Position Overview 
An ombudsperson works with visitors in a confidential, impartial capacity to understand their University-related conflict or concern and provide informal options for resolving conflict in a fair and reasonable manner. The ombuds is not an advocate for any individual nor the University, but rather serves as an impartial third party. This is a hybrid position and will require working in person on the East Bank of the Minneapolis campus 2-3 days per week with an option for remote work 2-3 days per week.

This position will be classied as either Student Services Professional 3 or 4, depending on the qualifications of the successful candidate:
Student Services Professional 3 hiring salary range: $55,000 - $60,000
Student Services Professional 4 hiring salary range: $61,000 - $65,000


Essential Functions:
1. Ombuds work: Conflict analysis and coaching, consultation, intervention, referral (75%)

• Take all steps to ensure the integrity of the office is maintained at all times, including upholding ombuds standards of practice regarding confidentiality, impartiality, independence, and informality.
• Utilize effective listening, interpersonal, written and oral communication skills to engage with visitors and other parties in a conflict
• Work with visitors with attention and commitment to their diverse backgrounds, experiences, and needs. Respect and adapt to cultural contexts regarding visitorsâ™ approach to conflict resolution.
• Assist visitors in clarifying and reframing the salient issues and in developing and analyzing options for resolution.
• Provide conflict coaching, shuttle diplomacy, mediation, and facilitate conversations as informal methods for conflict resolution.
• Consult with other parties to gather information, clarify, analyze problems, focus discussions, and develop a mutually satisfactory process for resolution.
• Develop and maintain an advanced understanding of programmatic, collegiate, and University structure, policies, procedures, and practices.
• Effectively utilize SCRCâ™s network of contacts at key offices serving the University community.
• Identify University resources and make appropriate referrals for visitors and other parties to the conflict.
• Respond to all individuals in a timely way and treat all with respect and professionalism.
• Work collaboratively and effectively with the SCRC team in all aspects of ombuds work.

2. Policy Analysis and Feedback (10%)

• Identify trends based on the concerns brought forward by visitors. In collaboration with the Director and other SCRC staff, analyze patterns and recommend revisions to University policy and processes.
• Review case data and survey information to identify and address recurring issues or patterns.
• Identify University conflict trends (student progress barriers, unintended consequences of new procedures).
• Work proactively with professors/instructors, departments, and University committees to change the underlying institutional, procedural, or process barriers.
• Monitor and provide feedback on the effectiveness of policy and procedural changes from an equity lens.

3. Administrative Procedures and Outreach (10%)

• Participate in SCRCâ™s Student Service Fees request process.
• Assist with unit hiring and training processes
• Assist with educating and communicating about the office and its role in the University.

4. Professional Development and Involvement (5%)

• Stay current with trends, models, and philosophies in ombuds work.
• Participate in professional development opportunities within and outside the University.
• Participate in service activities in the University, and/or broader community.
   

Required Qualifications - Education / Experience:
Student Services Professional 3

• Bachelorâ™s degree and 4 years of relevant experience, or Masterâ™s degree and 2 years of relevant experience

Student Services Professional 4

• Bachelorâ™s degree and 5 years of relevant experience, or Masterâ™s degree and 3 years of relevant experience

Additional Required Qualifications:

• Outstanding listening, interpersonal, written and oral communication skills
• Demonstrated competence and experience in communicating across difference and engaging effectively and respectfully with individuals from
  diverse identities and backgrounds
• Demonstrated experience handling highly confidential matters with discretion, including the ability to organize and maintain confidential visitor
  information
• Demonstrated ability to engage conflict productively and diplomatically with a commitment to a fair process

Preferred Qualifications:

• Past ombuds experience and/or conflict resolution experience
• Graduate degree in relevant discipline of study
• Demonstrated experience working with graduate and/or professional students
• Knowledge about common student experiences in graduate education at a research university
• Experience with/knowledge of University of Minnesota structure, policies, and practices

About University of Minnesota Twin Cities

The University of Minnesota, founded in the belief that all people are enriched by understanding, is dedicated to the advancement of learning and the search for truth; to the sharing of this knowledge through education for a diverse community; and to the application of this knowledge to benefit the people of the state, the nation, and the world.

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