Title IX Coordinators: What do They do and Why do Schools Need One?
When most people hear "Title IX," they think of athletics, but the law’s reach goes far beyond the playing field. Title IX is a federal civil rights law that prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity receiving federal funding.
At the heart of an institution’s compliance efforts is the Title IX Coordinator—a role that’s critical to fostering a safe, inclusive, and legally compliant environment for all students and employees.
The Role
A
t its core, the Title IX Coordinator’s job is to ensure institutional compliance with Title IX regulations. But that role goes far beyond checking boxes. Coordinators are responsible for overseeing policies, managing complaints, leading training initiatives, and collaborating across departments to prevent and respond to sex-based discrimination, including sexual harassment and assault.
This role is not just about enforcement - it’s about prevention, education, and culture change.
Key Responsibilities of a Title IX Coordinator
1. Overseeing Compliance
👉 Ensures the institution is meeting all legal requirements under Title IX
2. Managing Complaints
👉 Leads the process for receiving, investigating, and resolving complaints
3. Providing Education and Training
👉 Develops and facilitates training for students and staff on topics such as policies and rights
4. Policy Development
👉 Drafts, updates, and helps implement institutional policies and protocols that align with federal and state laws
5. Monitoring and Prevention
👉 Identifies patterns of behavior or recurring issues that may signal systemic problems
6. Reporting and Documentation
👉 Prepares internal and external reports, tracks trends, and ensures thorough documentation
7. Communication and Outreach
👉 Acts as the primary point of contact for Title IX questions and ensures that information is clear and accessible
8. Collaboration
👉 Partners with students, staff, legal counsel, law enforcement, and others to ensure a coordinated response
9. Record Keeping
👉 Maintains detailed and organized records related to Title IX cases, training efforts, and compliance activities
Why This Role Matters
Title IX Coordinators are more than compliance officers; they are advocates for fairness and accountability. When this role is well-resourced and empowered, it sends a clear message that the institution takes sexual misconduct and discrimination seriously. Their work directly impacts the culture of a school by making sure all members of the community are protected and supported if they come forward with concerns.
Whether you’re a school leader, educator, student, or parent, understanding the scope and importance of this role is key. A well-supported Title IX Coordinator can help ensure that no student or employee is denied educational opportunities or a safe environment because of sex or gender-based discrimination or assault.
At Campus Integrity Group, we know the challenges Title IX Coordinators face because we’ve done the work ourselves. We partner with schools to support and strengthen Title IX efforts through training, investigations, compliance reviews, and more.
If your institution could benefit from external support, expert guidance, or a second set of eyes on your current practices, we’re here to help.
