"Yale University Ombudsperson"

Overview

Reporting to the President, the inaugural Yale University Ombudsperson serves as a confidential, impartial, and independent resource for faculty, staff, and graduate and professional students, consistent with the International Ombuds Association Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics. The Ombudsperson provides informal conflict resolution, facilitates constructive dialogue, and addresses concerns related to university policies, practices, and community life. The Ombudsperson’s key responsibilities include listening to concerns; clarifying issues; coaching and empowering individuals to navigate conflict; serving as a strategic thought partner; interpreting and helping individuals navigate university policies and procedures; exploring informal and formal pathways to resolution; and facilitating individual and group conversations. The Ombudsperson provides information and referrals, builds collaborative relationships across the university, and contributes to institution-wide efforts to foster a respectful and equitable climate. The role also identifies trends and systemic issues, offering opportunities for constructive change. The Ombudsperson is not an official of the University and does not make or set aside decisions, adjudicate matters, impose sanctions, or enforce University policies. The Ombudsperson does not advocate on behalf of any individual or entity within the organization, and instead, seeks to identify processes and solutions that are fair and equitable to all individuals. Operating independently from other offices, information shared with the Ombudsperson does not represent notice to the University. The Ombudsperson maintains confidentiality except where required by law.

The search committee will begin reviewing applications on November 17, 2025.

Required Skills and Abilities

1. Demonstrated skills in active listening, mediation, negotiation, facilitation, and problem-solving.
2. Ability to remain impartial, independent, and credible in handling sensitive and complex issues.
3. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work across all levels of the institution.
4. Familiarity with university structures, governance, and policies.
5. Certification through the International Ombuds Association (IOA), or eligibility to obtain certification.

Principal Responsibilities

1. Serve as a confidential, neutral, impartial, and informal resource to faculty, staff, and graduate and professional students for resolving concerns.
2. Listen to and analyze issues raised by members of the university community and provide options for informal resolution.
3. Facilitate constructive conversations, mediation, and problem-solving processes between individuals or groups in conflict.
4. Identify patterns and systemic issues emerging from cases, and make recommendations to university leadership to improve policies, practices, and climate.
5. Provide referrals to campus and community resources when appropriate.
6. Establish and maintain strong working university-wide relationships and knowledge of various formal and informal university processes.
7. Provide attentive and tactful sensitivity when dealing with individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds, and experiences.
8. Maintain the highest standards of confidentiality consistent with professional ombuds practices.
9. Prepare annual reports that summarize the work of the office, highlight systemic issues, and recommend actions to promote a respectful campus community, consistent with university policies.
10. Based on anonymous aggregate data, prepare and deliver periodic reports to the university president and other senior university leaders in the reporting of issues or concerns, patterns or problem areas in existing policies and practices, recommendations for revisions and improvements, and assessments of the climate of the campus.
11. Establish an Ombuds Office Charter, website and written materials.
12. Partner with campus stakeholders to assist in the development and delivery of workshops, trainings, and educational programs to build capacity in conflict resolution, communication, and collaborative problem-solving.
13. Stay current with best practices, professional standards, and legal developments related to higher education and ombuds practice.
14. May direct a staff of exempt or non-exempt employees.
15. May perform other duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience

Advanced degree and minimum of 10 years of relevant professional experience in higher education and/or academic medicine or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred Education and Experience

1. Advanced degree in a relevant field (e.g. law, higher education, conflict resolution, organizational development, psychology, social work).
2. Prior experience working in a unionized staff environment.