Associate Ombuds

Duke University:

Duke University was created in 1924 through an indenture of trust by James Buchanan Duke. Today, Duke is regarded as one of America’s leading research universities. Located in Durham, North Carolina, Duke is positioned in the heart of the Research Triangle, which is ranked annually as one of the best places in the country to work and live. Duke has more than 15,000 students who study and conduct research in its 10 undergraduate, graduate and professional schools. With about 40,000 employees, Duke is the third largest private employer in North Carolina, and it now has international programs in more than 150 countries.

Help foster a culture of understanding, collaboration, and respectful conflict resolution across a diverse university community.

Application Process: Candidates are requested to attach a cover letter with their application. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.

Be You.

Under the general direction of the University Ombuds, the Associate Ombuds provides confidential, impartial, informal, and independent services to graduate, professional, and undergraduate students; postdocs; administrators; faculty; and staff (except individuals covered by a collective bargaining agreement and employees of the Duke Health System) who seek assistance in resolving questions and concerns affecting their relationships with others at Duke and/or the university, consistent with the International Ombuds Association Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics. The Office operates independently of other administrative structures at the university.

Work Arrangement – On-site; 40 hours per week, in Durham, North Carolina.

Visa Sponsorship: Duke University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.

DEPARTMENTAL PREFERENCES

• Five (5) years of related experience strongly preferred.
• Experience in Ombuds role, and training via the International Ombuds Association preferred.
• Preferred qualifications include a terminal degree, IOA “Foundations of Organizational Ombuds Practice” training; restorative practices and mediation training; conflict coaching training; familiarity with organizational development theories; and/or other relevant training.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education - 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 (4) 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.

Be Bold.

Skills

• Outstanding communication, organizational, listening, and coaching skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with individuals at all levels within the university.
• Must be able to maintain confidentiality, remain impartial and exercise discretion.
• Strong background knowledge/experience with individual and group behavior.
• Demonstrated experience navigating complex interpersonal and institutional dynamics while maintaining impartiality and respect for all individuals.
• Effective presentation and training skills. Ability to self-start and work under the supervision of the University Ombuds.
• Ability to research, gather, and analyze data regarding trends, practices, policies, and procedures for university and/or academic health issues.

Work Performed

• Provides confidential, impartial, informal, and independent services to the University community in accordance with 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 interpreting and navigating University policies and procedures;
• gathers additional information; helps individuals explore informal and formal pathways to address or raise concerns; and facilitates one-on-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 inclusive and equitable work, learning, and living environments for all individuals.
• In collaboration with the University Ombuds, identifies new issues and opportunities for systemic change within the University.
• Designs or co-designs and delivers training and community outreach focused on conflict engagement, effective communication, collaborative problem-solving, negotiation skills, navigating climate-culture dynamics, and related topics. Makes informed recommendations to the University Ombuds for program enhancement.
• Engages in local, regional, national, and/or international training for continuing education and professional development, provided by the International Ombuds Association and other sources.
• Maintains case-related information (e.g., notes, emails, phone messages, appointment calendars) in a secure location in accordance with Office protocols and policies. Regularly updates case tracking and training information in line with Office protocols. Supports data management for a variety of reporting projects. In collaboration with the University
• Ombuds, contributes to the conceptualization, design, drafting, and presentation of the Office annual report and other periodic reports by collecting, analyzing, and visualizing data. Attends weekly and other Office staff meetings to discuss issues facing the Office, its staff, and visitors, and to share updates on work, ongoing training, and outreach efforts.

The Associate Ombuds is not a university official 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. Instead, the Associate Ombuds seeks to identify processes and solutions that are fair and equitable to all individuals.

Choose Duke.

Join us in fostering understanding, collaboration, and respectful dialogue by applying today!