Ombudsperson

The University Ombudsperson serves the faculty and staff of North Carolina A&T State University as a confidential, neutral, independent, and informal resource for individuals navigating workplace concerns, conflicts, and organizational challenges. Reporting to the Chancellor through the Chief of Staff, the Ombudsperson listens to and helps clarify concerns, explains University policies and the options available for addressing them, helps individuals generate and weigh possible approaches, and-when the parties agree-facilitates conversations and other informal conflict-resolution processes. Drawing on patterns observed across individual contacts, the Ombudsperson provides de-identified feedback to University leadership that highlights systemic concerns and opportunities to strengthen policies, practices, and campus climate. Consistent with the University Ombuds Office Charter and the International Ombuds Association ( IOA) Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics, the Ombudsperson operates outside the University's formal administrative channels: the position does not conduct formal investigations, serve as an advocate or representative for any party, adjudicate complaints or impose discipline, provide legal advice or psychological counseling, or accept formal notice of a claim on behalf of the University. Communicating with the Ombudsperson does not constitute notice to the University and does not replace any formal reporting, grievance, equal-opportunity, or Title IX process.

The Office of the Chancellor provides executive leadership for North Carolina A&T State University and is responsible for the overall administration, strategic direction, and advancement of the institution. As the University's chief executive, the Chancellor represents NC A&T to its Board of Trustees, the University of North Carolina System, and external constituents, advancing the University's mission as a public, land-grant, historically Black, doctoral research university and its aspiration to achieve Carnegie R1 status. Within the Office of the Chancellor, the Chief of Staff coordinates university-wide initiatives and supports a campus environment characterized by integrity, fairness, and professionalism. The University Ombuds Office is administered within this unit; to preserve the independence and neutrality essential to its work, the Office operates as a confidential, impartial, informal, and independent resource serving University faculty and staff and remains free from interference in its day-to-day activities.

* Master's degree in conflict resolution, dispute resolution, human resources, organizational development, public administration, higher education administration, or a closely related field; or a Juris Doctor; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

* A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible professional experience directly related to conflict resolution, mediation, employee or labor relations, or closely related work - including direct experience mediating or facilitating the resolution of disputes and handling sensitive and confidential matters within a large, complex organization.

Demonstrated commitment to confidentiality within applicable legal limits.

* Experience serving as an organizational Ombuds or in a similar designated-neutral role.

* Formal training or certification in mediation, alternative dispute resolution, or conflict management; the International Ombuds Association Certified Organizational Ombuds Practitioner (CO-OP) credential, or progress toward it, is a plus.

* Experience in higher education or a large, complex public-sector entity.

* Basic familiarity with faculty appointments and faculty service within a university setting.

* Familiarity with, and a demonstrated commitment to, the International Ombuds Association Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics, including the principles of independence, impartiality, informality, and confidentiality.

Demonstrated skill in mediation, facilitation, and active listening, with the ability to gather, analyze, and synthesize complex information and exercise sound judgment in sensitive or high-conflict situations.

You must complete and submit an electronic application for employment to be considered. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing an electronic application. Applicants seeking Veteran's Preference must attach a DD 214 form. Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty with your application during the process of applying to the job posting. Final candidates are subject to criminal and sex offender background checks. North Carolina A&T State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States. North Carolina A&T State University is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. No one who applies or seeks employment will be denied admission to or employment at North Carolina A&T State University on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, disabling condition, veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information or sexual orientation and sexual identity.

Employee Benefits available to NC A & T permanent employees include the following and more;

This position may be eligible for a remote or hybrid work arrangement, consistent with university and state policies. N.C. A&T employees are generally required to reside in North Carolina, within a 2-hour commuting distance of their assigned duty station.