STUDENT OMBUDSPERSON, STUDENT AFFAIRS

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.

Nature of Responsibilities:

The Student Ombudsperson provides neutral, confidential and independent service to students seeking information or conflict resolution. Services provided include consultation, referrals, explanations of policies and procedures, review of applicable resolution methods, and other services. The office operates independent of normal administrative structures in order to promote neutrality and to better ensure confidentiality when collaborating across the University as needed to provide an effective service to students.

The Ombudsperson reports to the Vice Provost/Vice President for Student Affairs and Vice Provost of Undergraduate Education and holds no other position within the organization that might compromise independence. This position will also provide annual reports based on aggregated, de-identified data to the Provost, Office for Institutional Equity, and Vice President of Administration to promote organizational growth through improvements to policies, systems, and services and to identify important themes relevant to campus culture and climate. The Ombudsperson maintains strict confidentiality to the extent feasible and lawful and provides a service to the University that is committed to inclusion, fairness and equity.

Specific Duties                                                                                                                  % of Effort

40%

20%

20%

10%

10%

Desired Skills and Competencies

• Proven listening, interpersonal, and communication skills. Effective verbal and written communication abilities, particularly when explaining complex procedures.
• Understanding of current issues and trends in higher education, including student learning and development. Familiarity of current trends in national Ombuds work and in North Carolina.
• Fair and effective process provision with impartiality.
• Excellent organizational skills; ability to manage multiple projects concurrently
• Superb report-writing and presentation skills.
• Cultural fluency demonstrated via success in working as part of a team as well as with individuals of diverse backgrounds and skills
• Knowledge of laws, regulations, methods, and techniques in Ombuds work.
• Assessment, referral and critical thinking skills.
• Ability to manage confidential information.

Applicants must have Master's degree in a related field and previous experience in higher education or academic medicine. Must have or be eligible formembership 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.

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.

Duke 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 essentialjob 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.