Assistant or Associate University Ombudsperson
Job Description
The University of Tennessee Office of Ombuds Services (https://ombuds.utk.edu/) is seeking an experienced organizational-level problem-solver to serve as Assistant or Associate Ombuds in support of student, staff, and faculty empowerment. We are looking for someone with a positive energy and growth mindset who is energized about being part of our flagship land-grant university with a broad educational mission serving all citizens across the state. In addition to the required/preferred educational and experience requirements below, we are looking for a person who demonstrates:
- integrity;
- compassion & empathy;
- curiosity & reflexivity;
- innovative & proactive;
- diplomacy & flexibility; and
- maturity & inclusivity.
Are you ready to join our team and share our strategic mission? Are you excited about contributing and collaborating in all aspects of our ombuds function including visitor support services, education and outreach, and leadership support for organizational change? If yes, this job is perfect for you – apply now! Preferred start date by early fall semester.
Responsibilities
- Following the International Ombuds Association Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics provide ombuds services as an independent, impartial, informal, and confidential resource
- Coach organizational community members, of all levels and functions to help them navigate organizational challenges for individuals and teams.
- Engage with the most difficult, complex or politically sensitive cases with little or no precedent where analysis of situation or data requires reflective problem-solving
- Develop cooperative strategies that may be applicable to individuals, teams, and units to prevent future problems
- Provide visitors referrals as needed to other campus resources
- Act as a facilitator and/or mediator for discussions among small and large groups to encourage open communication and collaboration
- Provide counsel to managers or leaders, offering guidance and strategies in effectively managing conflict, and team dynamics, and change management
- Serve as a communications liaison between individuals and the campus leaders as appropriate and provide feedback and recommendations for systemic change while advocating fairness
- Maintain a current understanding of university policies and procedures to advocate for a fairness when the need arises
- Promote the university’s tradition of excellence and integrity and foster ethical professional relationships, creative thinking, and institutional improvement
- Work closely with other members of the office to provide optimal visitor consultation services and educational programming
- Routinely share with the Director systemic trends observed in visitor consultations and any specific visitor situations that require guidance from the director
- Materially contribute to the development of the annual report
- Participate in strategic and long-range planning processes
- Follow the office data security plan to collect qualitative and quantitative data for analysis and identification of systemic trends
- In coordination with the Educational Program Coordinator engage in office outreach activities
- As a subject matter expert, in collaboration with the Educational Program Coordinator, develop training and/or presentations that address constituent needs aligned to ombuds strategic goals
- Facilitate training and/or presentation in an area of expertise that supports the ombuds strategic goals
- Engage in professional development for obtaining or maintaining professional certification requirements for the Certified Organizational Ombuds Practitioner
- Engage in professional development that will enhance services
- Engage in professional activities with ombuds professional organizations
- Assume other responsibilities as assigned by the University Ombudsperson and Director
Required Qualifications
- Experience: 3-8 years’ experience in organizational problem solving, change management, coaching, alternative dispute resolution, conflict resolution or other relevant experience, as well as a record of successfully collaborating with individuals at all levels of an organization – see specifics below.
- Education & Experience for Assistant level:
- Bachelor’s Degree with at least eight years’ experience, or
- Master's degree with at least four years’ experience
- Education & Experience for Associate level:
- At least two years’ experience as a full-time ombuds, or four years’ experience as part-time ombuds, AND
- Master’s degree with at least six years’ experience, or
- Doctoral degree with at least three years’ experience
Preferred Qualifications
- Education & Experience for Assistant level:
- At least four years’ experience in positions that dealt with general organizational operations and decision-making processes.
- Experience working with a diverse group of individuals in an organization.
- Education & Experience for Associate level:
- At least four years’ experience in positions that dealt with general university operations and decision-making.
- Supervision experience.
- Experience working with a diverse group of individuals in an organization.
- Has obtained the Certified Organizational Ombuds Practitioner Certification.
Work Location
Knoxville, TN
- Onsite, Hybrid, or Remote: Hybrid with remote workdays as determined by constituent scheduling and office events.
Salary Range
- Assistant University Ombudsperson $86,000 to 115,000
- Associate University Ombudsperson $115,000 to 135,000
Final offer dependent on education, experience, licensure, and certification.
Relocation stipend available for selected candidates
UT market range: MR 14 (for both Assistant and Associate)
Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here
Find more information on UT Benefits here
Application Instructions
To express interest, please apply with attachments below. To be assured of full consideration, applicants must include all requested materials.
- Resume: 1-2 pages
- Cover Letter - highlight how your related career goals, experiences, and values align with the position responsibilities and the UT Ombuds Office vision.
- List of 3 Professional References–with up-to-date contact information–we will not contact your references without your permission.
