Job Summary
Who We Are
The Office of the Ombuds provides a confidential, independent, and impartial resource for students to seek guidance, voice concerns, and navigate challenges related to their university experience. Operating outside of formal administrative and dispute resolution processes, the Office serves as a neutral and informal channel for conflict resolution, advocating for fairness and equity rather than for any individual party. Committed to fostering a supportive and just university environment, the Office upholds the principles of confidentiality, neutrality, independence, and informality in all interactions.
Job Summary
The Student Ombudsperson plays a critical role in providing confidential consultation and conflict resolution support to students, helping them explore concerns, identify options, and access appropriate university resources. We are looking for a seasoned professional with expertise in mediation, conflict resolution, and institutional policies who can foster trust and serve as a strategic resource for students and university leadership. In addition to supporting individual students, the Senior Ombuds Officer analyzes patterns and systemic issues, providing insights and recommendations to enhance institutional policies and practices. Reporting to the Vice President for Student Life, you will uphold the highest standards of confidentiality, neutrality, and independence, contributing to a fair, supportive, and responsive university environment.
This is a hybrid position with work required onsite across the Ann Arbor campus.
Have questions or need accommodations? Contact [email protected].
You can view the full job description here.
Responsibilities*
Dispute Resolution, Consultation, and Referral
- Provide confidential, neutral, informal and independent conflict resolution services to all Michigan students.
- Listen intently, discussing conflicts, disputes, concerns and complaints that students have about the functioning of the University.
- Help students navigate, evaluate and select among a variety of options to address their concerns.
- Make appropriate referrals and assist students in creating a helping network.
- Advise students about formal and informal problem resolution options, helping to remove barriers to those options.
- Engage in shuttle diplomacy to help resolve concerns when appropriate.
Policy Analysis and Feedback
- Identify needed improvements in University policies, procedures, and patterns, and recommend potential changes to better serve students.
Community Outreach and Education
- Provide ongoing education and communication about the office's role to all potential stakeholders, as well as to university leadership.
Required Qualifications*
- A Master's degree in social work, counseling, higher education, dispute resolution, and/or law, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- 5+ years experience in conflict resolution, counseling, student support, or related fields, providing confidential, neutral, and informal guidance.
- Proven ability to advise individuals, address concerns, and help navigate options within large and complex institutions, educational institutions, or community-based settings.
- Demonstrated expertise in interpreting and applying policies, rules, procedures, and governance structures within large, complex organizations.
Modes of Work
Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.
Additional Information
Benefits at the University of Michigan
In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, The University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:
- Generous time off
- A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting
- Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
- Life insurance
- Long-term disability coverage
- Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses
This role may have reporting obligations under Title IX and Clery.
Authorization to work in the U.S. is a precondition of employment and applicants for this position will not be sponsored for work visas.
Salary may vary depending on qualifications, experience, and education of the selected candidate.
Selected candidates whose start date is 4/1/2025 or after, will not be eligible for the university FY25-26 salary/merit plan unless otherwise notified.
Relocation will not be offered for this position.
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Application Deadline
Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.
U-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.