Applicants must have five years of full-time Ombuds experience and a JD from an accredited law school. The position will pay $108,000 to $120,000 per year and applications are due by June 24, 2025. (CU Boulder Posting.)
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Why does the new hire need a JD when the Associate Director already has one?
ReplyDeleteThe director also has one.
ReplyDeleteWhere were you able to find that information? On their website it says the director has an MS.
DeleteThe director does not have a JD.
DeleteYes, great question. Not sure why a JD would be required since Ombuds are not practicing law in their role as ombuds and are not organizationally aligned within the legal department (at least we hope not). And this job is not framed as "Counsel to the Ombuds" which we once saw at the State Department. This isn't an ombuds job serving a law firm, which could make sense (though non-JD ombuds could do a great job too). In higher ed we often see terminal degrees preferred for ombuds jobs, including PhD and JD. But JD only required? Why. We don't offer legal advice, and it would be a severe ethical violation if we did. If a visitor wants guidance that even remotely feels like a request for legal advice, we quickly shut it down and tell them that's not our lane. Perhaps Boulder would be so kind as to share their rationale.
ReplyDeleteI am the director, and I do not have a JD. This office has for decades has had a JD as part of the team due to operational needs. Under Tom Sebok, that person was a retired law school professor who was not involved in IOA, so this has been unknown to IOA folks. This is a replacement position. We will also be expanding the office, and recruiting soon for a different kind of position.
ReplyDelete"The Operational Needs of a JD in a Flagship R1 University Ombuds Office" sounds like a great title for a JOIA article or IOA conference presentation.
ReplyDeleteOne of the strengths of an effective ombuds office is having a team with a mix of backgrounds and experiences. When we bring together people who’ve worked in law, social work, education, counseling, or organizational development, we’re better equipped to support the wide range of concerns that come our way.
ReplyDeleteHaving someone with a JD, for example, can be really helpful—not because we’re offering legal advice, but because that training often comes with strong analytical skills and a solid understanding of how policies and systems fit together. That can be a real asset when we’re helping someone think through their options in a complex situation. It can also add credibility depending on the institution.
At the same time, colleagues from other fields bring equally valuable perspectives like deep listening, facilitation skills, or an understanding of institutional culture. It’s really about having a well-rounded team that reflects the diversity of the community we serve and can meet people where they are.
And while every organization has its own approach, I’d give the office the benefit of the doubt that staffing choices like this may be part of a broader strategic initiative or long-term vision, something that may not be immediately visible to those outside the office. Building a team with complementary skill sets can be part of ensuring the ombuds office continues to evolve and meet the changing needs of the community.
Perplexing why a JD is required for this position and other terminal degrees will not be accepted. I believe it limits the potential pool of outstanding candidates. I am also confused about the explanation regarding "operational needs". IOA and individual ombuds offices have worked hard to expand this role to a variety of well-qualified individuals - this seems like a step backwards. I wish Boulder the best.
ReplyDeleteA JD Plus 5 years of ombuds work sounds like a job ad written for one person in particular.
ReplyDeleteI was told there isn't an internal candidate.
DeleteCorrect. There is not. This is a national search and the job description was not written for anyone in particular.
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