Ombuds I

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

About the Role

The Harvard University Ombuds Office — located in Cambridge and Boston — is part of Harvard University Central Administration. The Ombuds Office provides independent dispute resolution services to Harvard faculty, staff, students, trainees, and appointees at affiliated institutions whose concerns are impacting their work or studies. The Ombuds Office offers a highly confidential, impartial, and informal forum for visitors to clarify concerns, identify goals, and explore options for managing or resolving issues. Visitor options range from discussing problems to filing formal complaints. The office provides coaching, facilitation, shuttle diplomacy, upward feedback, policy guidance, and training on negotiation, conflict resolution, and related topics.

This is a 2-year term benefits-eligible position through June 30, 2028, with the possibility of extension.

Responsibilities

• Dispute Resolution & Consultation/Referral
  • Assist visitors in identifying and considering concerns, goals, and potential options for next steps.
  • Clarify university policies and procedures as needed.
  • Conduct informal fact-finding to promote a better understanding of issues.
  • Provide conflict coaching, informal mediation, group facilitation, and shuttle diplomacy.
  • Consult with faculty and/or managers to develop cooperative strategies for complaint resolution.
  • Provide referrals to other resources and work closely with key offices serving faculty, staff, students, and trainees.
• Community Outreach and Education
  • Provide ongoing education about the Ombuds Office and its role to all Harvard-connected members.
  • Conduct existing trainings and design new ones in negotiation, conflict resolution, authorship best practices, and related topics.
• Policy Analysis
  • Serve as a campus resource for policy formulation and modification.
  • Maintain non-identifying visitor statistics and training data for the annual report.
• Professionalism & Office Integrity
  • Uphold the Ombuds Office’s standards of confidentiality, impartiality, independence, and informality.
  • Respond to individuals in a timely, respectful, and professional manner.
  • Foster an environment of emotional and physical safety for visitors and staff.
  • Collaborate effectively with the Ombuds team and handle administrative tasks such as scheduling and organizing materials.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Minimum 5 years of demonstrated experience in ombudsing, conflict resolution, mediation, negotiation, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience designing and conducting trainings, including relevant computer skills.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Advanced degree in a related field preferred.
• Previous Ombuds experience and prior work in an academic/higher education environment strongly preferred.
• Basic mediation training (minimum 30 hours) and/or completion of the IOA Foundations of Organizational Ombudsman Practice course.
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to work with individuals at all institutional levels and navigate complex political dynamics.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and experience handling highly confidential matters with discretion.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Schedule

• 35 hours per week.
• Hybrid role with a minimum of 2–3 days on campus.

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support work-life balance and wellbeing, including:

• Generous paid time off, including parental leave.
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one.
• Retirement plans with university contributions.
• Wellbeing and mental health resources.
• Support for families and caregivers.
• Professional development opportunities, including tuition assistance and reimbursement.
• Commuter benefits, discounts, and campus perks.

Learn more on Harvard’s Benefits & Wellbeing Page.