October 04, 2024

Job Posting: European Molecular Biology Laboratory

EMBL, the intergovernmental laboratory for the life sciences in Heidelberg, Germany, seeks its next Ombudsperson. The search will fill a position established by Martina Peskoller-Fuchs in 2015. The position serves about staff members, local staff, fellows, trainees and visitors at sites across Europe, including: Hinxton near Cambridge, Grenoble, Hamburg, Rome, and Barcelona. The EMBL Ombuds will serve a five-year term and is renewable to nine years. 

October 02, 2024

Job Posting: Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank

The multilateral development bank based in Beijing has opened search for an Ombuds Service Analyst. The position reports to the Ombudsperson (which is being filled by a concurrent, international search) and will assist with research, training and outreach event organization, data collection and analysis, and reporting.

Job Posting: DC State Board of Education

The Ombudsman for Public Education in Washington, DC⁠—a neutral and independent office that provides conflict resolution services related to public education⁠—is hiring a Senior Advisor to the Ombudsman. The position "serves as a subject matter expert and key advisor to the Director, providing a broad range of operational management, project management, and research and writing support [including] coordination of case management, outreach and engagement, mediation, policy recommendations, and ensures compliance with applicable policies, procedures, regulations, and laws." Kimberly R. Humphrey was named the Director and Ombudsman on April 22, 2024.

October 01, 2024

Job Posting: University of Waterloo

The public research university in Ontario has opened a search for a full-time Ombudsperson. The position is expected to establish and manage an office to serve approximately 40,000 students following ACCUO standards of practice and reporting to the University Secretary. UWaterloo conducted a similar and ultimately unsuccessful search in November 2023.

Inter-American Development Bank Names Ombuds

Nick Diehl has been selected the next Head of Ombuds & Mediation Services for the Latin American Development Bank. He follows Ellen Connors in the position and is expected to serve an initial five-year term. Diehl will be based at IDB's headquarters in Washington, DC, and report directly to the President.

University of Iowa Adds Another Assistant Ombuds

Tijuana D. Collier has been selected as the second, full-time Assistant Ombudsperson in the Ombuds Office at the University of Iowa. She joins University Ombuds, Chanelle Reese, Assistant Ombuds, Corey P. Pass, and half-time Faculty Ombuds, Meenakshi GiGi Durham. They service faculty, staff, and students—including all of UI Healthcare.

University of Wyoming Down to Two Ombuds Candidates

The University of Wyoming is inviting campus stakeholders to sessions with the two finalists in the current search for the next Ombudsperson. Both candidates will be on campus on October 1, 2024: Don Appiarius, a VP for Student Development Services at Pitt Community College; and Onye Riches, Regional Ombudsman for The Redeemed Church International (Redeemed Christian Church of God). (UWyo News.)

September 30, 2024

Count Down to Seventh Annual Ombuds Day on October 10, 2024

The theme for this year's Annual Ombuds Day is "Ombuds: Here to Hear You." The goals of Ombuds Day are to improve public awareness of ombuds, to connect Ombuds in their communities, and to encourage greater use of Ombuds programs and services. The event created by the American Bar Association's Dispute Resolution Section has been embraced by Ombuds and professional associations around the world. 

Job Re-Posting: Cal Poly Pomona

In November 2023, California State Polytechnic University in Pomona announced a national search for a Director of Conflict Resolution Services and University Ombuds. Ten months later (during which time other Ombuds consulted with campus groups and provided educational events, and many experienced Ombuds submitted applications), the university has reopened the search. The position will lead the development of a new program for students, faculty, and staff as "part of the newly created organizational unit of People, Culture, and Institutional Affairs." The position reports directly to the university's president. 

September 27, 2024

University of the Bahamas Names Next Ombuds

Wendyi Poitier-Albury has been appointed the new Ombudsperson for the public university based in Nassau. She follows Marisa Mason-Smith, who established the program in 2019. Poitier-Albury will serve faculty, staff, and students at UB campuses across the Lucayan Archipelago. She will practice to IOA standards. 

