Widener University is currently seeking a University Ombudsperson. Reporting to the Chief Diversity Officer, the University Ombudsperson is a dispute resolution practitioner, who is responsible for providing equitable, formal and impartial counsel to faculty and staff. Consultation issues may include, but not limited to, potential complaints, explanations of policies and procedures, or conflicts or general concerns about individual experiences that may impact work or studies. This role is intended to offer confidential sessions and advise offered in a safe setting that will provide opportunities to address concerns, identify options for resolution, and facilitate clarity of applicable resolutions. Resolution techniques may include conciliation, mediation, and negotiation within the University policies. The Ombudsperson is a non-decision maker role that serves in an advisory capacity.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (including, but not limited to):
Essential duties:
- Consult with faculty and staff in identifying and timely response to concerns, complaints or inquiries and creating resolution plans to address concerns.
- Consult with constituents to address inquiries regarding alleged acts, improprieties, and/or broader systemic problems within the purview of the role.
- Investigate complaints that are not Title IX related to verify the information or facts when working with a complainant.
- Serve as a resource to develop, guide and coordinate alternative dispute resolution (ADR) efforts throughout the University. The Ombudsperson works in concert with the University's existing campus and administrative resources identified to resolve faculty and staff issues.
- Develop general cooperative strategies for complaint resolution.
- Collaborate with campus partners and provide referrals to those resources as appropriate.
- Work closely with key offices serving faculty and staff to communicate, educate and raise awareness of potential issues.
- Identify problems or trends that affect the entire campus or significant part of the community and recommends possible ways to address the concern.
- Design, develop, and maintain the Ombudsperson webpage on the University's website.
- Collaborate with all campus partners in University-wide efforts to promote a campus culture and climate that is inclusive and equitable for all.
- Work collaboratively and effectively with university colleagues
- Maintain secure records in accordance with the recommendations from the International Ombudsperson Association.
- Generate aggregated and de-identified annual reports to share with senior University leadership identifying themes emerging from the work of the Ombudsperson relevant to campus culture, climate initiatives, and areas for policy and process improvement.
- Provide training and community outreach focused on conflict resolution skills, effective communication, and successful culture-climate change initiatives.
- Engage in ongoing training provided by the International Ombudsperson Association and other sources, including in areas of counseling, implicit and explicit bias, principles and practice of diversity, equity, inclusion and anti-racism, and trauma-informed.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (education/training and experience required):
Required:
- Master's degree in related field, Organizational Psychology, Higher Education Leadership, Counseling, Social Work, Communication
- Certified Organizational Ombudsperson Practitioner (CO-OP) or a candidate for the CO-OP or 5 years of demonstrated experience in related work.
- Demonstrated experience in designing and conducting trainings
- Demonstrated expertise in communication and interpersonal skills
- Demonstrated problem-solving skills
- Experience operating in high-level, confidential matters exercising discretion and professional demeanor at all times.
- Experience working in diverse environment and with diverse populations
- Proficient Microsoft Suite Skills
- Attention to detail and record keeping
Preferred:
- JD, EdD, or PhD in a related field
- Proven ability to build relationships and rapport with individuals at all institutional levels
- Current member of the International Ombuds Association.
- Experience in higher education
- Membership in professional associations, such as the International Ombudsperson Association
- Ombuds experience and prior experience in an academic/higher education environment
- Dispute resolutions and mediation training
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND/OR UNUSUAL HOURS:
- Typical office environment.
- High level of interaction with others in person electronically or via telephone.
- Sitting for long periods of time
- Spending hours looking at a computer screen
- Occasionally being mobile between workstation and other buildings on campus
- Occasional evening/weekend work may be required.
All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Widener University is committed to fostering an inclusive community in which faculty, staff, and students from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences are welcomed and can thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to providing equal educational and employment opportunities for all persons without regard to age, color, national origin, race, religion, disability, veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or status as a protected veteran.
Some positions may be eligible for a hybrid or remote work arrangement that may include a partially or fully remote work location, consistent with Widener’s Flexible Work policy.
Widener University, an independent, metropolitan, doctoral-intensive university, connects curricula to social issues through civic engagement. Dynamic teaching, active scholarship, personal attention and experiential learning are key components of the Widener Experience. Located in Chester, PA, Widener's main campus is nestled between Philadelphia, PA and Wilmington, DE, with Law Schools located in both Harrisburg and Wilmington. For more information about the university, please visit our website at www.widener.edu.
EOE M/F/V/D
