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Ombudsperson & Special Assistant to the Dean of Students

Job Summary

As part of the Dean of Students Office, Student Affairs, the Ombudsperson (75%) serves students by providing confidential and informal assistance in resolving concerns and addressing issues regarding student rights and responsibilities. Further, in the Special Assistant to the Dean of Students role (25%), the individual leads and supports key initiatives driven by the Dean of Students Offices that are often not student facing.

Responsibilities*

OMBUDS (75%)

+ Provide members of the campus community, primarily students, with confidential, informal assistance in resolving concerns and addressing issues regarding student rights and responsibilities through information sharing, coaching, teaching conflict negotiation skills, shuttle diplomacy, writing assists, and referrals guided by the principles of independence, neutrality and impartiality, confidentiality, and informality outlined by the International Ombudsman Association while ensuring practices and procedures are in compliance with university standards.

+ Work with Deans, Associate Deans, Department Chairs, the Provost?s Office, Department Directors, and any others necessary to informally address student concerns, surface issues and trends, identify areas where practice does not conform to policy, propose solutions, make policy recommendations, and facilitate collaboration between departments and units.

+ Establish and maintain strong relationships across campus.

+ Develop understanding of, and remain current on, university structure, culture, policies, and practices.

+ Track issues and trends (without personal identity) through intake procedures, database.

+ Provide an annual report to senior leadership, inclusive of trends, patterns and recommendations for improved policies or procedures.

+ Outreach and market the office to students, staff and faculty; increase awareness and utilization through presentations, tabling opportunities, print and electronic media.

SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE DEAN OF STUDENTS (25%)

+ Manages the Weekly Wolverine, the all-student Weekly Email Newsletter

+ Support the division including assisting with transitional activities, representing the division at meetings and/or on special projects and initiatives, and attending division leadership meetings semi-regularly to maintain a high level of knowledge of divisional activity.

+ Special projects as assigned including research and assisting with developing policies and guidelines.

+ Coordinate, with the Associate Dean of Students, the Student Affairs Advisory Council program.

+ Leadership for divisional marketing life cycle processes

Required Qualifications*

+ Proven relationship and interpersonal skills including the ability to build formal and informal networks and maintain smooth, cooperative working relationships across campus.

+ Strong communication skills in both written and oral forms are required.

+ Strong listening skills are required.

+ Strong problem solving skills and the ability to carefully analyze situations and recommend a course of action are required.

+ Strong organizational skills and follow up skills are required.

+ A bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

+ 3-5 years of student advising/counseling experience.

Desired Qualifications*

+ Experience working in an academic setting is preferred.

+ Knowledge of Salesforce, Banner, Google Suite, Symplicity Advocate, Caseload Manager

+ Experience working in an Ombuds role or environment

+ Masters degree in student affairs, higher education, counseling or related field

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about thework modes (https://hr.umich.edu/working-u-m/my-employment/ways-we-work-resource-center/ways-we-work-implementation-group/modes-work) .

Background Screening

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.

Job Detail

Job Opening ID

263864

Working Title

Ombudsperson & Special Assistant to the Dean of Students

Job Title

Ombudsperson

Work Location

Dearborn Campus

Dearborn, MI

Modes of Work

Hybrid

Full/Part Time

Full-Time

Regular/Temporary

Regular

FLSA Status

Exempt

Organizational Group

Dbn Student Life

Department

Dbn Dean of Students

Posting Begin/End Date

5/19/2025 - 6/09/2025

Salary

$70,000.00 - $75,000.00

Career Interest

Administration