Office Coordinator and Ombuds Assistant - Office of the University Staff Ombuds

Georgetown University comprises two unique campuses in the nation’s capital. With the Hilltop Campus located in the heart of the historic Georgetown neighborhood, and the Capitol Campus, just minutes from the U.S. Capitol and U.S. Supreme Court, Georgetown University offers rigorous academic programs, a global perspective, and unparalleled opportunities to engage with Washington, D.C. Our community is a close-knit group of remarkable individuals driven by intellectual inquiry, a commitment to social justice, and a shared dedication to making a difference in the world.

Requirements

The Office of the University Staff Ombuds practices according to the standards of the International Ombuds Association (IOA), providing independent, confidential, impartial, and informal dispute resolution services through consultations, conflict coaching, options review, one-on-one and group facilitation, referrals, group workshops, systemic problem identification, and systemic intervention.

The Office Coordinator and Ombuds Assistant (OCOA) provides comprehensive administrative and professional support to Georgetown’s Office of the University Staff Ombuds. Approximately 75% of this position will be devoted to administrative duties, while 25% will be devoted to entry-to-intermediate level ombuds duties. Individuals without prior ombuds experience can be considered for this position. An individual hired without prior ombuds experience will be mentored on basic ombuds practice, and is expected to attend identified ombuds-related workshops and/or dispute resolution training. This individual:

• Provides timely administrative support for the Office while maintaining strict standards of confidentiality.

• Respectfully interfaces with visitors to the Office and individuals associated with the Office’s administrative functioning, including members of the IT, Finance, Procurement, and Communication departments.

• Coordinates with University Staff Ombuds and other stakeholders regarding publicizing the Office and implementing the Office’s Communications Plan.

• Is well-organized, with a demonstrated ability to problem-solve and work independently.

• Adheres to the International Ombuds Association’s Standards of Independence, Impartiality, Informality, and Confidentiality; this individual will be a member of the International Ombuds Association or, will commit to joining the IOA within six months of hiring.

Work Interactions

The OCOA is an integral component of the Office of the University Staff Ombuds’ core mission, and reports directly to the Georgetown University Staff Ombudsperson. The Office of the University Staff Ombuds is a resource for Georgetown staff and AAP (academic administrative professionals) across the entire university.  The Office of the University Staff Ombuds builds problem-resolution capacity at all levels of the university by helping staff and leadership resolve work-related concerns and create workplaces consistent with Georgetown’s Jesuit values of cura personalis (care for the whole person).

Requirements and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree

• Two years of professional experience in office administration, data management, and/or dispute resolution

• Previous experience with data collection, records maintenance, and report preparation

• Strong organizational, listening, and interpersonal skills

• Strong verbal and written communication skills

• Ability to maintain confidentiality in all situations

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree or above

• Professional training or certification in mediation or alternative dispute resolution, including IOA Foundations, and/or Certified Organizational Ombuds Practitioner (CO-OP) designation or eligibility

• Demonstrated skill in conflict resolution, organizational development, and/or mediation

• Coursework/instruction in communication, negotiation, conflict theory, psychology, organizational behavior, and/or group dynamics

• Experience in developing and facilitating workshops and/or trainings

Work Mode Designation

This position has been designated as Hybrid. Please note that work mode designations are regularly reviewed in order to meet the evolving needs of the University.  Such review may necessitate a change to a position’s mode of work designation. Complete details about Georgetown University’s mode of work designations for staff positions can be found on the Department of Human