September 25, 2024

Job Posting: Defense Logistics Agency

The U.S. Department of Defense's combat support agency is hiring a Program Analyst (Ombudsman). The position, "Provides an independent, informal, neutral, and confidential forum to hear and assist in addressing concerns of employees" (of which there are over 26,000 worldwide) and other stakeholders. Given the general secrecy about staffing within federal defense and intelligence agencies, it is hard to say whether or not this is a new program. Telework is available and some travel is required. 

Call for Reviewers: IOA 2025 Annual Conference

The International Ombuds Association's Conference Committee seeks volunteers to review presentation proposals for the upcoming 20th Annual Conference on April 7-9, 2025, in Miami, Florida. IOA is a volunteer driven association and this offers a chance for a discrete and focused opportunity to make a meaningful impact to benefits other members. 

September 24, 2024

Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers Announces Ombuds

Elizabeth Field has been hired as the new Ombuds for ICANN, the nonprofit organization responsible for coordinating the maintenance and procedures of several databases that undergird the Internet. she follows Herb Waye, who served in the role from July 2016 until Krista Papac was appointed as the Interim Ombuds in October 2023. Field reports directly to the ICANN board and generally follows IOA standards. However, in some cases, the Ombuds may initiate a formal investigation and make formal recommendations.

Call for Presenters: IOA 2025 Annual Conference

The International Ombuds Association is inviting presentation proposals and speaker suggestions for its 20th Annual Conference, which is set for April 5-9, 2025 in Miami, Florida. Proposals are due by October 23, 2024, and will be considered by the IOA Conference Committee Programming Subcommittee. Proposals will be evaluated in consideration of several criteria and can range in length from full or half day (pre-conference) to 60 or 15 minutes. (IOA Call for Presentations.)

Job Posting: Texas Department of Public Safety

The Texas state agency responsible for law enforcement and vehicle regulation is hiring a full-time Dispute Resolution Specialist. Based in the Dispute Resolution Office in Austin, the position will, "Perform advanced (senior-level) conflict management and dispute resolution work" for employees of the department. The work is generally confidential and requires independent judgment. The position is eligible to for telecommuting and up to 20% travel may be required.

September 23, 2024

Job Posting: Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank

The multilateral development bank based in Beijing has opened search for its next Ombudsperson. The position provides Ombuds services to bank staff globally and also leads the Respectful Workplace Advisors Program. The search will fill a position currently held by the Interim Ombuds, Huan Chen. The AIIB will serve an initial, three-year appointment.

Howard University Selects First Faculty Ombuds

Kevin Gerard Linder has been named the inaugural Faculty Ombuds for the private university in Washington, DC. His appointment caps national searches in 2016, 2018, and 2024. He will establish a program that has been required by the faculty handbook since 2019 and will report to the Office of the President. Previously, Howard had a Student Ombuds, but that program appears to be defunct.

September 20, 2024

Job Posting: World Health Organization, Republic of the Congo

WHO is hiring a Regional Ombudsperson for an initial two-year contract. Based in the capital city of Brazzaville, the full-time position will serve all WHO personnel and report directly and independently to the Regional Director for Africa. The position will practice to IOA standards.

Job Posting: Amsterdam UMC

Amsterdam Universitair Medische Centra, the Neatherlands' leading teaching and research medical center is hiring two positions in its Ombudsman and Confidential Affairs office. The Project Leader is a full-time position that is responsible for overall project management and administration. The Ombudsman and Confidential Advisor is a part-time position (28 hours/week) will provide focus on cases involving UMC employees.

Job Posting: Phillips Academy

The highly selective, private boarding school in Andover, Massachusetts, has reopened its search for an inaugural Ombuds. The posting appears changed from the prior search in March 2023. 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.

