Job Description

Boston University invites applications for the position of Associate Ombuds.  The successful candidate for this position will report to the University Ombuds. The Office is also staffed by the Senior Associate Ombuds and a part-time administrative assistant.  

Position Description  
Serve the BU community as an independent, informal, impartial, and confidential resource for conflict management and conflict coaching.  
Carry out the role as a third party neutral while remaining an advocate for fair process and the fair 
administration of process. 

Specific duties include : 

• Assist Individuals and groups in
  • clarifying issues and generate options for managing problems and conflicts
  • accessing university policies and resources
  • developing skills in collaborative conflict management, effective communication, and managing difficult conversations.
• Provide informal mediation, dialogue facilitation, and shuttle diplomacy 
• Stay informed of and provide referrals to other BU resources as needed 
• Review patterns of concerns and identify those problems that appear to be systemic or the source of recurring or emerging grievances, or that pose risk to the university. 
• Serve as a resource for the review, formulation, or modification of policies and practices
• Respond to individuals in a timely way and treat all individuals with dignity and respect
• Work collaboratively and effectively with ombuds office staff and help foster a respectful and productive workplace climate
• Demonstrate commitment and sensitivity to matters of fairness, diversity, equity and belonging
• Ensure the integrity of the Office of the Ombuds and adhere to ombuds principles of practice including confidentiality, independence, neutrality, and informality
• Participate in ombuds office marketing and communication efforts  

Required Skills

Required:

• Advanced degree
• Excellent listening & creative problem-solving skills
• Minimum of three years successful experience in conflict management, mediation, collaborative problem solving, negotiation, ombuds or related work
• Ability to 
  ▪ Maintain discretion and confidentiality 
  ▪ Demonstrate integrity  
  ▪ Exercise exceptional professional judgment while working with highly sensitive, complex, 
  and nuanced issues 
  ▪ Assess complex systemic issues and organizational cultures & dynamics 
  ▪ Work both independently and as part of a larger organization 
  ▪ Work successfully with individuals at all organizational levels and with diverse populations

In accordance with Boston University’s flexible work guidelines, full-time hybrid or remote work options may be considered for candidates with extensive ombuds experience. Factors that would be considered, but not exhaustive, would include location of remote work and experience level.  

Desired, not required:

• Successful experience in ombuds role
• Basic mediation training or equivalent  
• Excellent facilitation skills
• Experience working in 
  ▪ higher education or a medical education environment 
  ▪ organizational development 

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, natural or protective hairstyle, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, or because of marital, parental, or veteran status. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

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