Assistant Ombuds

Cornell University•Ithaca, MI

13d•$86,978 - $106,306•Onsite

About The Position

The University Ombuds Office is seeking an Assistant Ombuds who will act as a conflict resolution practitioner providing assistance to students, staff, and faculty for their Cornell-related concerns, conflicts, and issues. Assistant Ombuds responsibilities include meeting with community members, conducting outreach and training, and facilitating conversations with students, staff and faculty facing conflict or challenges. Through these activities, the Assistant Ombuds helps visitors resolve conflicts and contributes to building a campus culture of access and belonging. This is a full time, 40 hour/week, on campus position (within commuting distance from Ithaca, NY). Some hybrid activities are possible, but the Assistant Ombuds will be expected to be on campus regularly and frequently. Relocation assistance is not available for this position. Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position. Hiring budget for this position is between $91,810 - $96,000. The actual offer will be based on the candidate’s skills and experience.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree and at least 5 to 7 years’ experience in the field of conflict resolution/ mediation/ negotiation or related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience required.
Demonstrated conflict resolution skills.
Exceptional listening and interviewing skills.
Ability to identify the significant, relevant issues in a visitor concern.
Ability to work with sensitive issues.
Ability to exercise sound judgment under pressure.
Ability to maintain confidentiality.
Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
Strong written and oral communication skills.
Experience working with subtle and complex institutional political dynamics.
Strong background of sensitivity to issues of access and community belonging.

Nice To Haves

An understanding of University policies and protocols, structures and operation, plans and priorities.
An understanding of the implied fluidity of this structure in a growing and changing University.
Master’s degree in conflict resolution or related field.
Subject matter expertise in access and community belonging.

Responsibilities

Engage in active listening to discuss community members’ concerns.
Provide answers to visitors’ concerns or find the person who can provide answers and open avenues of communication.
Identify and explain relevant University policies and protocols.
Provide coaching on effective conflict management.
Provide visitors with information on how to make the University aware of a particular problem.
Recognize situations and issues that pose legal liability to the University and eliminate or reduce liability by, for example, ensuring visitors are aware of all reporting options.
Provide referrals to other University or community resources and support services.
Participate in resource fairs.
Update Ombuds Office website.
Update and distribute brochures and other outreach materials.
Develop and conduct presentations about Ombuds Office.
Develop and conduct training on conflict management.
Promote and model University values and mission.
Help identify gaps and inadequacies in University policies and procedures and assist in making recommendations for improvements.
Assist in development and management of campus-wide Conflict Management System.

Benefits

Comprehensive health care options
Generous retirement contributions
Access to wellness programs
Employee discounts with local and national retail brands
Health and personal leave
Vacation
Paid holidays: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and the day after, and an end of the year winter break from December 25-January 1.
Two additional floating holidays
Tuition-free Extramural Study and Employee Degree Program
Tuition aid for external education
Cornell Children's Tuition Assistance Program