Ombudsperson

About the role

The Ombudsperson will provide impartial, informal, independent, and confidential conflict resolution services to all faculty and staff. The successful candidate will mediate and facilitate dialogue, identify trends, and provide recommendations for systemic change. This full-time staff position operates in accordance with the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice of the International Ombud Association (IOA).

Responsibilities

• Guide, advise, and collaborate with individual faculty and staff experiencing conflict.
• Counsel constituents in the navigation and utilization of existing conflict resolution resources.
• Bring systemic concerns to the attention of institutional leadership for resolution.
• Operate in a manner that preserves the confidentiality of those seeking services.
• Maintain a neutral and impartial position with respect to the concerns raised.
• Work at an informal level of the organizational system, independent of form units such as HR, Title VII/IX, and General Counsel.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships across all levels of administration, including collaboration with formal unites to provide referrals and support campus-wide initiatives.
• Engage and inform the campus community about the role and services of the Ombud.
• Provide an appropriate measure of transparency to the Ouds function.

Requirements

• Education required to ensure success in this position: A terminal degree in a field that demonstrates ability to work with diverse backgrounds, address conflict resolution, problem solving, and analytical ability required.
• Experience required to ensure success in this position: 5-7 years of Ombuds experience, with a record of successful conflict resolution preferred. Minimum of 5 years of dispute resolution experience. Demonstrated experience facilitating communication between parties ("shuttle diplomacy").
• Special skills, knowledge and abilities: Knowledge of higher education, including unique working environment of a small, liberal arts institution. Knowledge and application of International Ombudsman Association (IOA) Ethical Code and Standards of Practice. Decision-making and problem solving within higher education environment (or equivalent public or private sector including shared governance models) is preferred. Experience working with people of diverse backgrounds, cultures, and status. Strong skills in conflict resolution and alternative dispute resolution. Ability to gain and maintain trust at all organizational levels. Ability to engage in high level of consulting, problem-solving, and collaborative activities. Excellent communication and written skills. Excellent judgement and discretion. Ability to create and deliver educational workshops tailored to unique constituent groups.
• Licenses, certifications, or registrations necessary: International Ombudsman Association (IOA) certification preferred.

Qualifications

• Physical requirements: Ability to navigate campus/public buildings and grounds. Environmental conditions; Professional office environment with interruptions and noise due to frequent visitors, students, staff and faculty. Ability to operate the following vehicles or equipment: standard office equipment: computer, phone, etc.

Benefits

Berea College offers a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees and their families including health care, dental, vision, retirement, health savings accounts, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability and an Employee Assistance Program. The benefit package also includes access to the Child Development Laboratory for children of College Staff, ages 6 weeks to 6 years, Seabury Center Membership, Staff Development Funds and Tuition Reimbursement. Eligible staff employees also receive paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave. Part-time employees who work an average of twenty-four hours per week over the course of a year, receive benefits on a pro-rated basis.

Schedule

Full-time position.

Pay

Negotiable based on experience and qualifications.

Benefits

To learn more details, visit our benefits page at https://www.berea.edu/human-resources/employee-benefits.

Our Unique Culture

Berea College strives to be a place where people with various Christian interpretations, different religious traditions, and no religious traditions work together in support of Berea's Great Commitments. Over the past century, various leaders of the College have applied the College’s inclusive scriptural foundation and spirit to their expanding world and welcomed those whose beliefs were consistent with the Christian gospel of impartial love. Therefore, Berea College today affirms its inclusive Christian tradition even as it respects the traditions of Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, and Hindus, as well as other faiths, and those holding no religious beliefs. We strive not to ignore our differences, but rather seek to understand each other honestly and respectfully, and together create a climate where anyone can openly discuss what they believe without fear of sanction.

Labor Supervision

In support of Berea College’s great commitments, staff and faculty serve as labor supervisors. Our fourth great commitment, The Dignity of Labor, promotes learning and serving in community through the student Labor Program, honoring the dignity and utility of all work, mental and manual, and taking pride in work well done. Student Labor Supervision includes scheduling, assigning, and approving student work, developing students' workplace acumen, and providing tangible work experience.

Application Instructions

To apply, please visit our online job application at https://www.berea.edu/jobs.