University Ombuds and Director of the University Ombuds Office

About the role

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill seeks to fill the position of University Ombuds and Director of the University Ombuds Office (the 'University Ombuds'). This is a full-time EHRA Non-Faculty position. The University Ombuds reports directly to the Chancellor of the University and works across the University to support collaboration, effective communication, and enlightened decision-making.

Responsibilities

• Provides a confidential, impartial, informal and independent resource for constructive problem solving, serving all members of the University community (staff, faculty, students, administrators and postdoctoral scholars).
• Affirms the University’s commitment to the International Ombuds Association Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice.
• Assists with identifying options for navigating and/or addressing any dispute, issue, conflict, or concern related to an individual’s University experience.
• Works with campus decision makers to improve campus climate and operations.
• Supervises Ombuds Office staff and is responsible for both the day-to-day operations and strategic direction of the Ombuds Office.

Requirements

• Relevant post-Baccalaureate degree required (or foreign degree equivalent) with three years or greater of related professional experience; for candidates demonstrating comparable professional backgrounds, will accept a relevant Bachelor’s degree (or foreign degree equivalent) and five years or greater of relevant experience in substitution.
• Outstanding oral and written communication skills.
• A reputation for integrity and sound professional judgment.
• The ability to communicate effectively with individuals at all levels of the University, and a commitment to the continuous learning and self-reflection necessary to work effectively with members of a complex organization in an inclusive and respectful manner.
• An understanding of higher education structures and dynamics.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and a demonstrated ability to analyze complex scenarios, delineate and articulate issues, and assist in developing and analyzing a range of options and approaches to resolution.
• An understanding of conflict resolution and mediation techniques and principles.
• An understanding of formal resolution processes and related ethical/legal/risk management concepts.
• The ability to maintain strict confidentiality, use discretion and discernment in highly sensitive situations and respond to all individuals with care and concern.
• Excellent presentation skills and the ability, or willingness to learn, to facilitate group processes.
• The ability, or willingness to learn, to analyze quantitative and qualitative data and generate statistical and narrative reports.
• A commitment to leading a team to achieve departmental goals, objectives, and initiatives.
• The desire and ability to serve in an exclusively advisory position with no formal authority and minimal need for public acknowledgement.

Qualifications

• Relevant post-Baccalaureate degree required (or foreign degree equivalent) with three years or greater of related professional experience; for candidates demonstrating comparable professional backgrounds, will accept a relevant Bachelor’s degree (or foreign degree equivalent) and five years or greater of relevant experience in substitution.
• Experience working in and understanding complex organizational environments preferred.
• Terminal degree and 5 years of professional experience preferred.

Skills

• A well-developed understanding of the role of an organizational ombuds.
• Outstanding oral and written communication skills.
• A reputation for integrity and sound professional judgment.
• The ability to communicate effectively with individuals at all levels of the University, and a commitment to the continuous learning and self-reflection necessary to work effectively with members of a complex organization in an inclusive and respectful manner.
• An understanding of higher education structures and dynamics.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and a demonstrated ability to analyze complex scenarios, delineate and articulate issues, and assist in developing and analyzing a range of options and approaches to resolution.
• An understanding of conflict resolution and mediation techniques and principles.
• An understanding of formal resolution processes and related ethical/legal/risk management concepts.
• The ability to maintain strict confidentiality, use discretion and discernment in highly sensitive situations and respond to all individuals with care and concern.
• Excellent presentation skills and the ability, or willingness to learn, to facilitate group processes.
• The ability, or willingness to learn, to analyze quantitative and qualitative data and generate statistical and narrative reports.
• A commitment to leading a team to achieve departmental goals, objectives, and initiatives.
• The desire and ability to serve in an exclusively advisory position with no formal authority and minimal need for public acknowledgement.

Benefits

Salary dependent upon experience.

Pay

Salary dependent upon experience.

Schedule

Full-Time Permanent.

Contact Information

Department Contact Name and Title: Karen West, HR and Business Ops. Specialist
Department Contact Telephone or Email: karen.west@unc.edu
Office of Human Resources Contact Information: If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at (919) 843-2300 or send an email to employment@unc.edu

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Applicant Documents

Required Documents:

• Curriculum Vitae / Resume
• Cover Letter

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• *Please select the response below that describes your level of education that best or mostly closely satisfies the education requirements for this position.
• - Bachelor’s degree in required discipline(s) listed or related field
• - Bachelor's degree in any field/discipline
• - Master's degree or Doctorate degree in required discipline(s) listed or related field
• - Master's degree or Doctorate degree in any field/discipline
• - None of the above
• *Do you have an earned terminal degree and at least 5 years of professional experience in a related field?
• - Yes
• - No
• *Please describe, in less than 250 words, your experience working in and understanding complex organizational environments.