University Ombuds and Director of the University Ombuds Office

UNC-Chapel Hill • Chapel Hill, NC

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is seeking to fill the position of University Ombuds and Director of the University Ombuds Office. 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 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.

Requirements

• 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
• A commitment to 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

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership for the Ombuds Office in carrying out its mission and executing the institutional mandate.
• Supervise Ombuds Office staff.
• Be responsible for both the day-to-day operations and strategic direction of the Ombuds Office.
• Support collaboration, effective communication, and enlightened decision making across the University.
• Assist with identifying options for navigating and/or addressing any dispute, issue, conflict, or concern related to an individual’s University experience.
• Facilitate group processes.
• Analyze quantitative and qualitative data and generate statistical and narrative reports.
• Lead a team to achieve departmental goals, objectives, and initiatives.
• Serve in an exclusively advisory position with no formal authority and minimal need for public acknowledgement.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director