Ombudsperson

Ombudsperson

 

Georgia Institute of Technology Atlanta Metropolitan Area (Hybrid)

 

The Ombudsperson at the Georgia Institute of Technology will direct the activities of the Office of the Ombudsperson which shall serve as an impartial, confidential, and independent resource for faculty, students, and staff. This role is pivotal in promoting a fair, inclusive, and harmonious working and learning environment by addressing concerns, resolving conflicts, and fostering effective communication across the institution. The Ombudsperson role will play a critical role in promoting a culture of trust, respect, and collaboration within the institution. This position will interact on a regular basis with: Georgia Tech (GT) management and leadership, students, faculty, staff, and visitors. This position typically will advise and counsel: Students, faculty, staff, and visitors.

 

About Us:

Georgia Tech prides itself on its technological resources, collaborations, high-quality student body, and its commitment to building an outstanding and diverse community of learning, discovery, and creation. We strongly encourage applicants whose values align with our institutional values, as outlined in our Strategic Plan. These values include academic excellence, diversity of thought and experience, inquiry and innovation, collaboration and community, and ethical behavior and stewardship. Georgia Tech has policies to promote a healthy work-life balance and is aware that attracting faculty may require meeting the needs of two careers.

 

Georgia Tech is a top-ranked public research university situated in the heart of Atlanta, a diverse and vibrant city with numerous economic and cultural strengths. The Institute serves more than 45,000 students through top-ranked undergraduate, graduate, and executive programs in engineering, computing, science, business, design, and liberal arts. Georgia Tech's faculty attracted more than $1.4 billion in research awards this past year in fields ranging from biomedical technology to artificial intelligence, energy, sustainability, semiconductors, neuroscience, and national security. Georgia Tech ranks among the nation's top 20 universities for research and development spending and No. 1 among institutions without a medical school.

 

Responsibilities:

• Provide confidential consultation services to faculty, students, and staff who seek guidance on various issues, including but not limited to interpersonal conflicts, academic concerns, workplace disputes, ethical dilemmas, and institutional policies.
• Facilitate the resolution of conflicts through informal and formal mediation techniques, ensuring that all parties involved have an opportunity to express their perspectives and work towards mutually acceptable solutions. Engage other departments as necessary (Employee Relations, Conflict & Advocacy, etc.)
• Ensure fairness, equity, and ethical conduct within the Georgia Tech community, supporting the rights and interests of individuals while upholding the institute's values and policies, regardless of position or status within the institution.
• Partner with key institute stakeholders to develop and conduct educational workshops, training sessions, and outreach programs to promote conflict resolution skills, communication techniques, and awareness of available resources for faculty, students, and staff.
• Analyze institutional policies, procedures, and practices to identify areas for improvement in conflict management, communication channels, and institutional effectiveness, providing recommendations to relevant stakeholders.
• Engage in informal interventions to address issues before they escalate, such as facilitating dialogue between parties, providing coaching on communication strategies, and offering guidance on conflict resolution approaches.
• Maintain accurate and confidential records of consultations, cases, and outcomes while adhering to relevant privacy regulations. Prepare periodic reports on trends, patterns, and recommendations for institutional improvement.
• Collaborate with other campus offices, departments, and external resources to enhance support services, share best practices, and foster a culture of collaboration and conflict resolution within the Georgia Tech community.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned

 

Requirements:

• Master's degree in Conflict Management/Resolution, Organizational Behavior, Social Work, Human Resources Management, Public Administration, Psychology, Counseling or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Three or more years of job-related experience.

 

Preferences:

• Certification in Conflict Management and Mediation, Organizational Behavior, Social Work and/or other related certifications/credentials
• Advanced level degree: PhD, Juris Doctorate
• Previous experience working in an academic or institutional setting.
• Previous social work experience.

 

Ferra Executive Search has been retained to manage the search. Please send all applications, inquiries, or nominations via email to:

 

Kevin Ferra, Founding Partner

Ferra Executive Search

[email protected]

 

Please use ‘Ombudsperson - Georgia Tech’ as the subject line when you contact Kevin. 

 

More information on these policies can be found here: https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/c2714 Board of Regents Policy Manual | University System of Georgia (usg.edu).

 

USG Core Values:

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

 

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.

 

The Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. The University is committed to maintaining a fair and respectful environment for all. To that end, and in accordance with federal and state law, Board of Regents policy, and University policy, Georgia Tech provides equal opportunity to all faculty, staff, students, and all other members of the Georgia Tech community, including applicants for admission and/or employment, contractors, volunteers, and participants in institutional programs, activities, or services. Georgia Tech complies with all applicable laws and regulations governing equal opportunity in the workplace and in educational activities.

 

Georgia Tech prohibits discrimination, including discriminatory harassment, on the basis of race, ethnicity, ancestry, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, disability, genetics, or veteran status in its programs, activities, employment, and admissions. This prohibition applies to faculty, staff, students, and all other members of the Georgia Tech community, including affiliates, invitees, and guests. Further, Georgia Tech prohibits citizenship status, immigration status, and national origin discrimination in hiring, firing, and recruitment, except where such restrictions are required in order to comply with law, regulation, executive order, or Attorney General directive, or where they are required by Federal, State, or local government contract.