University of Connecticut Ombuds Position Opening

AC⁴ encourages interested individuals to apply for an ombuds position at the University of Connecticut.  More information about the position is provided by the University of Connecticut below.

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University of Connecticut

Ombuds

University Staff Professional I

Under administrative review and reporting to the President, the University Ombuds serves as the lead Ombuds Officer for the faculty and staff at Storrs and regional campuses. The primary function of the Office of the Ombuds is to provide independent, confidential, impartial and informal assistance to University faculty and staff by listening to concerns, clarifying issues, and acting as a facilitator and/or mediator, and when appropriate facilitating informal, nonbinding mediation. This position does not have authority to make or change decisions and is not an advocate for the faculty, staff or the University. This position functions in accordance with the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice of the International Ombudsman Association (IOA) as a neutral party to promote fair practices and foster integrity and timeliness in the administration of the University policies and practices that may affect faculty and staff. The incumbent will maintain all matters in the strictest confidence to the extent permitted by law. This is a new full-time, confidential position. The University Ombuds will be responsible for designing, implementing, operating and coordinating all aspects of the University Ombuds Office, initially for University faculty and staff. It is anticipated that, once established, the Office will be expanded to other University constituencies.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

· Provides programmatic leadership and direction for the University of Connecticut Ombuds Office

· Develops and implements a program that provides independent, neutral, informal, and confidential (off-the-record) process for faculty and staff to address a variety of concerns that may arise at the University; operates independently as a supplement to existing administrative and formal dispute resolution processes.

· Provides confidential advice and guidance to university staff and faculty by offering even-handed, high-level assistance in dealing with difficult and complex issues.

· Serves as a resource for senior officials in the formulation of policies and procedures; makes recommendation on the formulation and revision of policies and procedures.

· Has authority to raise issues, while preserving the confidentiality of communications with inquirers that may arise as a result of discrepancies between stated goals and objectives of the University and actual practice.

· Compiles anonymous trend data and composes statistical and narrative reports; identifies trends and inconsistencies with, or potential issues existing with current policies, procedures and practices by using empirical and statistical data.

· Responsible for ensuring and preserving confidentiality of communications with inquirers to the extent allowed by law.

· Responsible for staying well informed of Ombuds standard practices and procedures and keeping abreast of changes in the field.

· Responsible for the development of informational and marketing materials and presentations; maintains involvement in outreach and education by designing and developing training programs for the University community in conflict resolution.

MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE QUALIFICATIONS

· Master’s degree in a related field or J.D. Minimum of five years Ombuds experience or related experience in mediation, counseling or employment law.

· Advanced knowledge and demonstrated experience in mediation and negotiation on a wide range of issues.

· Excellent interpersonal skills including ability to relate to a variety people throughout the organization.

· Ability to remain calm in tense or emotional situations.

· Demonstrated ability to evaluate and analyze complex issues and to respond in a sensitive and unbiased manner.

· Experience working at an institution of higher education.

· Superior written and verbal communication.

· Demonstrated ability to work in a multi-cultural academic environment.

· Ability to maintain strict confidentiality of privileged information.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS

· Experience as an Ombuds in a large, public higher education setting.

· Working knowledge of applicable laws governing confidentiality and the protection of information (FERPA, HIPPA, FMLA, ADA, etc.).

· Membership in the International Ombudsman Association.

· Experience working in a unionized environment.

CONTACT/APPLICATION INFORMATION

For further inquiries and to apply for this position, please contact

Elizabeth Conklin, J.D.
Interim Associate Vice President, Office of Diversity and Equity
Title IX Coordinator
University of Connecticut
241 Glenbrook Road; Unit 2175
Storrs, Connecticut 06269-2175
(860) 486-2943
ode@uconn.edu
www.ode.uconn.edu