University Ombuds
Company: Northeastern Illinois University
Location: Chicago
Posted on: April 1, 2026
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Job Description:
Northeastern offers a rewarding working environment for our
students and employees. Our faculty and staff are smart, dedicated
people who work to create an excellent urban university experience
for bright and motivated students. Job Summary: The University
Ombuds is a designated impartial individual who informally and
confidentially assists University employees and students in dealing
with concerns or issues. The Ombuds helps employees and students by
listening to concerns, clarifying issues, reviewing and developing
options for managing or resolving their concerns, and providing
information and referrals. The Ombuds also coaches’ employees and
students on oral and written communications related to employee
and/or student matters and in handling conflicts; informally
mediates between parties in conflict; facilitates meetings and
discussions; and conducts conflict management related workshops.
Additionally, the Ombuds is required to engage in outreach to
employees and students about the role of the University Ombuds as
well as to collaborate and develop good working relationships with
administrators, faculty, staff, and students across the University.
The University Ombuds supplements, but does not replace, the
University's existing resources for employees and students. The
Ombuds does not provide legal advice or psychological counseling.
The Ombuds will not act as an advocate for any party in a dispute,
nor will the Ombuds act as a representative for the University
administration or parties who visit or consult the Ombuds Office.
The Ombuds also does not conduct formal investigations, make
decisions about complaints, establish or change policies, or serve
as an agent for the University in receiving notices of complaints.
The Ombuds, however, is required to report anonymous trend data and
Ombuds Office use; provide early warning of new areas of
organizational concern; can make recommendations to improve the
University; and can act as an advocate for healthy and effective
campus conflict resolution. Job Description: The Ombuds' major
function is providing confidential, informal, and impartial
assistance to University employees and students by listening to
concerns, clarifying issues; reviewing and developing options for
managing or resolving their concerns; and providing information and
referrals. Coaching employees and students on oral and written
communications related to employee and/or student matters and on
handling conflicts. Informal mediation between employees and
students in conflict; facilitating meetings and discussions.
Designing and conducting conflict management related workshops for
the University community. Engaging in regular outreach to employees
and students about the role of the Ombuds as well as collaborating
and developing good working relationships with administrators,
faculty, staff, and students across the University. Tracking trend
data anonymously on the use of the Ombuds Office and concerns of
employees and students; providing early warning of new areas of
organizational concern and need for systemic improvements; and
making recommendations to improve the University. Write Annual
Report containing this information. Serving as a campus resource
for officials in formulating or modifying policy and procedures;
identifying issues that may surface as a result of any gaps between
stated University goals and University practices. Develops,
reviews, and updates Ombuds website materials such as service
descriptions, FAQs, outreach resources, and annual reports,
ensuring content is clear, accessible, and non-identifying.
Formulating, managing, and monitoring the overall goals, direction,
programs and budget of the Ombuds Office. Supervise office staff or
interns, if applicable. Ensuring that the integrity of the Ombuds
Office is maintained through independence, impartiality,
confidentiality, fair processes, and timely attention to the
resolution of issues, while demonstrating treatment of individuals
with dignity and respect. OTHER INFORMATION: This is a University
leadership position that requires regular in-person/on-campus
attendance to meet the needs of the University and to foster strong
and collaborative interactions across the University. Minimal
Qualifications: Thirty hours of mediation training required.
Completion of the International Ombudsman Association Certification
or IOAC Course Foundations of Organizational Ombudsman Practice
within six months of the first day of University employment. A
minimum of a Masters or Professional Degree in related field.
Outstanding communication, organizational, listening, and coaching
skills. Ability to communicate effectively with individuals at all
levels within the University. Must be able to maintain
confidentiality and remain impartial. A strong background
knowledge/experience with individual and group behavior matters.
Proven history in resolving conflicts in a diverse environment.
Demonstrated experience working in or supporting diverse
communities, with the ability to navigate complex interpersonal and
institutional dynamics in a higher-education environment while
maintaining neutrality, cultural responsiveness, and respect for
all parties. Effective presentation and training skills. Ability to
self-start and work independently. Must know and adhere to the Code
of Ethics and Standards of Practice of the International Ombudsman
Association. This position requires a background check. Salary
Range $115,000 - $125,000 ? Benefits University employees may be
eligible for a variety of State of Illinois benefits. These
benefits are administered through the Illinois Department of
Central Management Service (CMS). Please visit our Employee
Benefits page to learn more about our comprehensive benefits
package including health, dental, and vision benefits, sick and
vacation days, and participation in the State Universities
Retirement System. Transcripts Copies of unofficial transcripts are
accepted; however, official transcripts for all earned degrees will
be required of candidates selected for final interviews.
Northeastern Illinois University is an Equal
Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and invites applications
from Women, Minorities, Veterans and Persons with Disabilities, as
well as other qualified individuals. Northeastern Illinois
University's positions are contingent upon the University's receipt
of its State of Illinois appropriation.
Keywords: Northeastern Illinois University, Arlington Heights , University Ombuds, Administration, Clerical , Chicago, Illinois
