Associate Ombud

Job Description

ASSOCIATE OMBUD

Req #: 244849 Department: OFFICE OF THE OMBUD Appointing Department Web Address: https://www.washington.edu/ombud/ Job Location: Seattle Campus Job Location Detail: Hybrid eligible Posting Date: 03/31/2025 Closing Info: Open Until Filled Salary: $9,584 - 11,667 per month Other Compensation: Shift: First Shift Benefits: As a UW employee, you will enjoy generous benefits and work/life programs. For a complete description of our benefits for this position, please visit our website, click here. As a UW employee, you have a unique opportunity to change lives on our campuses, in our state and around the world. UW employees offer their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to build stronger minds and a healthier world.
UW faculty and staff also enjoy outstanding benefits, professional growth opportunities and unique resources in an environment noted for diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.
The Associate Ombud helps lead the university-wide efforts of the Office of the Ombud and handles a wide array of complex situations with significant institutional impact. While the Office of the Ombud supports the entire university community, including students, this position is focused on serving faculty, staff and leadership. Expected to work on 200-250 cases per year, the Associate Ombud supports individuals through conflict coaching sessions and also provides a range of dispute resolution, restorative practices, trainings, and workshops to resolve group conflicts.
The Associate Ombud engages with individuals and units at critical junctures. In these situations, the Associate Ombud is expected to exhibit a high level of professional judgement and expertise as they support the resolution of matters that routinely involve formal complaints, health and safety concerns, and broad institutional impacts. To serve as an effective thought partner, the Associate Ombud must be knowledgeable about the resources, codes, and policies relevant to faculty and staff. While maintaining discretion in their day-to-day work with clients, they also regularly update the rest of the Office of the Ombud team on relevant cases and request assistance as necessary. Recognizing the rigors of this work, the Office of the Ombud places a premium on having a collaborative and positive internal culture in which every member of the office is a thoughtful, optimistic and generous colleague.
The Associate Ombud advances the work of the Office of the Ombud, often engaging directly with leaders, directors, chairs and deans, across the University of Washington's three academic campuses (Seattle, Bothell, and Tacoma) and medical centers (Montlake, Harborview and Northwest). The Associate Ombud is available to meet with any faculty and staff, who are facing a challenging situation and provides services in keeping with the code of ethics and standards of practice that are defined by the International Ombuds Association (IOA). This role extends the impact of the Office of the Ombud by providing leadership, training and coordination, for the faculty members who serve as Conciliators and promote faculty dispute resolution as defined in the Faculty Code, Chapter 27.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Facilitate Conflict Resolution – 60%
• Meet with a wide range of clients (staff, faculty and leadership) across the university to discuss individual or group challenges and help establish pathways to resolution within the existing administrative policies and procedures.
• Facilitate mediations or lead other methods of alternative dispute resolution to assist groups or work units in resolving conflict.
• Coach individuals on communication skills, giving feedback, using communication aimed at reducing tensions and fostering constructive dialogue, presenting detailed and coherent information, being proactive and exploring best- and worst-case scenarios.
• Provide leadership and support in situations that may involve formal and informal processes. Manages difficult, complex, or politically sensitive cases where analysis of situations or data requires an in-depth evaluation of variable factors.
• Recognize and respond to situations that pose potential legal liability, such as discrimination and harassment.
• Identify and assess issues to determine appropriate engagement with HR contacts across the University. Drives collaboration between the Office of the Ombud and Campus HR Consultants, Faculty Senate, Compliance and Risk Services, and school/department leadership.
Develop and Conduct Preventative Outreach and Training – 20%
• Gather, analyze, and prepare recommendations for improved processes, in conjunction with the University Ombud, for decision-makers at all levels.
• Develop and present trainings on performance management and conflict resolution. Engage in ongoing professional development and participate in continuous learning to develop and improve upon outreach and training efforts.
• Conduct outreach on behalf of the Ombuds Office across the three academic campuses and serve as a representative of the office, including attending unit meetings, leadership events, training, and orientation activities.
• Makes recommendations for organizational policy and/or procedural changes for clarity and improvement and advises on and helps to make change when appropriate to improve university climate.
• Provides high-level summary reports, including recommendations for institutional policy and/or procedural changes. Ensures consistency and accuracy in reporting on overall activities.
Program Management – 20%
• Leads the Conciliation program which provides informal dispute resolution proceedings for faculty as described in Chapter 27 of the Faculty Code.
• Ensures Conciliation cases are initiated, documented, and time-constrained, in keeping with codified expectations for the program.
• Manages training, quarterly gatherings, and professional development opportunities for the Conciliation panel members.
• Manages outreach, partnerships and marketing collateral, to increase institutional awareness and utilization of the Conciliation program.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Bachelor's degree, preferably in communication, human resources, sociology, psychology, health sciences, social work, or related field.
Minimum of five years of related experience in higher education or a large public sector organization, to include:
• Demonstrated skill in individual coaching, mediation, restorative justice practices, and/or other methods of alternative dispute resolution.
• Track record of working effectively with members of diverse communities in an inclusive, respectful, and supportive manner.
• Excellent interpersonal skills related to supporting and empowering individuals who exhibit behaviors indicative of extreme stress, anxiety, or fear.
• Ability to deal with sensitive and personal matters with the highest regard to confidentiality and privacy.
• Experience developing curriculum and leading trainings related to Ombuds work and/or alternative dispute resolution.
• Excellent organizational skills and experience in handling high volumes of complex and stressful situations.
• Motivated self-starter who can work independently and collaboratively.
Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
• Advanced ombud professional experience and training
• Previous experience in an office or role focused on academic affairs
• Experience and demonstrated ability to provide challenging information to leadership officials in a solution-focused and effective manner
• Superior oral and written communication skills
WORKING CONDITIONS
In-person work in office settings and remote work via Zoom/phone.
Application Process: The application process may include completion of a variety of online assessments to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process. These assessments may include Work Authorization, Cover Letter and/or others. Any assessments that you need to complete will appear on your screen as soon as you select “Apply to this position”. Once you begin an assessment, it must be completed at that time; if you do not complete the assessment, you will be prompted to do so the next time you log into your “My Jobs” page. If you choose to take it later, it will appear on your "My Jobs" page to take when you are ready. Please note that your application will not be reviewed, and you will not be considered for this position until all required assessments have been completed.

Committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff, the University of Washington will honor your experiences, perspectives and unique identity. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable and welcoming.

The University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or [email protected] .

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law .

Apply for this job