Assistant Ombudsperson-Fixed Acad Staff

Working/Functional Title

Assistant Ombudsperson

Position Summary

This position supports the university’s commitment to fairness, equity, and systemic improvement through conflict resolution, educational outreach, and institutional insight.

Established in 1967, the MSU Office of the University Ombudsperson is the longest continuously operating university ombuds office in the United States. The office is grounded in the International Ombuds Association (IOA) Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics and serves as a national leader in the evolution of the organizational ombuds profession. The Assistant University Ombudsperson joins a team that values not only high-quality conflict resolution services but also scholarship, research, and field-building.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide confidential, impartial, informal, and independent assistance to individuals seeking guidance, resolution, or support in navigating concerns or conflicts within the university.
• Facilitate problem-solving conversations, coach individuals, and explore conflict resolution strategies.
• Assist in identifying systemic patterns and concerns to inform institutional learning and advocacy for systemic change.
• Serve as a neutral and accessible resource across university communities.
• Conduct issue and policy research to provide clear information and support informed decision-making.
• Participate in strategic outreach and education efforts, including training, orientation sessions, workshops, and resource development.
• Collaborate with the University Ombudsperson and other team members on special initiatives aligned with the office’s strategic plan.
• Maintain and manage confidential case logs, assist with preparing reports, presentations, and trend analyses.
• Contribute to the office’s commitment to research, scholarship, and reflective learning through engagement with institutional data, field literature, and professional discourse.
• Answer calls, emails, and other inquiries in a timely, empathetic, and resource-oriented manner.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Degree

Masters -Higher education, conflict resolution, law, psychology, social work, or related.

Minimum Requirements

• Master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., higher education, conflict resolution, law, psychology, social work, or related disciplines).
• Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to the IOA Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics.
• Experience in conflict resolution, coaching, mediation, or facilitation in complex institutional environments.
• Knowledge of university structures, policies, and practices related to student, faculty, and administrative systems.
• Demonstrated ability to remain neutral, nonjudgmental, and empathetic in emotionally charged or ambiguous situations.
• Excellent interpersonal, listening, and communication skills, including the ability to work with individuals from diverse cultural, social, and academic backgrounds.
• Clear and concise writing skills for correspondence, reports, and outreach materials.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and maintain confidentiality.

Desired Qualifications

• Familiarity with assessment, data analysis, or research methods related to organizational change, ombuds work, or higher education.
• Experience with outreach, training, or curriculum development.
• Flexibility in schedule and a willingness to occasionally work outside standard business hours.
• Minimum two-year commitment strongly preferred.

Required Application Materials

Cover letter, CV or Resume, and contact information for at least 3 references.

Remote Work Statement

MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.

Website

OMBUD.MSU.EDU

MSU Statement

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.