IOA Offers In-Person Foundations Training in Rhode Island

Since 2020, the International Ombuds Association's signature, training course has been offered primarily online. This year, only two of the Foundations classes will be offered live. In July, the course was offered only for practicing and new Ombuds. The second Foundations is open to anyone interested and is set for October 28-30, 2024, at the Omni Providence Hotel in Providence, RI. Registration is now open and registration is capped at 36.

September 16, 2024

Meet the Inaugural Student Ombuds at Southern Oregon University

In January 2023, SOU unveiled an Ombuds program for its 6,200 students public, liberal arts university in Ashland. Erica Knotts and Rebecca Williams provide services jointly. Located within the Office of Student Life, they practice to IOA standards. Meanwhile, Rachel Jochem and Cody Christopherson, separately serve as the Faculty Ombuds.

September 13, 2024

SAP to Host European Ombuds Conference

The European Group of Ombuds and Mediation Representatives will gather at SAP's headquarter in Walldorf, Germany, next week for their annual conference. The annual, three-day event for professionals from large European and international organizations offers an opportunity to come together, share best practices, and collaborate on the evolving role of Ombuds in today’s world.

Australia Set to Create National Student Ombuds Program

A package of legislating pending in the Australian parliament will establish a new National Student Ombudsman. The program will provide students with a federal mechanism to complain about higher education providers, especially cases of sexual assault and sexual harassment on university campuses. 

September 12, 2024

Rutgers University Appoints Next Ombuds

Kaamilyah Abdullah-Span has been named the new Ombudsperson for the State University of New Jersey. She will will restore a program that has been dormant since 2021, when the long-time Ombuds, Sybil James, moved into the Dean of Students role. Abdullah-Span will serve a student body of nearly 70,000 and report to the University Provost. (A separate Ombuds Office serves students and house staff at Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences.)

COFO Opens Registration for 2024 Annual Conference

Registration is now open for the 2024 Coalition of Federal Ombuds Annual Conference, which will be held for both in-person and virtual attendees from 9 AM – 5 PM Eastern time on October 25, 2024. The in-person portion of the conference will be held at the Clara Barton Auditorium at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office in Alexandria, VA. Registration is free.

September 11, 2024

Job Posting: Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation

The U.S. government corporation that insures bank deposits seeks two Internal Ombudsman Specialists. The FDIC ran a search last month which was substantially similar. Job details for the current openings are unchanged except that the posting states the "candidate selected will be offered a term appointment not-to-exceed four years." The full-time positions serve about 6,000 agency employees and report to the FDIC Internal Ombuds, Robert D. Harris in the Chairman's office in Washington, DC. 

Meet the Ombuds for Amnesty International, Italy

In December 2023, Vittorio Indovina became the Organizational Ombudsperson for Amnesty International Italia. As a contractor for the international non-governmental human rights organization, he developing an Ombuds program and is providing dispute resolution services to staff in discrimination and harassment cases and other interpersonal conflicts. 

September 10, 2024

Job Posting: Texas Southern University

The public HBCU in Houston has opened a search for a full-time Ombuds Officer. The position will report to the Provost/Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and serve faculty, staff, and students, a total population of over 10,000. Previously, TSU had only a Student Ombudsman (and it is not clear who served in the role). The position will practice to IOA standards. 

University of Tennessee Knoxville Ombuds Posts Fifth Annual Report

Cases increased significantly according to the 2023-24 annual report from the Office of Ombuds Services at UT Knoxville. Campus Ombudsperson, Lisa Yamagata-Lynch, said that her office handled 659 contacts with visitors. The office includes Associate Ombudsperson, Brooke Wichmann, Educational Program Coordinator, Duren Thompson, and a graduate research assistant, Mohammad “Shovon” Rahanur Alam.

