Student and Faculty Ombudsperson

Core Responsibilities:
The Ombudsperson performs various functions in carrying out their duties and responsibilities. They include:

Dispute and Complaint Investigation and Resolution

• Providing a respectful, safe, and humanized place for individuals to discuss problems, including helping them to clarify their concerns, identifying their goals, and developing and considering a range of options;
• Coaching individuals regarding written and verbal communications and in general, how to help themselves;
• Explaining relevant University policies, procedures, and practices;
• Providing referrals to other offices and services;
• Looking into problems by gathering data and the perspectives of others;
• Assisting in resolving interpersonal conflicts;
• Communicating as an intermediary between two parties who are reluctant to speak directly; and
• Facilitating one-on-one and group conversations and other measures consistent with the mission of the Office of the Staff Ombudsperson.

Trend Identification and Policy Development

• Providing information to the university leadership on trends and patterns of complaints without breaching confidentiality to prevent problems from escalating or reoccurring, and to identify systemic issues and trends;
• Serving as a campus consultant for senior officials who are formulating policies and procedures. In the capacity of a consultant, the ombuds may raise potential discrepancies between institutional goals and practice.

Management and Oversight

• Supervising the Ombudsperson Coordinator who provides ombudsperson service to the students and coordinates the activities of the Office of the Student and Faculty Ombudsperson.

Training, Education and Outreach

• Developing and conducting training and information sessions for the campus community related to the Student and Faculty Ombudsperson Office and its role on campus, as well as related issues that support conflict resolution, equity, and a campus climate of respect;
• Coordinating with staff and faculty within units who have informally acted in an ombudsperson-like role.
• Other duties as assigned.

Inclusion and cultural sensitivity are valued competencies at CMU. Therefore, we are in search of a team member who can effectively interact with a varied population of diverse audiences. We are looking for someone who shares our values and who will support the mission of the university through their work.

 
Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in related area and/or equivalent experience and/or training
• Expert knowledge of the nature of conflict and conflict resolution, techniques, and principles
• Expert conflict resolution and mediation skills and expert skills in developing effective options for conflict resolution.
• Expert knowledge of standards of practice and codes of ethics for professional ombuds practice, and the ways in which these are applied with the policies of an academic institution.
• Thorough understanding of all applicable laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures, research methods, techniques, and/or sources of information
• Excellent management skills with the ability to guide, mentor and develop staff.
• Expert interpersonal communication skills to work effectively with a broad range of diverse populations within a complex and multi-layered organization, including effective listening, discernment, empathy, and sensitivity skills.
• Skills in research assessment, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills
• Expert analytical skills with the ability to analyze statistical data to provide institutional feedback regarding trends, practices, policies, procedures, etc.
• Expert training skills
• Skills to understand risk and liability issues including the principles of university governance and academic freedom.
• Expert skills to identify issues and provide effective options, recognizing policy, legal and practical implications.
• Skill to identify systemic issues and recommend changes.
• Skill to work collaboratively to build and sustain highly effective and positive relationships at all organizational levels to promote systemic change.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain effective working relationships at all levels of administration.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Juris Doctor, Master’s Degree in Conflict Resolution, or equivalent advanced degree in an allied field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience as an organizational ombuds, a professional mediator, conflict resolution specialist, organizational development professional or equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.

Requirements:

• Successful background check

Contact:

Ferra Executive Search has been retained to manage the search. If you have any inquiries or nominations, please send an email to:

Kevin Ferra, Founding Partner

Ferra Executive Search

kevin@ferrasearch.com