Job Summary
The Harvard University Ombuds Office —located in Cambridge and Boston- provides independent dispute resolution services to Harvard faculty, staff, students, trainees and appointees at the affiliated institutions whose concerns are impacting their work or studies. The Ombuds Office provides visitors with a highly confidential, impartial and informal forum in which to clarify their concerns, identify their goals and consider all of their options in managing or resolving their concerns. Options can range from simply talking about problems to filing a formal complaint. The Ombuds Office provides coaching in written and verbal communications, one-on-one and group meeting facilitation, shuttle diplomacy, upward feedback, information about policies/procedures and resources, and training. Any issue may be brought to the Ombuds Office.
Position Description
Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:
Dispute Resolution Consultation/Referral
Assist visitors in identifying and considering their concerns, goals and potential options for next steps. Assist with clarification of university policies and procedures as needed.
Conduct informal fact-finding to promote a better understanding of the issues, as appropriate.
Provide conflict coaching, informal mediation, group facilitation, shuttle diplomacy.
Consult with faculty and/or managers to develop general cooperative strategies for complaint resolution. Provide referrals to other resources as needed.
Work closely with key offices serving faculty, staff, students and/or trainees.
Community Outreach and Education
Provide ongoing education and communication about the Ombuds Office and its role to all Harvard-connected members. Conduct trainings currently offered through the Ombuds Office.
Design and conduct new trainings as needed in the areas of negotiation and conflict resolution skills, authorship best practices and other related topics.
Policy Analysis
Serve as a campus resource for those formulating or modifying policies and procedures
Maintain non-identifying visitor statistics and general statistics regarding trainings and presentations for the annual report and share statistics as requested and deemed appropriate by the office.
Professionalism/Office Integrity
Take all steps to ensure the integrity of the Ombuds Office is maintained at all times, including upholding its standards regarding confidentiality, impartiality, independence, and informality.
Respond to all individuals in a timely way and treat all with respect and professionalism.
Contribute to an environment that fosters emotional and physical safety for all visitors and office staff. Work collaboratively and effectively with the HU Ombuds team in all aspects of work. Work collaboratively and effectively with the Department Coordinator in all aspects of work including regarding the scheduling of visitors, organizing of training materials, general personnel administration and other tasks as needed.
Basic Qualifications
Candidates MUST meet the following basic qualifications to be considered for this role:
Bachelor's degree required. Minimum 5 years demonstrated experience in ombudsing, conflict resolution, mediation, and/or negotiation or related field. Demonstrated experience in designing (including relevant computer skills) and conducting trainings.
Additional Qualifications and Skills
Advanced degree in a related field preferred. Previous Ombuds experience and prior experience in an academic/higher education environment is strongly preferred, as is basic mediation training (minimum of 30 hours) and/or completion of IOA Foundations of Organizational Ombudsman Practice course.
Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills including the ability to work well with individuals at all institutional levels, an ability to quickly develop a rapport with others and experience working with subtle and/or complex institutional political dynamics. Excellent problem-solving skills. Demonstrated experience handling highly confidential matters with discretion and maintaining a professional demeanor at all times. Strong background of sensitivity to diversity issues. Works well both independently and as part of a team.
Additional Information
This hybrid position requires 2-3 days per week on-site in Cambridge.
This position has a 3-month orientation and review period.
Harvard University does not provide visa sponsorship.
The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up to date on CDC-recommended vaccines.
Work Format Details
This is a hybrid position that is based in Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. All remote work must be performed within one of the Harvard Registered Payroll States, which currently includes Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Washington, and California (CA for exempt positions only). Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.
Benefits
We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:
- Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
- Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
- Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
- Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
- Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
- Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
- Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
- Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
- Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.
Job Function
General Administration
Department Office Location
USA - MA - Cambridge
Job Code
360059 Admin Offcr/SrIndiv Contrib
Work Format
Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)
Sub-Unit
Office of the President and Provost
Union
00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary
Pre-Employment Screening
Education, Identity
Schedule
Full time. Monday through Friday. 35 hours per week.
Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging
Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.
EEO Statement
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.
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