September 09, 2024

Duke University Hires Associate Ombuds

Marlo Goldstein Hode has been selected as the Associate Ombuds for the private university in Durham, North Carolina. She joins University Ombuds, Jessica Kuchta-Miller, CO-OP, and serve all faculty, staff, and students. 

Internship: SAP

The Global Ombuds Office for the German multinational software corporation is seeking student for a six-month internship in Prague. The paid, part-time position will focus projects that support the work of the Ombuds Office, including preparing new trainings and promotional materials. After an initial six-month internship, the position may transition to a student employee. Up to 10% travel may be required.

ACCUO Selects Interim Leaders

Following recent changes in its executive executive committee, the Association of Canadian College and University Ombudspersons (Association des ombudsmans des universités et collèges du Canada) has named interim replacements. Permanent committee members will be appointed at the Annual General Meeting in October 2024.

September 06, 2024

Job Posting: Central State University

The public land-grant university in Wilberforce, Ohio (the state's only HBCU), is hiring its first Director of the Office of Student Ombuds. Reporting to the President's Chief of Staff, the Ombuds will serve about 5,500 enrolled students. In a State of the University address last week, Central State's President, Morakinyo A.O. Kuti, said, "We will also launch the Office of Students Ombudsman in October to help students navigate their University journey more efficiently." The university's website does not indicate what motivated the creation of an Ombuds program, but one of its accrediting bodies (the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools), endorsed Ombuds in 2015.

Toronto Metropolitan University Adds an Assistant Ombuds

In May 2024, Jemmy Erhiaganoma was selected as the new Assistant Ombudsperson for TMU. She joins Acting Ombudsperson, Gemma Kerr, and Assistant Ombudsperson & Outreach Officer, Edmun Natkunarajah. TMU's Office of the Ombudsperson serves 48,000 enrolled students, plus applicants and former students, and follows ACCUO and FCO standards of practice.

September 05, 2024

Virginia Commonwealth University Ombuds Announces 2024 Conflict Resolution Day Event

Since 2013, VCU's Ombudsperson, William King, has sponsored a National Conflict Resolution Day program. This year, his signature event on October 17, 2024will feature a keynote by Reese Ramos, University Ombuds for Virginia Tech. The theme for his address is "The Power of the Dark Side – Being Comfortable with the Uncomfortable." The rest of the day includes panel discussions and group work on managing conflict with other campus leaders. As usual, the event is free and open to the public.

September 04, 2024

US News & World Report: "What Students Should Know About College Ombuds"

The media company known for its influential ranking of colleges and graduate schools, has published an article explaining the role of campus Ombuds. The piece includes sections on: History of Ombuds Offices; What an Ombuds Does; How an Ombuds Helps; When To Use Ombuds; When Not to Use Ombuds; Issues Brought to Ombuds; and Resolution That Can Be Expected.

September 03, 2024

Job Posting: CVS Health (OhioRISE)

CVS Health is hiring an Ombuds to work in the Ombuds Office for OhioRISE, the statewide, Medicaid behavioral health plan for children and youth. The full-time, remote position will provide services to members and community partners following Organizational Ombuds standards. (The job is not related to the discontinued CVS Ombuds Office that served internal employees.)

New APSA Leader is an Ombuds Advocate

Kimberly A. Mealy has been named the Executive Director of the American Political Science Association, the leading professional association for the study of political science. In addition to her many years of leadership within APSA, Mealy has been an advocate for Organizational Ombuds. In 2017, she advocated for the creation of the APSA Ombuds program. In 2019, she authored an article that highlighted the role of APSA Ombuds as part of a social justice framework. Since then, Mealy has continued to advise associations and academic institutions on resource and policy development, including the role of Ombuds. (Political Science Now.)

August 30, 2024

University of Southern Mississippi Names First Faculty Ombuds

Earlier this summer, Andrew Haley was appointed the inaugural Faculty Ombud for the a public university in Hattiesburg. He will serve about 1,000 academic staff and report to the USM President. A charter ensures that the Ombuds practices to IOA standards. Haley is an Associate Professor in the School of Humanities and has been a member of the USM faculty since 2005. 

