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• If you are NOT a current employee or student please click Apply and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work additional information on remote work at Penn State seeNotice to Out of State Applicants.

POSITION SPECIFICS

Reporting directly to the Provosts Chief of Staff the inaugural Director University Ombuds Office will be responsible for establishing a new office that serves as a resource for Penn State faculty staff and postdoctoral scholars while also providing a systematic feedback channel for university leadership. The Ombuds Office will develop and implement a structured process for selecting ombuds representatives across organizational units oversee protocols and training for unit-level ombuds and serve as a central point of contact for questions guidance and coordination. Penn State Ombuds serve as a neutral resource to support these members of Penn States community across all our colleges and campuses helping to clarify misunderstandings advise employees on available courses of action and assist in the informal resolution of issues. The Ombuds Office enhances stakeholder contributions to the university contributes to the positive operation of units and promotes a fair and respectful campus environment by working to enhance effective communication avoid misunderstandings and clarify issues and language in interactions between unit stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

Conflict Resolution & Consultation

• Provide neutral and informal consultation to individual faculty staff and postdocs
• Assist in resolving workplace and interpersonal concerns
• Facilitate restorative dialogue when appropriate
• Coach individuals with conflict management and communication strategies
• Identify patterns and systemic issues while protecting individual confidentiality

Policy Navigation & Referral

• Guide faculty staff and postdocs to appropriate university policies offices and formal complaint channels
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of institutional policies and procedures

Training and Coordination

• Develop protocols and training for ombuds within units across Penn State and serve as a central point of contact for questions guidance and coordination
• Develop a strategy for individual unit ombuds to support staff and postdocs and integrate the existing Faculty Senate Ombuds program

Outreach & Education

• Conduct workshops and presentations on conflict resolution civility and the role of the Ombuds Office
• Promote awareness of the Ombuds Office and its services across all campuses

Data & Reporting

• Track and analyze trends in concerns and conflicts
• Prepare de-identified annual reports highlighting systemic issues and recommending policy or procedural changes

Office Leadership

• Establish and manage the Penn State Ombuds Office
• Represent Penn State in national and regional Ombuds networks
• Hire and manage staff and oversee budget and operations

Required Qualifications

• Advanced degree in a relevant field (e.g. law social work higher education conflict resolution)
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in conflict resolution mediation or higher education administration
• Demonstrated knowledge of the International Ombuds Association (IOA) Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics
• Strong interpersonal analytical and communication skills
• Ability to maintain neutrality confidentiality and independence
• Experience working with diverse populations and complex institutions

Preferred Qualifications

• Completion of IOAs Foundations of Organizational Ombuds Practice course
• Experience in data analysis and reporting
• Familiarity with university governance academic freedom and compliance frameworks
• Supervisory experience and strategic planning capabilities

Working Conditions

• Primarily office-based with potential for hybrid work
• Occasional travel between campuses and professional development events
• Minimal physical demands

Application Details

• Cover letter current résumé or CV and references

MINIMUM EDUCATION WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

SALARY & BENEFITS

Salary Structure - Information on Penn States salary structure

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional addition to comprehensive medical dental and vision coverage employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information please visit our Benefits Page.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988 Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security such as those concerning alcohol and drug use crime prevention the reporting of crimes sexual assault and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race color religion age sex sexual orientation gender identity national origin disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability please contact .

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