Job Posting: Williams College

One year after Waged Jafer established the Ombuds program, the private liberal arts college in Williamstown, Massachusetts is seeking its next Ombudsperson. The Williams Ombuds is a part-time position that serves faculty and staff—fewer than 500 people. The position reports to the college president and practices to IOA standards. For now, this opportunity is not being posted elsewhere.

Here is the full posting from Williams College:

Ombudsperson Consultant

Williams College

Williams College is seeking an experienced Ombudsperson consultant who will serve an initial six-month trial period, which may be extended and will be available (virtually) on an as-needed basis and (in-person as needed). The Ombudsperson will serve as a resource for individuals seeking assistance with a variety of workplace issues, and for administrative and academic units seeking help with communication, conflict, and interpersonal dynamics.

They will provide guidance and advise on improving the understanding of the College’s policies and procedures while fostering a fair, equitable, and respectful work environment for all faculty and staff.

The Ombudsperson listens to concerns, facilitates equitable resolutions, fosters communication, provides information and referral services, serves as a resource to facilitate and improve conflict management.

Reporting directly to the President, the Ombudsperson works independently of all administrative and academic offices. The ombudsperson offers a neutral, informal and confidential place for faculty and staff to bring their concerns. The Ombudsperson will help individuals clarify their interests and goals, understand and weigh their options, and develop strategies for handling difficult situations. The ombudsperson can coach individuals in written and verbal communications; identify and explain relevant college policies and practices; provide referrals to other offices and services; assist in resolving interpersonal conflict by facilitating one-on-one and group conversations.

In this consultancy role, the Ombudsperson will serve faculty and staff and will adhere to the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice of (IOA). The Ombudsperson will be compensated in the range of $150/hr, based upon experience and qualifications for an estimated 5-10 hours a week.

Qualifications and requirements:

• J.D., Ph.D., or master’s degree in counseling, conflict resolution, or related field; or equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience required;
• Certification from International Ombudsman Association highly preferred;
• Experience in facilitation and mediation; dispute and conflict resolution; bias, equity, and inclusion essential;
• Understanding of, commitment to, and demonstrated cultural competency in providing services to a diverse and inclusive community are critical;
• Outstanding listening skills and the ability to cultivate trust and credibility among various and diverse constituencies are necessary;
• Experience in and/or knowledge about higher education and college governance strongly preferred;
• Experience in performance management processes, and coaching employees and managers around performance issues desirable.

Interested applicants can contact Keli Gail by sending a CV and a cover letter via email: kg8@williams.edu.

Related posts: Job Posting; Williams College Hires First Ombuds.