As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive.

Job Location (Full Address):

220 Hutchison Rd, Rochester, New York, United States of America, 14627

Opening:

Worker Subtype:

Regular

Time Type:

Full time

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

Department:

100003 Provosts Office

Work Shift:

UR - Day (United States of America)

Range:

UR URG 116

Compensation Range:

$108,483.00 - $162,725.00

The referenced pay range represents the minimum and maximum compensation for this job. Individual annual salaries/hourly rates will be set within the job's compensation range, and will be determined by considering factors including, but not limited to, market data, education, experience, qualifications, expertise of the individual, and internal equity considerations.

Responsibilities:

GENERAL PURPOSE:

The Ombudsperson leads the activities of the Office of the Ombuds which serves as an impartial, confidential, and independent resource for faculty, staff and students. This role adheres to the International Ombudsman Association (IOA) Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice. This role is pivotal in promoting a fair, inclusive, and harmonious working and learning environment by addressing individual concerns, resolving conflicts, and fostering effective communication across the institution. The Ombudsperson is a designated neutral who remains unaligned and impartial, with respect to any given instance or concern.

The position regularly interacts with management and leadership, faculty, and staff, and advises the Provost on matters that impact the institution. The Ombudsperson does not participate in formal dispute resolution processes, conduct formal investigations or adjudicate complaints, nor has the authority to make, change, or set aside administrative decisions. Rather, the Ombudsperson works closely with human resources, legal, provost and faculty affairs and the Office of Equity and Inclusion to promote a positive and productive working and learning environment.

Target Hiring Range: $108,483 – $135,604 annually

The target hiring range is the range anticipated for new hires into this position. Individual annual salaries/hourly rates will be determined by considering factors including, but not limited to, market data, education, experience, qualifications, expertise of the individual, and internal equity considerations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Dispute Resolution Consultation and Referral

• Provides impartial, informal, independent and confidential conflict resolution services to one or more constituencies, including faculty and staff and students. Responsible for program administration and/or management and independently establishes priorities, goals and objectives, and develops outreach activities and training on conflict resolution.

• Uses concepts in conflict resolution to resolve complex issues with campus-wide impact, at times with little or no campus precedent where analysis of situations or data requires an in-depth evaluation of variable factors. Conducts research and subsequently selects methods, techniques and evaluation criteria for obtaining results.

• Collaboration and Advocacy

• Partners with the Human Resources Business Partner team to identify issues, develop strategies to address patterns of concern, and implement resolutions.

• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships at all levels of administration including, but not limited to: Deans, Directors, Vice Presidents, Vice Provosts, and Provost and General Counsel.

• Acts as an advocate for fair processes, and collaborates with key stakeholders to enhance policies, procedures, and overall institutional climate.

Data Collection and Reporting

• Maintains accurate, de-identified records of concerns and cases to track patterns and trends.

• Gathers and analyzes data and prepares and presents annual reports summarizing activities, identifying recurring issues, suggesting institutional improvements and/or making recommendations for changes or educational interventions aimed at promoting a positive institutional climate.

Education and Outreach

• Develops and provides ongoing education, training sessions, resources, and communication to faculty, staff, and students about the Ombuds Office, its role, and conflict resolution.

• Serves as an institutional resource to other offices on campus for resolving complaints.

• Policy Interpretation and Guidance

• Provides guidance on university policies, procedures, and resources to help individuals navigate institutional systems.

• Acts as a thinking partner for individuals on ethical dilemmas and helps them navigate complex situations while upholding the University’s values, Code of Conduct, and policies.

• Identifies systemic issues or trends and recommends changes to improve fairness, equity, and inclusivity.

Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s Degree required.

• Ph.D. or Juris Doctorate degree preferred.

• Advanced certificate in mediation, conflict or dispute resolution, organizational psychology, higher education, counseling, or related field preferred.

• 5 years of relevant experience required;

• Or equivalent combination of education and experience required.

• Demonstrated ability to exercise independent judgement and prudence in dealing with sensitive confidential matters required.

• Ability to maintain impartial and neutral. Ability to maintain confidentiality required.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills required.

• Excellent problem-solving skills required.

• Ability to investigate, gather, analyze, and interpret information required.

• Ability to work collaboratively and effectively with faculty, students and staff from a wide variety of backgrounds and orientations required.

• Certified Organizational Ombudsman Practitioner (CO-OP) preferred.

• Certification by International Ombuds Association (IOA) preferred.

EOE Minorities / Females / Protected Veterans / Disabled:

The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion to advance the University’s mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create – and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion/creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other status protected by law. This commitment extends to the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates from underrepresented populations, veterans, and persons with disabilities consistent with these values and government contractor Affirmative Action obligations.

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Learn. Discover. Heal. Create.

Located in western New York, Rochester is our namesake and our home. One of the world’s leading research universities, Rochester has a long tradition of breaking boundaries—always pushing and questioning, learning and unlearning. We transform ideas into enterprises that create value and make the world ever better.

If you’re looking for a career in higher education or health care, the University of Rochester may offer the perfect opportunity for your background and goals

At the University of Rochester, we commit to diversity, equity, and inclusion and united by a strong commitment to be ever better—Meliora. It is an ideal that informs our shared mission to ensure all members of our community feel safe, respected, included, and valued.