Associate Ombuds
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Job Summary
The Ombuds Office at CU Boulder invites applications for the Associate Ombuds position. The Associate Ombuds is a designated neutral dispute resolution practitioner who provides confidential and informal assistance to students, staff, faculty, and administrators at the University of Colorado Boulder. This role assists individuals in understanding and considering their options, answers questions, facilitates communication, and provides information and referrals. They have no administrative or decision-making authority on behalf of the University.
The Associate Ombuds follows the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice of the International Ombuds Association. In consultation with the Director and the Associate Director, the Associate Ombuds conducts outreach to undergraduate students, departments that serve undergraduate students, and people/departments that build cultural connections and community for undergraduate students.
Who We Are
Our office serves as a good place to surface, voice, discuss and clarify university-related concerns. We listen without judgment, help people untangle issues, develop options and strategize. We provide an impartial perspective and maintain what is shared with us in the strictest confidence. Visitors to our office choose their path of resolution.
What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be
- Confer with individuals experiencing conflict (e.g., interpersonal disputes, complaints about perceived unfair treatment). Assist these individuals in identifying and reviewing possible options to handle or resolve their concerns.
- Provide conflict-related workshops, training and outreach for members of the university community, with emphasis on undergraduate students.
- Use social media skills to run outreach campaigns to undergraduate students.
- Facilitate or mediate conversations involving conflicting individuals or groups to assist them in improving mutual understanding and/or communication and identifying strategies to resolve work-related conflicts.
- Assist constituents in capturing information to help them in understanding and effectively navigating university processes and structure (e.g., formal and informal rules, fair process concerns, procedures, etc.).
- Refer constituents to various campus resources, as appropriate.
- Communicate, as appropriate, with members of the university community to facilitate referrals, and to learn about significant trends, initiatives, and activities across the campus.
- Support the Ombuds Office with additional duties as assigned.
What You Should Know
This is a full-time, on-site position with the option to work remotely on Fridays.
What We Can Offer
The annual salary for this full-time position is $97,000 - 105,000.
Benefits
At the University of Colorado Boulder, we are committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local transit. As one of Boulder County’s largest employers, CU Boulder offers an inspiring academic community and access to world-class outdoor recreation. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.
Be Statements
What We Require
- A Bachelor's Degree or equivalent combination of education and experience may substitute.
- At least 5+ years of professional, job related experience.
- Ideally three years full-time experience working with undergraduate students, creating connection and community.
What You Will Need
- Clear understanding of the nature of interpersonal and organizational conflict and effective skills to facilitate its management or resolution.
- Highly developed verbal and written communication skills in order to communicate with individuals at all levels of the university.
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills to help constituents develop a variety of options and take appropriate actions.
- Commitment to an environment where all can thrive.
- Experience with working effectively as a member of a highly collaborative team.
What We Would Like You to Have
- Advanced degree (Master’s or Ph.D.) from an accredited institution in a relevant field such as Psychotherapy, Student Development, Alternative Dispute Resolution, Law.
- Eligibility and commitment to obtain certification as an Ombuds Certified Practitioner (OCP), formerly known as CO-OP, at the earliest opportunity.
- Prior experience serving in an Ombuds role is preferred.
- Demonstrated expertise in student development, mediation, or alternative dispute resolution.
- Ability to develop communities among undergraduate students, ensuring access to Ombuds services and cultivating a supportive environment for all.
- Experience navigating institutional and systemic change.
Special Instructions
To apply, please submit the following materials:
- A current resume.
- A cover letter that specifically tells us how your background and experience align with the requirements, qualifications, and responsibilities of the position.
We may request references at a later time.
Please apply by 11/4/2025 for consideration.
Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, please apply through CU Boulder Jobs.
Posting Contact Information
Posting Contact Name: Boulder Campus Human Resources
Posting Contact Email: Recruiting@colorado.edu