Job Posting: University of Massachusetts Amherst

The largest public university in New England has opened a search for a full-time Associate Ombuds. The position reports to Martha Patrick, CO-OP, the University Ombudsperson, and serves faculty, staff, and students, with a focus on undergraduates. The position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule.

Ithaca College Opens Internal Search for Reformed Ombuds Program

The provost for the private liberal arts college in central New York has issued a call for volunteers to join a Faculty Ombuds Team. Over the past few years, Ithaca considered a couple of different models for its Ombuds program. For example, at one point there was a proposal for the Ombuds be a tenured faulty member, serving on a part-time basis, appointed to a three-year term, and reporting to HR with oversight over some faculty programs. The College also seemed to consider paying for Ombuds services. The current plan envisions a team of faculty given release time to serve as Ombuds. Moreover, and most significantly, they will generally practice to IOA standards. (Ithaca Intercom.)

Job Posting: Greater Albany Public Schools

Greater Albany Public School District 8J in Oregon is hiring its first Ombudsperson. Funded by a state grant for Latino/a/x and Indigenous Student Success, the new Ombuds will "develop a program of support to all staff as they work with students and families." The role will advocate for fairness while maintaining confidentiality. The position will work 191 days per year. 

Job Posting: Massachusetts Department of Veterans' Services

The Bay State's Executive Office of Veterans’ Services is hiring an Ombudsperson for its Chelsea Soldiers Home. This new position will work with staff and residents at a historic and expanding facility, and reports to the executive director. The job description is ambiguous: some language indicates a Classical Ombuds role ("advocate on behalf of residents and staff of the Veterans’ Home and to receive, investigate and resolve through administrative action, in a timely manner, complaints filed by residents and staff"); yet other language is more in line with an Organizational Ombuds role ("provides neutral and confidential assistance to resolve conflict and serves as an advocate for fairness, source of support and information and act as liaison between conflicting parties [and] is neither an advocate for any individual or the home [and] does not keep records").

Job Posting: Arrow Security & Training LLC

AST, a small business that provides military training, security, and linguistic services to government and private sector clients is hiring its first Ombuds. The AST Linguist Ombudsman will "provide linguists a channel to voice issues, problems, and complaints without fear of repercussions." The full-time position will help facilitate informal resolution processes for employees throughout the continental U.S. and help surface issues and opportunities for systemic change. The position will be based in August, GA. 

ENOHE Webinar to Examine Handling Gender-Based Violence Cases

On May 12, 2023, the European Network of Ombuds in Higher Education will offer a webinar on "How to Deal with Gender-based Violence: The Potential Role of Ombuds Offices in Case Handling." Seven panelists from universities around the world offer a variety of perspectives.

More from ENOHE:

Job Posting: U.S. Census Bureau

The Department of Commerce agency is hiring two Associate Ombuds, one based in the Washington, DC, metro area (Suitland, MD) and one based in the Louisville, KY, metro area (Jeffersonville, IN). The GS-14/15 positions will report to the Census Bureau Ombuds, Bill Maurer, CO-OP. Occasional travel may be required and telework may also be possible. Relocation expenses may be paid. 

Job Posting: California University of Science and Medicine

CSUM, a newly accredited, private medical school in Colton, California, is hiring its first Executive Director, Office of Ombuds. The new position will serve all members of the medical school, including administrators, staff, faculty, and 520 students. The full-time position is expected to practice to IOA standards and report to the university president. 

Job Posting: Adtalem Global Education

The U.S. corporation that operates several for-profit higher education institutions (including American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine, Chamberlain University, EduPristine, Ross University School of Medicine, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, and Walden University) has opened a search for its first Ombudsperson. The fully remote, full-time position will develop and Organizational Ombuds office to serve Adtalem students.

Colorado State Legislature Introduces Bill to Create Courts Ombuds

The Colorado State House of Representatives is considering a bipartisan bill to create an Office of Judicial Ombudsman. HB23-1205 was co-sponsored by Representatives Mike Lynch (R-Minority Leader) and Jennifer Bacon (D-Assistant Majority Leader). The bill approved unanimously by the Judiciary Committee and has been sent to Appropriations. The intent of the legislation is to create a typical Organizational Ombuds program. It is clear about the Ombuds being confidential and independent, but it lacks explicit language about neutrality and informality.

Job Posting (RFP): Global Green Growth Institute

The international organization headquartered in Seoul seeks applications for its next Ombudsperson. The search will fill a role held by Kathleen Canul since 2019. The contract position serves over 500 employees across 39 countries. In addition to providing Ombuds services, the position will also support the GGGI Global Respectful Workplace Advisors program and provide internal training/coaching.

Job Posting: Amsterdam UMC

Amsterdam Universitair Medische Centra is hiring an Ombuds and Confidential Affairs adviser for its Ombuds and Confidential Affairs Office. The part-time position (28 hours/week) will serve over 15,000 Amsterdam UMC employees at two locations. (The medical center resulted from the affiliation of medical faculty from the University of Amsterdam VU University Amsterdam in 2018.) The position is contracted for six months. Applications are due by March 30, 2023. (Amsterdam UMC Posting.)

Job Posting: Phillips Academy Andover

The highly selective, private boarding school in Andover, Massachusetts, has opened a search for its first Ombuds. The part-time position (approximately 8-10 hours per week) will provide services to faculty, staff, and administrators and report to the head of school. The position is hybrid and will work both on campus and remotely. It is expected that the position will follow IOA standards.

Czech Technical University in Prague Faculty of Architecture Names First Ombuds

The CTU Faculty of Achitecture (České vysoké učení technické v Praze Fakulta architektury) has selected Dita Jahodová as its first Ombudsperson. In this new role, she will provide services for all members of the school: students and employees. Trained in sociology, she brings experience from academia (teaching at Charles University and Masaryk University), government work (Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs), and independent consulting to the position. She graduated from Charles University and earned a PhD at Masaryl University Brno. (CTU FA News; LinkedIn.)

ENOHE Announces 2023 Conference Program and Pre-Conference Training

The European Network of Ombuds in Higher Education has unveiled its full conference website and program for this year's conference, hosted by Charles University in Prague, Czech Republic. Immediately preceding the conference, ENOHE is offering a new Training Activity Programme. Registration for both events is now open.