University Ombuds

Northeastern offers a rewarding working environment for our students and employees. Our faculty and staff are smart, dedicated people who work to create an excellent urban university experience for bright and motivated students.

Job Summary:

The University Ombuds is a designated impartial individual who informally and confidentially assists University employees and students in dealing with concerns or issues. The Ombuds helps employees and students by listening to concerns, clarifying issues, reviewing and developing options for managing or resolving their concerns, and providing information and referrals. The Ombuds also coaches’ employees and students on oral and written communications related to employee and/or student matters and in handling conflicts; informally mediates between parties in conflict; facilitates meetings and discussions; and conducts conflict management related workshops. Additionally, the Ombuds is required to engage in outreach to employees and students about the role of the University Ombuds as well as to collaborate and develop good working relationships with administrators, faculty, staff, and students across the University. The University Ombuds supplements, but does not replace, the University's existing resources for employees and students. The Ombuds does not provide legal advice or psychological counseling. The Ombuds will not act as an advocate for any party in a dispute, nor will the Ombuds act as a representative for the University administration or parties who visit or consult the Ombuds Office. The Ombuds also does not conduct formal investigations, make decisions about complaints, establish or change policies, or serve as an agent for the University in receiving notices of complaints. The Ombuds, however, is required to report anonymous trend data and Ombuds Office use; provide early warning of new areas of organizational concern; can make recommendations to improve the University; and can act as an advocate for healthy and effective campus conflict resolution.

Job Description:

• The Ombuds' major function is providing confidential, informal, and impartial assistance to University employees and students by listening to concerns, clarifying issues; reviewing and developing options for managing or resolving their concerns; and providing information and referrals. 

• Coaching employees and students on oral and written communications related to employee and/or student matters and on handling conflicts. 

• Informal mediation between employees and students in conflict; facilitating meetings and discussions. 

• Designing and conducting conflict management related workshops for the University community.

• Engaging in regular outreach to employees and students about the role of the Ombuds as well as collaborating and developing good working relationships with administrators, faculty, staff, and students across the University. 

• Tracking trend data anonymously on the use of the Ombuds Office and concerns of employees and students; providing early warning of new areas of organizational concern and need for systemic improvements; and making recommendations to improve the University. Write Annual Report containing this information. 

• Serving as a campus resource for officials in formulating or modifying policy and procedures; identifying issues that may surface as a result of any gaps between stated University goals and University practices. 

• Develops, reviews, and updates Ombuds website materials such as service descriptions, FAQs, outreach resources, and annual reports, ensuring content is clear, accessible, and non-identifying.

• Formulating, managing, and monitoring the overall goals, direction, programs and budget of the Ombuds Office. Supervise office staff or interns, if applicable.

• Ensuring that the integrity of the Ombuds Office is maintained through independence, impartiality, confidentiality, fair processes, and timely attention to the resolution of issues, while demonstrating treatment of individuals with dignity and respect.

OTHER INFORMATION:

This is a University leadership position that requires regular in-person/on-campus attendance to meet the needs of the University and to foster strong and collaborative interactions across the University.

Minimal Qualifications:

• Thirty hours of mediation training required. Completion of the International Ombudsman Association Certification or IOAC Course Foundations of Organizational Ombudsman Practice within six months of the first day of University employment. A minimum of a Masters or Professional Degree in related field.

• Outstanding communication, organizational, listening, and coaching skills. Ability to communicate effectively with individuals at all levels within the University. Must be able to maintain confidentiality and remain impartial. A strong background knowledge/experience with individual and group behavior matters. Proven history in resolving conflicts in a diverse environment.

• Demonstrated experience working in or supporting diverse communities, with the ability to navigate complex interpersonal and institutional dynamics in a higher-education environment while maintaining neutrality, cultural responsiveness, and respect for all parties.

• Effective presentation and training skills. Ability to self-start and work independently. Must know and adhere to the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice of the International Ombudsman Association. 

This position requires a background check.

Salary Range

$115,000 - $125,000

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Benefits

University employees may be eligible for a variety of State of Illinois benefits. These benefits are administered through the Illinois Department of Central Management Service (CMS). Please visit our Employee Benefits page to learn more about our comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and vision benefits, sick and vacation days, and participation in the State Universities Retirement System.

Transcripts

Copies of unofficial transcripts are accepted; however, official transcripts for all earned degrees will be required of candidates selected for final interviews.

Northeastern Illinois University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and invites applications from Women, Minorities, Veterans and Persons with Disabilities, as well as other qualified individuals. Northeastern Illinois University's positions are contingent upon the University's receipt of its State of Illinois appropriation.