Duke University Job Descriptions
Duke Job Postings
To see if there are current openings for any of the job descriptions listed on this web site, please search Duke Jobs.
ASSOCIATE OMBUDS
Job Title: ASSOCIATE OMBUDS
Job Code: 2906
FLSA: E
Job Level: 16
Revised Date: 08/01/2023
Job Family: JF 28
Occupational Summary
The Associate Ombuds provides confidential, impartial, informal, and independent services to graduate, professional, and undergraduate students; postdocs; administrators; faculty, and staff (except for individuals covered by a collective bargaining agreement and employees of the Duke Health System) seeking assistance to resolve questions and concerns affecting their relations with others within the institution and/or the institution itself. Services provided include consultation, conflict coaching, one-on-one and group facilitation, referrals, explanations of policies and procedures, review of available informal and formal resolution options, group training, and other services as appropriate. The Office operates independently of other administrative structures to maintain impartiality and to better ensure confidentiality when collaborating across the University.
Work Performed
Provides confidential, impartial, informal, and independent services to the University community pursuant to the Office Charter and the International Ombuds Association Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics. Listens to concerns; clarifies issues; empowers individuals to manage and engage in conflict constructively; serves as a strategic thought partner and conflict coach; assists with the interpretation and navigation of University policies and procedures; gathers additional information; helps individuals explore informal and formal pathways to address or raise concerns; and facilitates one-one-one and group conversations. Provides relevant information and refers individuals to other University and community-based resources as needed. Cultivates positive work relationships with colleagues and campus partners in University-wide efforts to promote a culture and climate that is inclusive and equitable. Identifies new issues and opportunities for systemic change within the University.
The Associate Ombuds is not an official of the University and does not make or set aside decisions, adjudicate matters, impose sanctions, or enforce University policies. The Associate Ombuds does not advocate on behalf of any individual or entity within the organization, and instead, seeks to identify processes and solutions that are fair and equitable to all individuals.
Designs or co-designs and delivers training and community outreach focused on conflict engagement, effective communication, collaborative problem-solving, negotiation skills, navigation of climate-culture dynamics, and other related topics. Makes informed recommendations for program enhancement.
Engages in local, regional, national, and/or international trainings for continuing education and professional development provided by the International Ombuds Association and other sources.
Maintains any case-related information (e.g., notes, emails, phone messages, appointment calendars) in a secure location and manner consistent with Office protocols and policies. Regularly updates case tracking and training information consistent with Office protocols. Supports data management for a variety of reporting projects. Together with the University Ombuds, collaborates in the conceptualization, design, drafting, and presentation of the Office annual report and other periodic reports through data collection, analysis, and visualization. Attends weekly and other Office staff meetings to deliberate issues facing the Office, its staff and visitors, and to share about work, ongoing training and outreach efforts.
Required Qualifications at this Level
Education/Training
Applicants must have Master's degree in a related field and previous experience in higher education or academic medicine. Must have or be eligible for membership in the International Ombudsman Association and adhere to its Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice.
Preferred qualifications include Ombuds training, dispute resolution and mediation training, familiarity with organizational development theories, and/or other relevant training.
Experience
Four years of related experience required. Experience in Ombuds role, training via the International Ombudsman Association and/or Certified Organizational Ombudsman Practitioner (CO-OP) status preferred.
Skills
The intent of this job description is to provide a representative and level of the types of duties and responsibilities that will be required of positions given this title and shall not be construed as a declaration of the total of the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.
Duke University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.
Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas-an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.
Essential Physical Job Functions
Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.
