University Ombuds

About the role

The University Ombuds is a designated impartial individual who informally and confidentially assists University employees and students in dealing with concerns or issues. The Ombuds helps by listening to concerns, clarifying issues, reviewing and developing options for managing or resolving concerns, and providing information and referrals. The Ombuds also coaches on oral and written communications related to employee and/or student matters, informally mediates conflicts, facilitates meetings, and conducts conflict management workshops. Additionally, the Ombuds engages in outreach, collaborates with administrators, faculty, staff, and students, and reports anonymous trend data to improve the University. The Ombuds does not provide legal advice, psychological counseling, act as an advocate, conduct formal investigations, or make decisions about complaints.

Responsibilities

• Provide confidential, informal, and impartial assistance to University employees and students by listening to concerns, clarifying issues, reviewing and developing options, and providing information and referrals.
• Coach employees and students on oral and written communications related to employee and/or student matters and on handling conflicts.
• Conduct informal mediation between employees and students in conflict; facilitate meetings and discussions.
• Design and conduct conflict management-related workshops for the University community.
• Engage in regular outreach to employees and students about the role of the Ombuds and collaborate with administrators, faculty, staff, and students across the University.
• Track anonymous trend data on Ombuds Office use and concerns; provide early warning of new areas of organizational concern and make recommendations for systemic improvements. Write an Annual Report containing this information.
• Serve as a campus resource for officials in formulating or modifying policy and procedures; identify issues that may surface due to gaps between stated University goals and practices.
• Develop, review, and update Ombuds website materials such as service descriptions, FAQs, outreach resources, and annual reports, ensuring content is clear, accessible, and non-identifying.
• Formulate, manage, and monitor the overall goals, direction, programs, and budget of the Ombuds Office. Supervise office staff or interns, if applicable.
• Ensure the integrity of the Ombuds Office through independence, impartiality, confidentiality, fair processes, and timely attention to resolution of issues, while demonstrating treatment of individuals with dignity and respect.

Requirements

• Thirty hours of mediation training required.
• Completion of the International Ombudsman Association Certification or IOAC Course Foundations of Organizational Ombudsman Practice within six months of the first day of University employment.
• A minimum of a Master’s or Professional Degree in a related field.
• Outstanding communication, organizational, listening, and coaching skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with individuals at all levels within the University.
• Must be able to maintain confidentiality and remain impartial.
• A strong background knowledge/experience with individual and group behavior matters.
• Proven history in resolving conflicts in a diverse environment.
• Demonstrated experience working in or supporting diverse communities, with the ability to navigate complex interpersonal and institutional dynamics in a higher-education environment while maintaining neutrality, cultural responsiveness, and respect for all parties.

Schedule

This is a University leadership position that requires regular in-person/on-campus attendance to meet the needs of the University and to foster strong and collaborative interactions across the University.