August 28, 2024

Job Posting: Denver Public Schools

DPS, the second largest public school system in Colorado, is hiring an Associate Ombudsperson. The position will assist in providing Ombuds services for 15,000 employees across more than 200 school sites under the direction of the DPS Ombudsperson, Antoinette Hudson, CO-OP.

Meet the Student Ombuds for Southern Illinois University

In 2023, Lanel Love was named the Student Ombudsperson for SIU Carbondale. She joined Michelle Kibby and Lori Foster , who provide Ombuds services for staff and faculty. Love follows Renada Greer, who was the Ombuds for students since about six years.

August 27, 2024

University of Wyoming Names Interim Ombuds

Narina Nunez, a professor emeritus of psychology, has been named the Interim University Ombudsperson for UW. Meanwhile, the public land-grant research university in Laramie continues its national search for a permanent Ombuds to serve all campus constituents.

August 26, 2024

Job Posting: Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation

The U.S. government corporation that insures bank deposits is hiring an Internal Ombudsman Specialist. The full-time position serves about 6,000 agency employees and reports to the Chairman's office in Washington, DC. There are few public details about the FDIC Internal Ombuds, but it appears that Robert D. Harris heads the office. (The FDIC has a separate external Ombuds Office for the banking industry and general public.) The search may be used to fill other position.

August 23, 2024

Job Posting: Concordia University

The public university in Montreal is hiring a full-time Associate Ombudsperson for a three-year contract, which will end September 9, 2027. The position will report to Concordia's Ombudsperson, Amy Fish, and serve all members of the Concordia community.

Kansas State University Names New Faculty Ombuds

Barbara Anderson, a Professor of Interior Architecture and Industrial Design at K-State, has been appointed a Faculty Ombuds. As a collateral-duty Obmuds, she will handle employee concerns and serve a three-year term. She joins
Jared Meitler and Alfred Cochran in the role. (K-State Ombuds.)

University of Göttingen Debuts Ombuds Office

Silja-Katharina Haufe has been appointed the inaugural Ombudsperson for Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, a prominent public research university in Lower Saxony, Germany. "In this role, she supports students confidentially in difficult study-related situations." Haufe provides services to student applicants, current students, and alums up to one year post graduation. Haufe has worked at the university since 2014. 

August 22, 2024

The Royal Melbourne Hospital Shutters Ombuds Office

The prominent Australian public teaching hospital will close its Ombuds office at the end of August 2024. The program was established in January 2022 by Lisa Klug, who piloted an Ombuds role (designated "Independent Facilitator") in 2018-2022 for Safer Care Victoria, which also served The Royal Melbourne Hospital. These were the only examples of Organizational Ombuds programs in healthcare in Australia. Klug is resigning for other opportunities and the position will not be refilled. 

August 20, 2024

Job Posting: University of Massachusetts Amherst

The flagship campus of the University of Massachusetts system seeks its next permanent University Ombuds. The search will take over a program that has been managed by MWI since July, following the departure of Interim University Ombuds, Lea Occhialini, at the end of 2023. The position reports to the chancellor's office and and supervises an Associate Ombuds (currently vacant) and an office manager. The UMass Ombuds serves over 38,000 faculty, staff, and students, and is expected to practice to IOA standards. The anticipated start date is January 2025.

Journal of IOA Article Offers Ombuds Guidance for Neurodiverse Visitors

Israela Adah Brill-Cass (Ombuds for Wesleyan University, Clark University, and the Broad Institute of MIT), is the author of a new article in the peer-reviewed Journal of the International Ombuds Association. In "Ombudsing with Neurodiversity in Mind," Brill-Cass urges Ombuds to adopt strategies to effectively serve stakeholders with sensory processing, motor abilities, social comfort, and cognition differences.