

Twenty four months or more of full time experience as an investigator as an investigator requiring knowledge in civil rights laws or criminal investigation, including drafting investigative reports which involve application of relevant statutes

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