"Director, Office of Student Ombuds"

Posting Details

Posting Number: 0801653

Classification Title: Director, Office of Student Ombuds

Department: Office Of The President

Department Contact Email: humanresources@centralstate.edu

Job Summary:

This position reports to the Chief of Staff to the President and serves as an impartial and confidential resource to students by providing informal resolution to student concerns or disputes. This position does not advocate on behalf of any individual or entity within the University but instead seeks to identify processes and solutions to assist with the student’s concern.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Work with various University departments to assist students with navigating policies and procedures and the corresponding complaint resolution process where appropriate
• Assist students in knowing the location of the respective policies and procedures as well as the associated reporting processes and methods
• Provide a neutral, independent, and confidential environment for consultation. Listens to concerns and discusses appropriate options for resolution.
• Refer students to appropriate campus resources. Coordinates resource use, as necessary
• Collaborate with campus partners in campus-wide efforts to promote a campus culture and climate that is inclusive and equitable for all.
• Act as liaison between individuals or groups and the campus administration by serving as a consultant, facilitator, and informal mediator. Identifies core issues and causes for conflict and recommends appropriate action steps toward problem resolution.
• Consult with campus administrative and academic departments, administrators and staff to understand and resolve complex problems through informal discussion; develops cooperative strategies to de-escalate, mitigate, and prevent future conflicts.
• Develop and maintain confidential notes and statistical data for purposes of identifying trends in complaints and concerns; identify systemic concerns in university policies, procedures and practices; may recommend development and revisions of policies.
• Generate aggregated and de-identified reports to share with the provost identifying themes emerging from the work relevant to campus culture, climate, and areas for campus practice and process improvement.
• Develop and maintain ongoing relationships and work collaboratively with all campus constituencies to promote the value and process of conflict resolution.
• Provide training to the university community on Ombuds office responsibilities, programs and policies.
• Provide reports to the provost regarding student complaints and their resolution.
• Perform special projects for the provost.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
• At least five years of administrative experience in student services
• Extensive knowledge in student conduct policies, university policies and procedures and FERPA rules
• Demonstrated ability to problem solve and effective decision making
• Ability to interact and maintain effective and respectful relationships with students, administrators, faculty and staff
• Excellent communication skills both verbal and written
• Ability to work effectively in a dynamic and changing work environment requiring flexibility and teamwork
• Demonstrated ability to develop, foster and cultivate relationships, create opportunities and solve problems
• Possess strong commitment to providing excellent customer service
• Ability to confidentially and discreetly handle subject matters requiring privacy and sensitivity
• Ability to collaborate, negotiate and resolve conflicts on significant issues affecting students

Preferred Qualifications (in addition to the above):

• Master’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• At least three years of experience working in student services at the Assistant or Associate level.

Posting Date: 04/15/2025

Open Until Filled: Yes

Position Category: Staff - Monthly (Exempt)

Budgeted Annual Salary: Commensurate with experience

Required Documents:

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter
3. Unofficial Transcripts