Ombudsperson - Office of the President

The University of Wyoming invites diverse applicants to consider our employment opportunities.  We are also especially interested in candidates who have experience working with diverse populations and/or diverse initiatives. 

JOB TITLE:   

Ombudsperson  

JOB PURPOSE:   

The University Ombudsperson is a designated impartial, neutral, confidential third party who serves as a resource and sounding board for faculty, staff, students and administrators in working through conflict, concerns or disputes via informal means. While maintaining confidentiality, the Ombudsperson advises campus leadership on trends in conflict/disputes and may make recommendations on solutions, including policy revision.  In keeping with the University’s strategic plan, this position is an advocate for fundamental fairness that seeks to promote an educational and working climate wherein individuals are treated equitably with dignity and respect.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  

• Develop and implement a neutral, independent, informal and confidential Ombuds program for University employees and students.     
• Serve as a primary point of contact for employees and students seeking advice, recommendations and consultation on conflict resolution in the workplace; assess situations, determine appropriate course of action, and advise parties on how to proceed in the resolution of conflict.  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 parties.
• In collaboration with campus partners, including Human Resources, develop and implement training programs and workshops to provide enhanced skills in alternative dispute resolution and conflict prevention techniques, supervisory skills and communication skills.
• Design and conduct department-wide teambuilding exercises and interdepartmental activities designed to proactively address existing complaints and/or prevent future complaints from occurring.
• Advise campus leadership and make recommendations as appropriate on the revision of policies and procedures or the development of new policies pertaining to dispute resolution and associated issues; participate on university policy-making committees as appropriate to area of specialty.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships at all levels of the University and collaborate with other offices and campus organizations to improve the campus climate.
• Compile, analyze, report statistical data, and collaborate with campus leaders to make systemic recommendations to the University on areas of process and climate improvement.
• Oversee all facets of the daily operations of the unit, ensuring compliance with the University, state, and federal laws, policies, and regulations.
• Participate in the development of annual operating budgets and provide fiscal direction to the unit.
• Broadly educate the University community about resources available to resolve conflicts.
• Collaborate with University departments to improve the transparency of policies.
• Keep secure records in accordance with the recommendations from the International Ombudsman Association. Generate aggregated and de-identified annual reports to share with University leadership identifying themes emerging from the work of the Ombudsperson relevant to campus culture, climate initiatives, and areas for policy and process improvement. 
• Ensure integrity is maintained through independence, neutrality, impartiality, confidentiality and timely attention to employee concerns while treating people with dignity and respect.
• Perform miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.
• Regular, predictable, in-person attendance is required to perform the essential duties of this position.

REMOTE WORK ELIGIBILITY:

This position provides vital support to campus customers and requires the successful candidate be available to work on campus.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:  

• Master's degree; at least 4 years of accomplished experience in mediation, conflict resolution, or dispute resolution in a large, and complex organization.
• Must have or be eligible for membership in the International Ombudsman Association and adhere to its Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice.

 

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:  

• Skill in organizing resources and establishing priorities.
• Ability to provide advice and guidance in the development of effective supervisory and communication skills.
• Ability to create, compose, and edit written materials.
• Knowledge of budget preparation cost estimating, monitoring, and fiscal management principl