University Ombuds

 CategoryCharles River Campus --> ProfessionalJob LocationBoston, MA, United StatesTracking Code26500126140910Posted Date9/10/2026Salary GradeGrade 00Expected Hiring Range Minimum$185,000.00Expected Hiring Range Maximum$225,000.00The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, training and internal pay comparison. The above hiring range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.Position TypeFull-Time/RegularThe University Ombuds serves as an independent, impartial, neutral, and confidential resource for members of the Boston University community, including but not limited to faculty, students, and staff on its campuses and satellite facilities. Ombuds office staff act as impartial dispute resolution consultants and provide strict confidentiality for those seeking its services. The University Ombuds provides leadership for the Office of the Ombuds, offers insights that inform the university’s strategic thinking, and supervises staff and the work of the office. This is an on-campus position requiring regular, in-person presence to preserve the visibility, accessibility, and confidentiality essential to the role. The mission of the office is to provide a confidential place for people to voice concerns, develop options, and problem-solve. The Ombuds also provides de-identified information to university officials on general trends and patterns of complaints to prevent problems from escalating or recurring. Through its mission, the Ombuds Office builds and depends upon the trust of the community to advance the University’s strategic objectives and mission within a culture that is ethical and civil, where the values of the institution are upheld, and in which differences can be resolved and mutual understanding created through respectful dialogue and fair process. Provide impartial and confidential consultation to members of the university community related to concerns about work and work management, education, or life at BU including workplace conflict, supervisory relationships, academic or research-related integrity, discrimination or harassment concerns, ethical questions, interpersonal disputes, organizational change, and barriers to fair process.Identify recurring themes, patterns, and systemic barriers through de-identified data and observations; bring forward recommendations to unit/senior leaders for organizational improvement while protecting individual confidentiality. Develop periodic reports and maintain records that communicate aggregate trends, activities, and recommendations without identifying visitors or disclosing confidential information. Annually and/or upon request, meet with the Audit Committee of the Board of Trustees to provide a report of aggregate data and trends of possible risk to the university.Build trusted working relationships across academic, administrative, student-support, research, and affiliated units while maintaining appropriate independence from university management functions. Maintain accurate, secure, non-identifying data consistent with the Code of Ethics and professional ombuds standards of practice established by the International Ombuds Association, institutional policy, and applicable law. Consult with faculty and/or managers, and other community members to develop cooperative strategies for complaint resolution.Collaborate and consult with offices under the purview of the Office of the Senior Vice President for People, Belonging, and Culture. Lead outreach to maintain awareness of the Ombuds Office and its role through presentations, educational programming, and collaboration with campus partners. Required ExperienceBachelor’s degree (or equivalent) required. Advanced degree in law, conflict management, organizational development, public policy, social work, psychology, or a related field preferred7+ years of progressively responsible experience in ombuds work, mediation, conflict management, organizational development, or a closely related fieldOutstanding oral and written communication skillsA reputation for integrity and sound professional judgmentDemonstrated skill in active listening, conflict assessment, coaching, facilitation, mediation, and problem-solving in complex, sensitive, and high-stakes situationsDemonstrated understanding of the role of an organizational ombuds and the International Ombuds Association Standards of Practice and Code of EthicsProven ability to work impartially and independently while earning trust across varied constituencies and levels of authorityExceptional record of professional judgment, ethical practice, discretion, cultural humility, and ability to protect confidential informationCommitment to equity, inclusion, accessibility, academic freedom, fairness, dignity, respect, and respectful engagement across a plurality of viewpointsPreferred QualificationsExperience serving as an organizational OmbudsTraining or certification in mediation, restorative practices, conflict coaching, or related dispute-resolution methodsExperience in a private research-intensive university, academic medical center, or similarly complex institutionFamiliarity with research compliance, sponsored programs, faculty affairs, graduate education, and student-support systems