Associate Ombuds

University of Colorado System; Allenspark (CO); Hybrid; USD 108,000 - 129,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation funds

Job summary

The Ombuds Office at CU Boulder invites applications for an Associate Ombuds, a designated neutral practitioner offering confidential, informal assistance to students, staff, faculty, and administrators. They help individuals understand options, answer questions, and provide information and referrals, without any administrative authority.

This role follows the International Ombuds Association code of ethics and standards, with outreach to campus units in consultation with the Director.

Qualifications

• Three years of full-time experience in an Ombuds office or demonstrably equivalent responsibilities (law, conflict management, negotiation, dispute resolution).
• JD from an accredited institution of higher education.
• Ability and willingness to become an OCP (Certified Ombuds Practitioner) as soon as eligible.

Responsibilities

• Confer with individuals experiencing conflict and review options to resolve concerns.
• Provide conflict-related workshops, training and outreach to the university community.
• Facilitate or mediate conversations to improve understanding and identify resolution strategies.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Analytical skills

Team collaboration

Conflict management

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Job description

Job Summary

The Ombuds Office at CU Boulder invites applications for anAssociate Ombuds ! The Associate Ombuds is a designatedneutral dispute resolution practitioner who provides confidentialand informal assistance to students, staff, faculty, andadministrators at the University of Colorado Boulder. The AssociateOmbuds assists individuals in understanding and considering theiroptions, answers questions, facilitates communication, and providesinformation and referrals. They have no administrative ordecision-making authority on behalf of the University.

The Associate Ombuds follows the Code of Ethics and StandardsofPractice of the International Ombuds Association. In consultationwith the Director, the Associate Ombuds conducts outreach toassigned campus units.

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with allapplicable federal, state, and local laws governingnondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating aworkplace where all individuals are treated with respect anddignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds toapply, including protected veterans and individuals withdisabilities.

Who We Are

The Ombuds Office serves as a safe place to surface, voice, discussand clarify university-related concerns. Our team of skilledprofessionals listen without judgment, help people untangle issues,develop options and strategize. We provide an impartial perspectiveand maintain what is shared with us in the strictest confidence.Visitors to our office choose their path of resolution.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

• Confer with individuals experiencing conflict (e.g.,interpersonal disputes, complaints about perceived unfairtreatment). Assist these individuals in identifying and reviewingpossible options to manage or resolve their concerns.
• Provide conflict-related workshops, training and outreach formembers of the university community, including on socialmedia.
• Facilitate or mediate conversations involving conflictingindividuals or groups to assist them in improving mutualunderstanding and/or communication and identifying strategies toresolve work-related conflicts.
• Assist constituents in gathering information to help them inunderstanding and effectively navigating university bureaucracy(e.g., formal and informal rules, fair process concerns,procedures, etc.)
• Provide updates and commentary on policy and legal changes tothe Ombuds Office staff as needed.
• Communicate, as appropriate, with members of the universitycommunity to facilitate referrals, and to learn about significanttrends, initiatives, and activities across the campus. Supports theOmbuds Office with additional duties as needed.

What You Should Know

This position offers a hybrid work modality with both in person andremote work hours based on the business needs of the office.

What We Can Offer

• The hiring range for this position is $108,000-$129,200.
• Some relocation funds are available for eligiblecandidates.

Benefits

At the University of Colorado Boulder , we arecommitted to supporting the holistic health and well-being of ouremployees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical,dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuitionassistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for localtransit. As one of Boulder County’s largest employers, CU Boulderoffers an inspiring academic community and access to world-classoutdoor recreation. In fact, CU Boulder has been named one ofForbes' America's BestLarge Employers , ranking #4 among large employers in Coloradoand #28 among universities nationwide. Explore additional perks andprograms through the CU Advantage program.

Be Statements

Be ambitious. Be Boulder. Be Boulder.

What We Require

• Three years of full-time experience in an Ombuds office (ordemonstrably equivalent job responsibilities in law, conflictmanagement, negotiation and dispute resolution, mediation, or laborrelations).
• JD from an accredited institution of higher education.
• Ability and willingness to become an OCP (formerly CO-OP) -Certified Ombuds Practitioner as soon as eligible.

What You Will Need

• Clear understanding of the nature of interpersonal andorganizational conflict and effective skills to facilitate itsmanagement or resolution.
• Highly developed verbal and written communication skills inorder to communicate effectively with individuals at all levels ofthe university, as well as with people from a wide range ofcultures and life experiences.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills to helpconstituents develop a variety of options and take appropriateactions.
• Commitment to an environment where all can thrive.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively as a member of ahighly collaborative team.

What We Would Like You to Have

• Higher education experience.
• Training in mediation or alternative dispute resolution.
• Demonstrated experience with systematic and structuralchange.
• Proficiency in Spanish, Nepali, or Tibetan.

Please apply by October 19th, 2026 for consideration.

Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. Forconsideration, please apply through CU Boulder Jobs .

In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, inany materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifyinginformation such as age, date of birth, or dates of schoolattendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redactingor removing this information.