University Ombudsperson Ombuds Office

Reporting to the University Ombudsperson and Senior Advisor to the President is a designated independent impartial neutral and confidential third party who will assist faculty staff and students at Emory University and its affiliated schools and colleges (undergraduates graduate students and Post Docs) at no cost in conflict management and resolution through informal means which includes consulting negotiation and mediation.

*A Cover Letter is required in order to be considered for the position.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Maintains confidential notes and statistical data for purposes of identifying trends and patterns in complaints and concerns; identifies student problem areas in university policies and practices; recommends revision and development of policies; and upon request issues reports to university leadership.
• Supports Emory Universitys values and culture the Emory Code of Conduct and the universitys commitment to community engagement.
• Provides information to individual visitors about resources applicable policies and procedures and reporting options to empower them to seek resolution of concerns related to their work or education at Emory University.
• Coordinates with other campus resources as appropriate to create a matrix of support.
• Communicates openly and regularly with leadership about general trends and concerns including suggestions for climate or structural improvements while maintaining confidentiality of individual visitors.
• Oversees the function of the campus informal mediation services.
• Develops and prepares trainings related to mediation and conflict resolution.
• Facilitates mediations and group-facilitated conflict.
• Develops and maintains relationships with university leaders in business units across campus.
• Knows and understands the purpose and parameters of the Office of the Ombuds to independently offer knowledge of resources available.
• May conduct research on a variety of issues concerns or topics related to the role of University Ombudsperson.
• Responds to general student inquiries on a broad level of concerns.
• Manages processes to enhance the Office of the Ombuds workflows.
• Performs related responsibilities as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Advanced degree in mediation conflict or dispute resolution or a J.D. or Ph.D. in a closely related field or an equivalent combination of education training and experience.
• Six years of professional experience related to the duties and responsibilities of the position preferably including experience with analysis of legal documents and policy documents.
• Certified Organizational Ombuds Practitioner (CO-OP) certification preferred.
• Strong preference for these skills and experience: related problem solving analysis and conflict resolution including the ability and courage to address the highest levels of the institution; designing and conducting training programs in conflict resolution negotiation skills and theory mediation civility compliance or other related topics; advising undergraduate and graduate students and student groups; coordinating student outreach programs; developing educational materials and policies and presentations for students; managing multiple cases in various phases of dispute resolution; establishing timelines and scheduling; and exploring options and conceptualizing mutually beneficial solutions and reaching successful resolutions.
• Knowledge of professional Ombuds standards code of ethics procedures and principles and techniques for informal inquiries.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise independent judgement and prudence in dealing with sensitive confidential matters and remain non-judgmental.
• Demonstrated ability to obtain the trust and confidence of individuals at all organizational levels.
• Demonstrated ability to understand liability and risk issues of a large complex organization including discrimination and sexual harassment whistleblower laws and policies and other compliance related issues.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills including the ability to communicate effectively and respectfully with individuals from diverse backgrounds and with diverse groups of individuals throughout the university community; the ability to make effective written and oral presentations.

NOTE: This role will be granted the opportunity to work from home regularly but must be able to commute to Emory University on a flexible weekly schedule based upon business needs. Schedule is based on agreed upon guidelines of department. This role requires residency in the state of GA. Emory reserves the right to change remote work status with notice to employee.

Emory is an equal opportunity employer and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color religion sex national origin disability protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law. Emory University does not discriminate in admissions educational programs or employment including recruitment hiring promotions transfers discipline terminations wage and salary administration benefits and training. Students faculty and staff are assured of participation in university programs and in the use of facilities without such discrimination. Emory University complies with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act and applicable executive orders federal and state regulations regarding nondiscrimination equal opportunity and affirmative action (for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities). Inquiries regarding this policy should be directed to the Emory University Department of Equity and Civil Rights Compliance 201 Dowman Drive Administration Building Atlanta GA 30322. Telephone: (V) (TDD).

Emory University is committed to ensuring equal access and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. To request this document in an alternate format or to seek a reasonable accommodation please contact the Department of Accessibility Services at or call (Voice) (TDD). We kindly ask that requests be made at least seven business days in advance to allow adequate time for coordination.