Ombudsperson

Position Overview
An ombudsperson works with visitors in a confidential, impartial capacity to understand their University-related conflict or concern and provide informal options for resolving conflict in a fair and reasonable manner. The ombuds is not an advocate for any individual nor the University, but rather serves as an impartial third party. This is a hybrid position and will require working in person on the East Bank of the Minneapolis campus 2-3 days per week with an option for remote work 2-3 days per week.

Essential Functions:
1. Ombuds work: Conflict analysis and coaching, consultation, intervention, referral (75%)

• Take all steps to ensure the integrity of the office is maintained at all times, including upholding ombuds standards of practice regarding confidentiality, impartiality, independence, and informality.
• Utilize effective listening, interpersonal, written and oral communication skills to engage with visitors and other parties in a conflict
• Work with visitors with attention and commitment to their diverse backgrounds, experiences, and needs. Respect and adapt to cultural contexts regarding visitors' approach to conflict resolution.
• Assist visitors in clarifying and reframing the salient issues and in developing and analyzing options for resolution.
• Provide conflict coaching, shuttle diplomacy, mediation, and facilitate conversations as informal methods for conflict resolution.
• Consult with other parties to gather information, clarify, analyze problems, focus discussions, and develop a mutually satisfactory process for resolution.
• Develop and maintain an advanced understanding of programmatic, collegiate, and University structure, policies, procedures, and practices.
• Effectively utilize SCRC's network of contacts at key offices serving the University community.
• Identify University resources and make appropriate referrals for visitors and other parties to the conflict.
• Respond to all individuals in a timely way and treat all with respect and professionalism.
• Work collaboratively and effectively with the SCRC team in all aspects of ombuds work.

2. Policy Analysis and Feedback (10%)

• Identify trends based on the concerns brought forward by visitors. In collaboration with the Director and other SCRC staff, analyze patterns and recommend revisions to University policy and processes.
• Review case data and survey information to identify and address recurring issues or patterns.
• Identify University conflict trends (student progress barriers, unintended consequences of new procedures).
• Work proactively with professors/instructors, departments, and University committees to change the underlying institutional, procedural, or process barriers.
• Monitor and provide feedback on the effectiveness of policy and procedural changes from an equity lens.

3. Administrative Procedures and Outreach (10%)

• Participate in SCRC's Student Service Fees request process.
• Assist with unit hiring and training processes
• Assist with educating and communicating about the office and its role in the University.

4. Professional Development and Involvement (5%)

• Stay current with trends, models, and philosophies in ombuds work.
• Participate in professional development opportunities within and outside the University.
• Participate in service activities in the University, and/or broader community.
  

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and 4 years of relevant experience, or Master's degree and 2 years of relevant experience
• Outstanding listening, interpersonal, written and oral communication skills
• Demonstrated competence and experience in communicating across difference and engaging effectively and respectfully with individuals from
  diverse identities and backgrounds
• Demonstrated experience handling highly confidential matters with discretion, including the ability to organize and maintain confidential visitor information
• Demonstrated ability to engage conflict productively and diplomatically with a commitment to a fair process

Preferred Qualifications

• Past ombuds experience and/or conflict resolution experience
• Graduate degree in relevant discipline of study
• Demonstrated experience working with graduate and/or professional students
• Knowledge about common student experiences in graduate education at a research university
• Experience with/knowledge of University of Minnesota structure, policies,
  and practices

The Student Conflict Resolution Center (SCRC) offers confidential and impartial conflict resolution services to students and postdoctoral scholars who are navigating University-related problems and concerns. We assist visitors in identifying options for informally resolving various types of conflict, including: grading and course-related concerns, graduate and professional student issues,
billing and financial concerns, and academic policy petitions and appeals.

Pay Range: $55,000 - $60,000 per year depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume. For full consideration, please include resume, cover letter, and 3 references.

Posting has the priority deadline of 3/9/25.
Questions about this position email finn schneider - schn1174@umn.edu

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).