University Ombudsperson – Ombuds Office

Discover Your Career at Emory University

Emory University is a leading research university that fosters excellence and attracts world‑class talent to innovate today and prepare leaders for the future. We welcome candidates who can contribute to the excellence of our academic community.

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.

• 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 University’s values and culture, the Emory Code of Conduct and the university’s 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.

• J.D., Ph.D. or other advanced degree in an academic area, mediation, conflict or dispute resolution, or 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,…