>> https://jobs.oregonstate.edu/applicants/jsp/shared/position/JobDeta... 
>>
>> University Ombuds
>>
>> Institution:
>> Oregon State University Posted: July 26, 2011
>> Location: Oregon Employment Level: Administrative Website: http://oregonstate.edu  Application Deadline: August 31, 2011
>> Category: Academic affairs, Affirmative action/ equal opportunity, Business/ administrative affairs, and 3 more... 
>>
>> Employment Status: Full-time Salary: Competitive
>>     
>> UNIVERSITY OMBUDS
>> Oregon State University
>>
>> Purpose and Overview
>> The University Ombuds will strengthen existing campus communication and administrative processes by acting as a designated neutral referral resource and dispute resolution practitioner. The Ombuds' major function is to provide confidential and informal assistance to the University community by listening to concerns, clarifying issues, proposing options for resolution, providing information and referrals, and if all parties agree, facilitating informal, nonbinding mediation. The Ombuds also reports anonymous trend data to the President and may provide periodic conflict resolution trainings on-campus.
>>
>> Serving as a designated neutral, the Ombuds is not an advocate for any individual or for the University, but rather acts as an advocate for fairness and healthy campus conflict resolution. The Ombuds does not have the power to make any decisions as to ultimate resolution, nor does the Ombuds have the power to reverse any decisions made or actions taken by the regularly constituted University authorities. The Ombuds does not provide legal advice or psychological counseling. This position supplements, but does not replace, the University's existing resources for conflict resolution.
>>
>> To preserve independence and neutrality, the Ombuds will report directly to the President. He/she will not accept legal notice on behalf of the University, and information provided to the Ombuds will not constitute such notice to the University. This is a 1.0 FTE, 12-month, fixed-term Professional Faculty position. Contract renewals are at the discretion of the President. The salary is competitive and commensurate with experience and qualifications.
>>
>> Required Qualifications
>> 1. Demonstrated skills, knowledge and understanding in the following areas:
>> a. Communication- The Ombuds must have outstanding communication skills, listening skills, the ability to convey empathy and approachability, and coaching skills. The Ombuds must be able to communicate effectively with individuals at all levels of the University.
>> b. Neutrality, confidentiality and sensitivity in highly charged situations - The Ombuds must have an unwavering commitment to neutrality in discharging his or her duties. The Ombuds must have excellent judgment and the ability to maintain confidences to the utmost extent permitted by law. The Ombuds must be skillful at diffusing highly charged situations with tact and sensitivity.
>> c. Human behavior and relationships- The Ombuds must have a strong understanding of individual and group behavior, as well as excellent relationship establishment and management skills.
>> d. Strategic thinking and complex problem-solving - The Ombuds must be able to clarify issues and develop creative solutions in complex situations. The Ombuds will need to evaluate how potential courses of action may impact the inquirer, as well as other University community members.
>> e. Conflict resolution - The Ombuds must have a deep understanding of conflict and an excellent ability to resolve conflicts.
>> f. Cultural competency - The University strives to create an environment that values human differences. The Ombuds must be able to work with and value individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds and cultures, and needs a strong understanding of intercultural communications, challenges and conflict resolutions.
>> g. Organizational knowledge and networking - The Ombuds must have, or be able to obtain, a deep understanding of the University's policies, processes, values, culture, departments and resources. The Ombuds will need to be a strong bridge-builder and networker across the community in order to serve as an effective referral source and informal mediator.
>> h. Composure and presentation - The Ombuds needs to have professional composure in all situations, effective presentation skills and the ability to inspire trust and confidence.
>> i. Data gathering, analysis and interpretation - The Ombuds must have qualitative and quantitative skills necessary for interviewing, data gathering and analysis of facts and trends.
>> j. Outreach - The Ombuds needs to have the ability to conduct outreach efforts to increase the visibility of the office and ensure that accurate information about the Ombuds is disseminated.
>> k. Independence and initiative - The Ombuds must be able to work independently and on his/her own initiative.
>> l. Management of people, office, projects - The Ombuds must have the ability to manage the Ombuds office, including the office's budget and personnel.
>>
>> 2. Bachelor's degree
>>
>> 3. Substantial work experience in position(s) that allowed the candidate to gain and use the above skills
>>
>> 4. Ombuds or mediation training
>>
>> Preferred Qualifications
>> 1. Advanced degree such as a graduate or professional degree
>>
>> 2. Experience relevant to an academic environment
>>
>> 3. Previous experience in ombuds or mediator role
>>
>> About Oregon State University
>> Oregon State University has always been a place with a purpose - making a positive difference on quality of life and the natural world in Oregon and beyond. Through teaching, applied research, innovation and service, OSU turns ideals into reality with a unique approach characterized by collaboration and strategic focus.
>>
>> Founded in 1868, OSU is one of only two American universities designated as a Land-, Sea-, Sun- and Space-Grant designations and is the only one in Oregon recognized for its "very high research activity" (RU/VH) by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. OSU is Oregon's largest public research university, conducting more than 60 percent of the research funded throughout the state's university system and bringing in a record $250 million in scientific grants and contracts this year.
>>
>> OSU comprises 11 academic colleges organized into four divisions with strengths in earth systems sciences, health sciences, business, engineering, entrepreneurship and the arts and sciences. OSU has facilities and/or programs in every county in the state, including 12 regional experiment stations, 35 county extension offices, the OSU - Cascades Campus in Bend, the Hatfield Marine Sciences Center in Newport, along with a range of programs and facilities in Portland.
>>
>> OSU is located in Corvallis, a community of 53,000 people situated in the Willamette Valley between Portland and Eugene. Ocean beaches, lakes, rivers, forests, high desert, the rugged Cascade and Coast Ranges, and the urban amenities of the Portland metropolitan area are all within a 100-mile drive of Corvallis. Approximately 18,000 undergraduate and 3,800 graduate students are enrolled at OSU, including 3,500 U.S. students of color and nearly 1,100 international students. Students come from all 50 states and nearly 100 countries worldwide.
>> OSU has an institution-wide commitment to diversity, multiculturalism and community. We actively engage in recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and student body that include members of historically underrepresented groups. We strive to build and sustain a welcoming and supportive campus environment. OSU provides outstanding leadership opportunities for people interested in promoting and enhancing diversity, nurturing creativity and building community.
>>
>> Inquiries
>> Inquiries, nominations, and applications are confidential and should be directed to Sharon Tanabe, Storbeck/Pimentel & Associates, Inc., 323/260-5045 ; 1111 Corporate Center Drive, Suite 106, Monterey Park, CA 91754; stsearch@storbeckpimentel.com. Storbeck/Pimentel has been retained by the University to assist in this recruitment.
>>
>> Applications must include a letter of interest, including a statement of philosophy for the University Ombuds role and addressing the qualifications for this position; CV; and contact information for five current references, including each reference's name, title, address, telephone number, and electronic mail address. Materials should be submitted by August 31, 2011 to receive full consideration.
>>
>> The search committee is chaired by Dr Cyril Clarke, Dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine, cyril.clarke@oregonstate.edu. OSU is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer.