University Ombuds, President's Office

Job Description Reporting to the President, the University Ombuds serves as a confidential, independent, impartial, and informal resource for faculty and staff to address concerns, resolve conflicts, and promote fair treatment across the university. The Ombuds provides guidance on university policies and procedures, facilitates communication, and assists in problem-solving while upholding principles of neutrality, confidentiality, and informality.

The Ombuds does not advocate for individuals but rather for fairness and impartial processes. The role serves as an alternative, informal channel for conflict resolution, separate from formal university procedures. The Ombuds also identifies systemic trends and offers recommendations to improve university policies and practices.

This position is not eligible for new visa sponsorship at this time. Candidates who already hold valid U.S. work authorization may be considered Key Responsibilities Confidential Informal Conflict Resolution Support Provides a safe, confidential space for individuals to discuss concerns, explore options, and seek resolution strategies.

Assists in informal dispute resolution through facilitated dialogue, conflict coaching, mediation, and shuttle diplomacy. Helps individuals understand university policies, procedures, and available resources without engaging in formal processes. Collaborates with Faculty/Staff Ombuds to provide mentorship and guidance, without formal oversight, related to the operationalization of International Ombuds Association (IOA) principles Impartiality Fair Process Advocacy Maintains neutrality and impartiality, ensuring fairness and objective treatment for all university members.

Does not take sides, make decisions, or determine policy but instead promotes fair and ethical practices. Identifies patterns of systemic concerns and provides feedback to university leadership while preserving confidentiality. Independence Structural Autonomy Operates independently from university administration, reporting trends and recommendations without being part of formal processes.

Has direct access to the President while maintaining functional independence. Does not participate in formal investigations, adjudications, or compliance-related functions in any capacity. Data Collection Reporting on Systemic Issues Tracks non-identifiable trends to identify recurring issues affecting the university community.

Prepares annual reports with aggregated data and recommendations to enhance fairness and institutional effectiveness. Maintains records in accordance with IOA best practices, ensuring no permanent documentation of confidential discussions.