Job Description:

The Associate Ombuds will serve the BU community as an independent, informal, impartial, and confidential resource for conflict management and conflict coaching. The role includes the following duties:

a) Assist individuals and groups in

• clarifying concerns issues and generate options for managing problems and conflicts
• accessing university policies and resources
• developing skills in collaborative conflict management, effective communication, and managing difficult conversations

b) Provide informal mediation, dialogue facilitation, and shuttle diplomacy

c) Stay informed of and provide referrals to other BU resources as needed

d) Serve as a resource for the review, formulation, or modification of policies and practices

e) Respond to individuals in timely way and treat all individuals with dignity and respect

f) Work collaboratively and effectively with ombuds office staff and help foster a respectful and productive workplace climate

g) Demonstrate commitment and sensitivity to matters of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging

h) Ensure the integrity of the Office of the Ombuds and adhere to ombuds principles of practice including confidentiality, independence, neutrality, and informality

i) Provide outreach and communication about the Office of the Ombuds and its role at BU

j) Review patterns of concerns and identify those problems that appear to be systemic, or the source of recurring or emerging grievances, or that pose risk to the university

k) Carry out the role as a third party neutral while remaining an advocate for fair process and the fair administration of process.

Required Skills

Required:

a) Advanced degree

b) Excellent listening & creative problem-solving skills

c) Minimum of three years successful experience in conflict management, mediation, collaborative problem solving, negotiation, ombuds or related work

d) Ability to

• Maintain discretion and confidentiality
• Demonstrate integrity
• Exercise exceptional professional judgment while working with highly sensitive, complex, and nuanced issues
• Assess complex systemic issues and organizational cultures & dynamics
• Work both independently and as part of a larger organization
• Work successfully with individuals at all organizational levels and with diverse populations

Desired, not required:

a) Successful experience in ombuds role

b) Basic mediation training or equivalent

c) Excellent facilitation skills

d) Experience working in

• higher education or a medical education environment
• organizational development

Required Experience

Required:

a) Advanced degree

b) Excellent listening & creative problem-solving skills

c) Minimum of three years successful experience in conflict management, mediation, collaborative problem solving, negotiation, ombuds or related work

d) Ability to

• Maintain discretion and confidentiality
• Demonstrate integrity
• Exercise exceptional professional judgment while working with highly sensitive, complex, and nuanced issues
• Assess complex systemic issues and organizational cultures & dynamics
• Work both independently and as part of a larger organization
• Work successfully with individuals at all organizational levels and with diverse populations

Desired, not required:

a) Successful experience in ombuds role

b) Basic mediation training or equivalent

c) Excellent facilitation skills

d) Experience working in

• higher education or a medical education environment
• organizational development