University of North Carolina Wilmington Opens Internal Search for First Ombuds
The state research university in Southeast North Carolina seeks applications for its first University Ombuds. The new position will serve about 2,500 faculty and staff (but not the 18,000 students). The position reports to the Chancellor and has a functional reporting relationship to the Chief of Staff. The position is half-time, five days a week.
The position is open only to current employees. "Because part of the duties performed will fall within regular working hours, supervisor approval will be required."
Applicants must have a Master’s, JD or advanced degree and three years of related experience (or a Bachelor’s degree with at least minimum of five years of relevant professional experience). Preferred qualifications include: three or more years of relevant Ombuds experience in a higher education setting and CO-OP designation. The position will pay $12,000 per semester/summer and applications are due by September 9, 2024. (UNCW Posting.)
An internal search where they want the candidate to already have "three or more years of relevant Ombuds experience in a higher education setting and CO-OP designation"? Either this is a rigged/sham search designed for someone on campus or it is wildly unrealistic to expect there is a pool of such people on the Wilmington campus.
It signals a continuing decline in the perception of the importance of ombuds by administrators since the high-water mark of the 1970s: from respected leader on campus to "any ol' person can handle this as a part-time addition to their job duties."
An internal search where they want the candidate to already have "three or more years of relevant Ombuds experience in a higher education setting and CO-OP designation"? Either this is a rigged/sham search designed for someone on campus or it is wildly unrealistic to expect there is a pool of such people on the Wilmington campus.
ReplyDeleteI might create a new tag for posts like this: Unicorn.
DeleteSeems the position is in addition to a role in which the person is already working. Might that signal a conflict of interest?
ReplyDeleteIt signals a continuing decline in the perception of the importance of ombuds by administrators since the high-water mark of the 1970s: from respected leader on campus to "any ol' person can handle this as a part-time addition to their job duties."
ReplyDelete