Assistant Director - Student Conflict Resolution/Ombuds

Utah Valley University’s Division of Student Development & Well-Being is seeking an experienced problem-solver to serve as an Associate Director for Student Conflict Resolution Services and Ombuds in support of student and campus community empowerment. We are looking for someone with a positive energy and growth mindset who is energized about being part of Utah’s largest university with a broad educational dual-mission as an integrated university and community college, educating every student for success in work and life. 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; and diplomacy & flexibility.
 
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 mid-August.

• Conflict Resolution Services: Provide conflict resolution services and mediation to members of the campus community, serving as a neutral, informal, and confidential mediator, as opposed to an advocate. Listen objectively to campus community members conflicts/disputes, assist them in finding useful resolution options based on an initial assessment of the complaint, including within campus policies and procedures. Provide appropriate referrals to additional members of the campus community as needed. Works collaboratively with the Student Rights and Accountability team on informal and ADR pathway cases and restorative justice projects with campuswide impact. 
• Program Management and Leadership: Oversee the development and implementation of a peer mediator program and other conflict resolution programs that promote civility, fairness, and enhance students' ability to constructively communicate and navigate conflict. Ensure the availability of educational resources and support services for students. Design and conduct trainings and workshops for the campus community in conflict resolution, negotiation and communication skills, civility, and related topics. Monitor and apply research findings related to conflict resolution, restorative justice, and student development and success. Manage the assessment and evaluation of conflict resolution programs, including data collection and reporting. Develop and manage the program's budget. Procure promotional and training materials, maintain web content. Actively engage in professional development to stay abreast of industry standards. Track, analyze, and manage confidential and aggregate data. Compile an annual report with case data and trend overview. 
• Outreach and Networking: Coordinate outreach, networking, and educational activities which can include facilitating training or presentations, attending events, and ensuring the campus community knows about Ombuds services. Act as a proactive and preventative liaison between individuals or groups and the campus administrative structure, serving as a communicator or informal facilitator, as appropriate, to provide upward feedback and guidance regarding systematic issues and conflict trends. Consult with appropriate campus entities to develop cooperative strategies for resolving concerns and complaints. Also, conduct informal fact-finding, when appropriate, in order to better understand an issue from multiple perspectives and provide accurate, upward feedback. Provide early warning of new areas of organizational concern and recommends policy/procedure improvement to appropriate stakeholders. Track and analyze data and provide ongoing feedback to administration. Compile an annual report with case data and trend overview. 
• Other: Complete other duties required to effectively develop, assess, and manage all aspects of conflict resolution/Ombuds programs, ensuring program effectiveness, strategic planning, and expanding programming and support to meet campus community needs. Manage/mentor employees and student leaders, including recruitment, on-boarding, employee support, training, and providing professional growth opportunities.

Graduation from an accredited institution with a master’s degree in a related discipline or a combination of education B.S. or B.A. in a related field of study and experience totaling 6 years. Prior formal, basic mediation training. At least 3 years of experience utilizing conflict resolution and/or mediation techniques and skills with individuals and/or groups in complex and/or difficult cases. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Completion of the International Ombuds Association (IOA) “Foundations of Organizational Ombuds Practice” training or a 40-hour mediation course or a Certified Organizational Ombuds Practitioner.
• Three or more years of experience as an ombuds or in a related dispute resolution field managing cases with the highest degree of complexity and sensitivity. 
• Professional experience in or working with students in higher education settings. 
• Training in ADR and Restorative Justice models. 
• Experience researching, gathering, and analyzing data regarding trends, practices, policies, procedures, and campus climate issues. 
• Thorough understanding of university mission, vision, goals, objectives, resources, infrastructure, policies, procedures, and practices and understanding of applicable employment and academic laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures, research methods, techniques, and/or sources of information.

Knowledge

• Knowledge of the university, its structure, culture, policies, and practices.  
• Knowledge of the nature of conflict, and basic mediation and negotiation best practices, and other conflict resolution/restorative justice methods.  
• Knowledge of how decisions might impact individuals, as well as other stakeholders and the university/college. 
• The Ombuds must be sensitive in dealing with individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds and cultures. 
• The Ombuds must be open, objective, and must seek to understand issues from multiple perspectives. 
• The Ombuds should be innovative in developing options that are responsive to differing needs.  
• Knowledge of managerial, leadership and team management and development in high educational. 
• Expert knowledge of the appropriate role of the Ombuds including International Ombuds Association’s standards of practice and alternative dispute resolution theories, principles, practices, and techniques.

• Skills in outstanding interpersonal communication. 
• Skilled in program development and implementation. 
• Skilled supervising and working with direct reports and student interns.
• Skills in problem-solving.  
• Skills in strategic decision making and exercising good judgement, especially under pressure and in conflict situations.  
• Skills in professional networking and collaborating with others.  
• Skills in providing training, workshops, and presentations to varied audiences.  
• Excellent organizational skills. 
• Skilled in data collection, assessment, and compelling reporting.

• Ability to maintain a professional demeanor.  
• Ability to organize and communicate information to varying campus groups effectively.  
• Ability to gather information, analyze it and, as necessary, help campus community develop appropriate options and actions.  
• Ability to deal calmly, fairly, effectively and in a timely fashion with all campus members.  
• Ability to be open, objective, and seek to understand issues from multiple perspectives.  
• Ability to develop options that are responsive to differing needs.  
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.  
• Ability to operate program effectively and with minimal supervision.
• Ability to function with a high degree of autonomy requiring both independence and freedom to act within the context of casework.
• Ability to have reflective discussions and critique within the Ombuds team. 
• Expert ability in designing and facilitating classes, workshops, or training related to communication or conflict management.
• Demonstrated ability to have tact and be multi-partial. 
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.

EEO Statement:

UVU employment decisions are made on the basis of an applicant’s qualifications and ability to perform the job without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age (40 and over), disability, veteran status, pregnancy, childbirth, or pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or other bases protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.