The City Auditor seeks an experienced professional to serve as the City Ombudsman. The Ombudsman reports to the elected Portland City Auditor and is responsible for investigating complaints from members of the public and City employees regarding administrative acts of City government, including alleged violations of law and administrative policy and practice, and the quality of service delivery by City personnel. The Ombudsman serves as the contact point for whistleblowers; researches and evaluates issues, policies, laws, and procedures that affect City government and the public; makes recommendations for new and/or amended policies and procedures to improve the administration of City government; and monitors/reports on the status of complaints.

This position serves as the administrator of the Auditor’s Fraud Alert tip line, which allows the public and City employees to report suspected fraud, abuse of position, and waste of City resources online or through a 24/7 telephone reporting system. The successful candidate must be able to provide ethics and fraud training to City staff and respond to concerns about those issues. Under general policy direction from the City Auditor, responsibilities allow for a high degree of program and administrative discretion, and are evaluated in terms of overall program outcomes and effectiveness. The incumbent is exempt from Civil Service and serves at the pleasure of the elected City Auditor.

This position requires a high degree of neutrality and independence. The successful candidate must have knowledge of appropriate investigative principles, practices, and methodologies to establish and maintain credibility of and confidence in the work of the City Ombudsman. The successful candidate must be able to work with a diverse group of stakeholders who may often have differing and conflicting views about highly sensitive and confidential issues and processes, and must be able to craft solutions to what may be complex problems.

 

The ideal candidate will have comparable experience in a public sector organization, knowledge of the City of Portland’s form of government, and experience working with culturally and linguistically diverse individuals and organizations. The successful candidate will have the ability to work with changing political and community leadership, and demonstrated skill in addressing politically challenging situations with tact, diplomacy, and sensitivity.  To apply: Submit a cover letter, three references, and a professional resume that includes relevant experience, training, and education at: www.portlandoregon.gov/jobs