CHIEF INVESTIGATOR

The Chief Investigator will assist the Executive Director by managing the Investigations Unit and providing data updates to the Executive Director. This position has decision making authority, as assigned; access to confidential information; interacts with the public regarding enforcement actions taken by the Board; and assists with investigations.

This position may offer the ability to work remotely, within Arizona, based upon the department's business needs and continual meeting of expected performance measures.

The State of Arizona strives for a work culture that affords employees flexibility, autonomy, and trust. Across our many agencies, boards, and commissions, many State employees participate in the State’s Remote Work Program and are able to work remotely in their homes, in offices, and in hoteling spaces. All work, including remote work, should be performed within Arizona unless an exception is properly authorized in advance.

• Supervises, advises, and directs the Investigations Unit in carrying out daily work activities, which include a variety of complex or sensitive investigative tasks around allegations of law violations or noncompliance with state regulations of certified educators or applicants for educator certifications; assigns cases to investigators based on workload, priority and complexity.
• Reads and reviews reports of unprofessional or immoral conduct by certified and non-certified educators, evaluates and analyzes information to provide data updates to the Executive Director; present plans of actions to be taken, and logic for decision making to Executive Director, as needed.
• Collaborates with the Attorney General and Director of Enforcement Actions to present recommendations for action on the allegations based on factual evidence and statutory/administrative code authority and presents recommendations to the Executive Director and legal counsel for a final determination on action.
• Responsible for resolving complex or work procedural problems and questions presented by the Investigations Unit; communicate work instructions and expectations; disseminate Executive Director communication to direct reports; conduct regular one-on-one meetings; provide training to Senior Investigators; administer performance evaluations; manage schedules and leave requests; hire and discipline as necessary.
• Provides training and presentations to appropriate school personnel regarding State reporting requirements for alleged educator misconduct and the process for reporting misconduct and informing of State Board action, upon request; and assists in responding to public and school inquiries regarding the status of educators and investigations, including both verbal and written communication.
• Testifies in court or administrative hearings as an official witness; assists with the facilitation of the Professional Practices Advisory Committee.
• Serves as the Board’s representative at relevant stakeholder meetings and conferences; works cooperatively with Arizona Department of Education Staff as directed.

Knowledge of:

• Researching statutes, administrative rules, criminal convictions, and/or administrative licensing actions;
• Techniques and methods of interviewing, interrogating and records searching; knowledge of research methodologies;
• The Board and the Department of Education's authority and responsibilities;
• Educational and information data bases;
• Administrative, managerial, and supervisory processes and procedures.

Skills in:

• Applying research methodologies and interpreting results; skills in preparing investigative reports and presenting findings;
• Managing a diverse variety of tasks and priorities;
• Managing and supervising people;
• Proficient in Microsoft Suite and Google Workspace.

Ability to:

• Communicate on many levels, both orally and in written form;
• Administering and managing projects.

If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply: Driver’s License Requirements.

All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

The State of Arizona offers a comprehensive benefits package to include:
• Sick leave
• Vacation with 10 paid holidays per year
• Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program)
• Health and dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Life insurance and long-term disability insurance
• Optional employee benefits include short-term disability insurance, deferred compensation plans, and supplemental life insurance

By providing the option of a full-time or part-time remote work schedule, employees enjoy improved work/life balance, report higher job satisfaction, and are more productive. Remote work is a management option and not an employee entitlement or right. An agency may terminate a remote work agreement at its discretion.

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

• Positions in this classification participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS)
• Please note, enrollment eligibility will become effective after 27 weeks of employment

If you have any questions please feel free to contact Rose Ibe at rose.ibe@azdoa.gov.