Ombuds

Ombuds

Job Title  | Ombuds
Union Level  |
Department  | General Counsel
Campus  | Stockton
Posting Number  | 201304173P
Full or Part Time  | Full Time
Number of Months  | 12
Work Schedule  | Work is performed during standard hours; rarely may work after hours or on weekends. Will work on a Pacific campus five (5) days per week. Primary workspace will be out of the Stockton campus, with a minimum of two (2) days per month being spent at each of the Sacramento and San Francisco campuses.
Position End Date  |
Open Date  | 09/24/2025
Close Date  |
Open Until Filled  | Yes
Special Instructions to Applicants  | For Applicants Seeking Job Opportunities within the University
Internal: Internal applicants will be considered within the first five (5) business days of the posting period.
External: External applicants will be considered on the sixth (6) business day of the posting period.
Sponsorship  | This position is not eligible for a visa sponsorship now or in the future.

 
Position Summary Information 

Primary Purpose  | The Ombuds offers neutral and confidential guidance on a variety of issues for all faculty, students, and staff at the university using the International Ombuds Association’s (“IOA”) standards of practice and code of ethics. The Ombuds serves as an independent, impartial, confidential, and informal conflict management practitioner for members of the University of the Pacific community who are experiencing challenging circumstances relating to the University. For example, the Ombuds addresses concerns relating to interpersonal conflicts (such as those that might arise between professor/student, students, or co-workers), as well as academic, work-related, or living environment concerns. The Ombuds provides information to faculty, staff, and students (“visitors”) about the formal and informal options available to resolve concerns and offers practical assistance to navigate challenging circumstances successfully. With the permission of the involved visitors and if appropriate for a particular circumstance, the Ombuds mediates disputes and confirms resolutions. The Ombuds provides workshops to the University community on effective strategies for navigating challenging circumstances. As a senior administrator of the University, the Ombuds is also expected to identify system-based concerns (such as an ineffective policy) and serve as a thought partner on creative and effective solutions. This role reports to the Chief General Counsel of the University to ensure support of the confidential nature of the Ombuds.

Essential Functions  | Provide a safe venue for faculty, staff, and students to air concerns relating to the University. Listen and discuss. Identify what a positive resolution might look like. Describe formal and informal processes available to resolve concerns. Provide answers to questions about University processes. Assist faculty, staff, and students in evaluating options and assist in developing a plan that best serves the goals of the visitor. With permission, manage resolution of disputes among multiple parties, acting as a designated neutral resource. Identify system-based concerns (such as an ineffective policy) and, where confidentiality permits, serve as a thought partner on creative and effective solutions. Provide workshops to the University community and to groups within the University about effective strategies for navigating challenging circumstances, and for having difficult conversations. Maintain confidentiality to the extent permitted by law. Keep anonymized records regarding cases and workload, including information regarding status of visitors (faculty, student, staff, other) and campus affiliation. Create an annual report with key metrics and accomplishments. While maintaining confidentiality of individual visitors of the Ombuds, meet regularly with the Chief General Counsel to discuss system-wide matters and review caseload and workshops. Maintain an on-person presence on all three of Pacific’s campuses on a generally regular schedule. Flexibly provide assistance at Pacific’s three campuses based on identified needs. To ensure a community of practice, the Ombuds will be expected to join and participate in Ombuds’ organizations; the position will be supported with reasonable conference and professional development opportunities. Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned. Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures. Other duties may also be assigned.

University of the Pacific recognizes that diversity, equity, and inclusion is foundational to the success of our valued students and employees. We prioritize policy and decision-making that demonstrates awareness of, and responsiveness to, the ways socio-cultural forces related to race, gender, ability, sexuality, socio-economic status, etc. impede or propel students, faculty, and staff.
Minimum Qualifications  | JD, PhD, PsyD, LCSW (or similar advanced degree), or advanced certificate in mediation. Five (5) years of relevant experience. Certification in mediation, and/or completed Ombudsman Training 101, 202, given by the International Ombudsman Association. Valid driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications  | Outstanding communication skills, both orally and in writing, with individuals at all levels of the organization. Ability to display a firm commitment to fairness and respect in the workplace, a genuine desire to promote a supportive climate for all members of the Pacific community, sensitivity to cultural and ethnic diversity, and the ability to manage difficult and contentious situations. Demonstrated mediation and/or conflict resolution skills. Mature judgment and a thorough appreciation of and sensitivity to the academic environment of the university. High degree of credibility and integrity; must be able to interact effectively with academic and administrative leadership and with staff at all levels, while, at the same time, maintaining independence and objectivity. Strong interpersonal, organizational, and administrative skills. Knowledgeable about the university, its structure, culture, policies, and practices. Experience and sensitivity in working with people of diverse backgrounds and cultures. Demonstrated experience in advancing social justice, equity, and inclusion in a university setting. Ability to engage and integrate culturally responsive practices and knowledge in their work.
Physical Requirements  | The physical demands described here are representative but not definitive of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work requires extended period of sitting, moderate periods of standing or walking and infrequent bending, kneeling, stooping and climbing stairs. Moderate repetitive use of hands and wrist primarily through use of computer keyboard. May be requested to lift up to twenty-five (25) lbs.

Work Environment/Work Week/Travel:Will work on a Pacific campus five (5) days per week. Primary workspace will be out of the Stockton campus, with a minimum of two (2) days per month being spent at each of the Sacramento and San Francisco campuses. Will work in a private office space. Work is performed during standard hours; rarely may work after hours or on weekends.

Valid driver’s license required. Incumbent must also be able to meet the University’s fleet rules and be eligible to drive for University business. The University and its insurance carrier reserves the right to exclude applicants based on their driving record.
Hiring Range  | $90,000 - $149,273 per year. We consider factors such as, but not limited to, scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate’s qualifications, internal equity, as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer.
Background Check Statement  | All applicants who receive a conditional offer of employment are required to execute a release and authorization for a background screening.

AB 810 Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: University of the Pacific complies with California Assembly Bill 810, requiring candidates accepting conditional job offers to disclose any final administrative or judicial findings, ongoing proceedings, allegations, resignations under investigation, or appeals related to sexual harassment or misconduct within the past seven years.

Anti-Discrimination/EEO Policy Statement  | University of the Pacific is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to workforce diversity across backgrounds, experiences, and viewpoints. Pacific does not unlawfully discriminate in its hiring of faculty and staff, or in the provision of its employment benefits to its faculty and staff on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, genetic information, sex/gender, marital status, military and veteran status, sexual orientation, medical condition, pregnancy, gender identity, gender expression, or mental or physical disability, or other legally protected characteristics or combination of such characteristics. While we strive to attract a broad and representative pool of candidates, all hiring decisions are made based on merit, selecting the most qualified individual for each position.

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Applicant Documents