Applicants must have experience working in an Organizational Ombuds office; a JD; at least three years of experience working in mediation, alternative dispute resolution or a related field; and training in mediation or alternative dispute resolution. The position will pay $74,000-107,000. Applications are due by February 25, 2016. (Jobs at CU.)
Related posts: UC Santa Barbara Names New Campus Ombuds; IOA Posts Agenda for 2014 Conference in Denver; Washington University in St. Louis Names First Staff Ombuds; Interview With University of Colorado's Outgoing Ombuds; Job Posting; University of Colorado Hires an Experienced Ombuds.
It is Ridiculous to require a JD! Especially when the director herself does NOT have a JD.
ReplyDeleteIt implies that this work cannot be done without a legal background.
Thanks for your comment, Anonymous. I have seen only one other ombuds job posting over the past 10 years that required a JD and that was for the USOC Ombudsman (http://ombuds-blog.blogspot.com/2014/08/job-posting-us-olympic-committee.html).
DeleteI do not believe that every person in an Ombuds office needs to have a JD. On the contrary, I believe that a diverse office is a strong office. The position requirements are based on the current needs of this office and are not a comment on the profession as a whole. Kirsi Aulin
DeleteKirsi-
DeleteI appreciate your response and clarification.
This is a disturbing trend in many Ombuds postings with no proof that JDS make better Ombuds.
ReplyDeleteThe JD requirement seems to unfairly restrict candidates that could add value to this community. A JD has no correlation to conflict competence or the ability to provide the resources of an ombuds. It is disappointing to see this at an institution that has made such great contributions to the conflict resolution field.
ReplyDeleteIt would increase the likelihood of diverse applicants if the candidate pool had not been so limited. A director, of course, has the right to hire whomever they see it- in fact, the ideal candidate for this position might happen to have a law degree. It is my belief that limiting the pool to JDs is a controversial stance in the ombuds profession. As we all know, attorneys are already an integral part of all of our organizations. The work ombuds do is not legal in nature- for a reason. I am also curious about what has changed at one of the most efffective academic Ombuds programs in the country for the last twenty years that it now "needs" an Ombuds with a law degree.
ReplyDeleteThis is an important comment as this precedent could create a trend that negatively impacts the field. JDs are trained as advocates, whereas the role of an ombuds is meant to be neutral. Although JDs should not be excluded from these positions, the requirement of a JD would limit the potential diversity that could result from a more open search.
DeleteI would be interested in learning the rationale behind the JD requirement as I am certain the job posting was thoughtfully written. I am simply curious and wanting to understand why a JD would be needed/desired/required for an ombuds. What current needs are fulfilled with a JD?
ReplyDeleteIt probably also bears noting that the salary range for the Associate position is much higher than the range initially offered for the director position. This implies a significant reassessment of the Ombuds Office by the institution.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Tom. Even though it is only an Associate position, the pay grade/level is significantly higher than what it used to be. In 2013 the Associate position advertised for $62-76k and asked for a graduate degree whereas a JD and pays $74-$107K today, definitely grades higher and it seems like the institution is on board.
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand, I am curious as to the number of qualified candidates Boulder expects; on top of a JD, Boulder wants someone with OO experience which means it is unlikely anyone fresh out of law school nor merely practicing law in the running. In a small field like this, we can probably pick out all the potential candidates from the IOA roster.
Hi Tom,
ReplyDeleteI wish to apply to the position. I have a J.D., but I do not have "mediator" experience. However, I have a B.A. in Communication, and practiced as a Domestic Violence Attorney and in the area of Lemon Law. Both areas that deal with conflict. I had to use my conflict resolution skills on a daily basis. I also was certified in law school as a mediator. What is your recommendation regarding applying for this position? Also I want to work as an Ombudsman. How do I start? Thank you.
Sabrina-
DeleteI think CU Boulder is looking for a very experienced Ombuds with a JD. It would not hurt to apply, but I wouldn't have high expectations. I made the transition from practicing law by meeting ombuds and acquiring ADR experience (mediation and ombuds training). The annual conference is expensive, but would provide both those opportunities. Good luck.
Tom,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for getting back to me. I will give it a shot.
Wow. Obviously this posted touched a big nerve in the Ombuds community and I think, rightfully so. I know more but can't say more that would be helpful in this dialogue.
ReplyDelete