University Ombuds

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Chapel Hill (NC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is seeking a University Ombuds and Director of the University Ombuds Office to provide confidential, impartial, and independent problem solving across the university.

The role leads the Ombuds Office’s operations and strategic direction, serving staff, faculty, students, and administrators in alignment with ethical standards and institutional goals.

Qualifications

• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and exercise discretion.
• Understanding of higher education structures and dynamics.
• Ability to analyze complex scenarios and articulate options for resolution.

Responsibilities

• Provide confidential, impartial, informal problem solving for all campus members.
• Lead day-to-day operations and strategic direction of the Ombuds Office.
• Collaborate with campus entities and provide capacity-building facilitation.
• Serve in an advisory capacity with no formal authority while promoting integrity and equity.

Skills

Oral communication

Written communication

Integrity

Discretion

Conflict resolution

Higher education knowledge

Education

Post-Baccalaureate degree

Bachelor's degree + 5 years experience

Job description

University Ombuds

Position Summary:

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is seeking 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.

The University Ombuds Office (the 'Ombuds Office') provides a confidential, impartial, informal and independent resource for constructive problem solving, serving all members of the University community (i.e, staff, faculty, students, administrators and postdoctoral scholars.) Consistent with the International Ombuds Association Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice, the Ombuds Office assists with identifying options for navigating and/or addressing any dispute, issue, conflict, or concern related to an individual's University experience.

The University Ombuds provides leadership for the Ombuds Office in carrying out its mission and executing the institutional mandate articulated in the office's charter. The University Ombuds supervises Ombuds Office staff and is responsible for both the day-to-day operations and strategic direction of the Ombuds Office.

Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit:

The Ombuds Office provides a confidential, impartial, informal and independent resource for constructive problem solving, serving all members of the University community (i.e, staff, faculty, students, administrators and postdoctoral scholars.) Consistent with the International Ombuds Association Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice, the University Ombuds Office assists with identifying options for navigating and/or addressing any dispute, issue, conflict, or concern related to an individual's University experience.

The Ombuds Office provides insights and information to campus decision makers to improve campus climate and operations and to make the University an excellent place to work, study, live, and play for everyone. In addition, the Ombuds Office collaborates with other campus entities, when appropriate, and provides capacity-building facilitation services and educational programming.

The Ombuds Office does not replace any formal University process, including any grievance procedure, and the University Ombuds does not participate in formal processes internal or external to the University. The University Ombuds has no authority to establish, change or set aside University rules, policies, or management decisions. The Ombuds Office does not accept notice of complaints on behalf of the University.

The Ombuds Office supports the mission of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and its identity as a proudly public research university, committed to enhancing the quality of life for the people of North Carolina and beyond. The Ombuds Office does not serve the UNC Healthcare System.

The Ombuds Office, like the University itself, supports intellectual freedom and promotes personal integrity, dignity, justice, and values that foster enlightened leadership and constructive interactions among members of the campus community.

Minimum Education and Experience:

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.

Required qualifications, competencies, and experience:

• 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
• 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
• ability, or willingness to learn, to analyze quantitative and qualitative data and generate statistical and narrative reports
• 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

Preferred qualifications, competencies, and experience

Experience working in and understanding complex organizational environments, Terminal degree and 5 years of professional experience

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.