Associate Ombuds

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

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation funds

Hybrid work model

Job summary

The Ombuds Office at University of Colorado Boulder invites applications for an Associate Ombuds, a designated neutral dispute resolution practitioner who provides confidential and informal assistance to students, staff, faculty, and administrators at the University of Colorado Boulder.

The Associate Ombuds assists individuals in understanding and considering their options, answers questions, facilitates communication, and provides information and referrals.

Qualifications

• Three years of full-time experience in an Ombuds office or equivalent in law, conflict management, negotiation, dispute resolution, mediation, or labor relations.
• Juris Doctorate from an accredited institution.
• Ability and willingness to become an OCP/Certified Ombuds Practitioner when eligible.

Responsibilities

• Confer with individuals in conflict to review options for resolution.
• Provide conflict-related workshops, training and outreach campus-wide.
• Facilitate or mediate conversations to improve mutual understanding and communication.
• Help constituents navigate university bureaucracy with clear information.
• Provide updates on policy and legal changes to staff as needed.
• Communicate with the campus community to facilitate referrals and learn about trends.

Skills

Conflict resolution

Verbal & written communication

Team collaboration

Education

JD (Juris Doctor)

Job description

Job Summary

The Ombuds Office at CU Boulder invites applications for an Associate Ombuds! The Associate Ombuds is a designated neutral dispute resolution practitioner who provides confidential and informal assistance to students, staff, faculty, and administrators at the University of Colorado Boulder. The Associate Ombuds assists individuals in understanding and considering their options, answers questions, facilitates communication, and provides information and referrals. They have no administrative or decision-making authority on behalf of the University.

The Associate Ombuds follows the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice of the International Ombuds Association. In consultation with the Director, the Associate Ombuds conducts outreach to assigned campus units.

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Who We Are

The Ombuds Office serves as a safe place to surface, voice, discuss and clarify university-related concerns. Our team of skilled professionals listen without judgment, help people untangle issues, develop options and strategize. We provide an impartial perspective and 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 unfair treatment). Assist these individuals in identifying and reviewing possible options to manage or resolve their concerns.
• Provide conflict-related workshops, training and outreach for members of the university community, including on social media.
• Facilitate or mediate conversations involving conflicting individuals or groups to assist them in improving mutual understanding and/or communication and identifying strategies to resolve work-related conflicts.
• Assist constituents in gathering information to help them in understanding 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 to the Ombuds Office staff as needed.
• Communicate, as appropriate, with members of the university community to facilitate referrals, and to learn about significant trends, initiatives, and activities across the campus. Supports the Ombuds Office with additional duties as needed.

What You Should Know

This position offers a hybrid work modality with both in person and remote 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 eligible candidates.

Benefits

At the University of Colorado Boulder, we are committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local transit. As one of Boulder County's largest employers, CU Boulder offers an inspiring academic community and access to world-class outdoor recreation. In fact, CU Boulder has been named one of Forbes' America's Best Large Employers, ranking #4 among large employers in Colorado and #28 among universities nationwide. Explore additional perks and programs 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 (or demonstrably equivalent job responsibilities in law, conflict management, negotiation and dispute resolution, mediation, or labor relations).
• 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 and organizational conflict and effective skills to facilitate its management or resolution.
• Highly developed verbal and written communication skills in order to communicate effectively with individuals at all levels of the university, as well as with people from a wide range of cultures and life experiences.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills to help constituents develop a variety of options and take appropriate actions.
• Commitment to an environment where all can thrive.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively as a member of a highly collaborative team.

What We Would Like You to Have

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