Director, University Ombuds Office

Reporting directly to the Provost's Chief of Staff, the inaugural Director, University Ombuds Office will be responsible for establishing a new office that serves as a resource for Penn State faculty, staff, and postdoctoral scholars, while also providing a systematic feedback channel for university leadership. The Ombuds Office will develop and implement a structured process for selecting ombuds representatives across organizational units, oversee protocols and training for unit-level ombuds,…

and serve as a central point of contact for questions, guidance, and coordination. Penn State Ombuds serve as a neutral resource to support these members of Penn State's community across all our colleges and campuses, helping to clarify misunderstandings, advise employees on available courses of action, and assist in the informal resolution of issues. The Ombuds Office enhances stakeholder contributions to the university, contributes to the positive operation of units, and promotes a fair and respectful campus environment by working to enhance effective communication, avoid misunderstandings, and clarify issues and language in interactions between unit stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

Conflict Resolution & Consultation

Provide neutral and informal consultation to individual faculty, staff, and postdocs
Assist in resolving workplace and interpersonal concerns
Facilitate restorative dialogue when appropriate
Coach individuals with conflict management and communication strategies
Identify patterns and systemic issues while protecting individual confidentiality

Policy Navigation & Referral

Guide faculty, staff, and postdocs to appropriate university policies, offices, and formal complaint channels
Maintain up-to-date knowledge of institutional policies and procedures

Training and Coordination

Develop protocols and training for ombuds within units across Penn State and serve as a central point of contact for questions, guidance, and coordination
Develop a strategy for individual unit ombuds to support staff and postdocs and integrate the existing Faculty Senate Ombuds program

Outreach & Education

Conduct workshops and presentations on conflict resolution, civility, and the role of the Ombuds Office
Promote awareness of the Ombuds Office and its services across all campuses

Data & Reporting

Track and analyze trends in concerns and conflicts
Prepare de-identified annual reports highlighting systemic issues and recommending policy or procedural changes

Office Leadership

Establish and manage the Penn State Ombuds Office
Represent Penn State in national and regional Ombuds networks
Hire and manage staff and oversee budget and operations

Required Qualifications

Advanced degree in a relevant field (e.g., law, social work, higher education, conflict resolution)
Minimum of 5 years of experience in conflict resolution, mediation, or higher education administration
Demonstrated knowledge of the International Ombuds Association (IOA) Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics
Strong interpersonal, analytical, and communication skills
Ability to maintain neutrality, confidentiality, and independence
Experience working with diverse populations and complex institutions

Preferred Qualifications

Completion of IOA's Foundations of Organizational Ombuds Practice course
Experience in data analysis and reporting
Familiarity with university governance, academic freedom, and compliance frameworks
Supervisory experience and strategic planning capabilities

Working Conditions

Primarily office-based with potential for hybrid work
Occasional travel between campuses and professional development events
Minimal physical demands

Application Details

Cover letter, current resume or CV, and references

For full job description and to apply, visit https://psu.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/PSU_Staff/job/Penn-State-University-Park/Director--University-Ombuds-Office_REQ_0000076689-2?q=REQ_0000076689

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Director, University Ombuds Office

Pennsylvania State University

201 Old Main, University Park, PA 16802, USA