University Ombudsperson - The New School : Job Details

The University Ombuds is a designated neutral or impartial dispute resolution practitioner whose major function is to provide confidential and informal assistance to constituents of The New School's community, which includes staff, faculty, and students. Serving as a designated neutral, the Ombuds is neither an advocate for any individual nor the organization, but rather is an advocate for fairness, who acts as a source of information and referral, and aids in answering individual's questions, and assists in the resolution of concerns and critical situations. The Ombuds and the Office of the Ombuds supplements, but does not replace, the university's existing resources for formal conflict resolution.REPORTINGThe Ombuds functions independent of existing administrative structures and reports directly to the Senior Vice President for Administration, University Secretary, and Chief of Staff in the Office of the President. The New School is strongly committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace and particularly seeks applications from members of underrepresented groups, as well as candidates who share this commitment. RESPONSIBILITIESConflict Resolution and Problem-Solving

• Conduct intake of university issues and disputes, respond to inquiries by providing support in the resolution of concerns and critical situations.
• Provide guidance on key issues , and help the inquirer assess who should be involved in particular cases and at what stage.
• Gather and analyze information, and, as necessary, help the inquirer develop appropriate options for further actions.
• Remain cognizant of how all decisions might impact the inquirer, as well as other stakeholders and the university.
• Maintain a thorough understanding of what leads to conflict, the nature of conflict, and methods of resolution.

• Evaluate conflict resolution methods to provide appropriate guidance on specific situations, which could include but are not limited to:
  • Help individuals learn how to deal with the matter directly if they wish to do so serving as a facilitator between the parties via shuttle diplomacy.
  • Informally bring parties together and serve as a facilitator or mediator.
  • Approach the conflict issue generically within the larger environment (especially when managing concerns around retaliation).
  • Influence systems change which could obviate the individual problem.
  • Facilitate the resolution of conflict between parties.

Equity and Inclusion

• Provide attentive and tactful sensitivity when dealing with individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds, experiences, and cultures.
• Remain open and objective in resolving issues, seek to understand problems from multiple perspectives.
• Develop innovative options that are responsive to different needs.

Outreach, Communication and Education

• Design and conduct or implement training programs for the campus community in dispute/conflict resolution, negotiation skills and theory, civility, and related topics.
• Maintain confidentiality and based on anonymous aggregate data, prepare periodic reports on trends in the reporting of issues or concerns, patterns or problem areas in existing policies and practices, recommendations for revisions and improvements, and assessments of the climate of the campus.
• Manage the ongoing education and communication about the role of the Ombuds to all potential inquirers as well as to campus leadership.

Lead and Maintain the Office of the Ombuds

• Formulate, manage and monitor the overall goals, direction, programs, and budget of the office.
• Ensure that the integrity of the office is maintained through independence, fair process, neutrality, impartiality, confidentiality, and timely attention to the resolution of issues while treating people with dignity and respect.

Organizational Knowledge and Networking

• Cultivate and maintain a deep understanding about the university, its structure, culture, policies, and practices.
• Collaborate with other university stakeholders as needed, establish and maintain broad contacts throughout the organization.

Professional Membership and Ongoing Development

• Maintain active membership in relevant professional associations, such as the International Ombuds Association, to stay on the leading edge of critical ombuds issues, such as confidentiality and privilege.
• Continually enhance skills through training courses offered by professional associations.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• A Bachelor's degree is required.
• Experience working within an academic institution is required.
• Experience working with people of diverse backgrounds and cultures is required.
• Outstanding communication skills and an ability to communicate effectively with individuals across the university, as well as, with people from various backgrounds, experiences, and cultures.
• Maintain a professional demeanor, have strong presentation skills, and be able to organize and communicate information.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• An advanced degree combined with relevant dispute resolution training and ombuds experience is preferred.
• At least 5 years of related professional-level work experience is preferred.
• Excellent problem-solving skills.
• Outstanding networking skills.
• Knowledge of The New School community is a plus.

WORK MODEOn-Campus Position - Employees in this position are expected to work on-campus during regularly scheduled work hours. Occasional remote work will be permitted with advance discussion and preparation. #LI-ONSITESALARY RANGE$125,000 - $145,000 per annumSPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTSWhen applying, please submit both a CV/Resume and a Cover Letter.We look forward to receiving your application!