Ombudsperson
- Employer
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
- Location
- Cambridge, Massachusetts (US)
- Salary
- negotiable
- Date posted
- Jan 21, 2025
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- Position Type
- Administrative, Academic Affairs, Academic Administration, Faculty Affairs, Student Affairs, Counseling, Other Student Affairs
- Employment Type
- Full Time
- Institution Type
- Private Four-Year Institutions
OMBUDSPERSON
Massachusetts Institute of Technology Ombuds Office
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), a world-class educational institution founded in 1865, is dedicated to advancing knowledge and educating students in science, technology and other areas of scholarship that will best serve the nation and the world. MIT employs over 17,000 individuals, is comprised of six schools and enrolls approximately 4,500 undergraduates and 7,300 graduate students. Please visit the MIT web site at web.mit.edu to learn more.
The MIT Ombuds Office seeks qualified applicants for the position of organizational Ombudsperson. The MIT Ombuds Office operates with two full-time Ombudspersons who manage the office as a team and serve the entire Institute community of faculty, staff, students and affiliates. The Ombuds Office reports to the President and operates independently of other administrative units to maintain requisite independence, impartiality and to ensure confidentiality in accordance with the Ombuds Office Terms of Reference and the International Ombudsman Association’s Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics.
FUNCTION AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Serve as an independent, informal, impartial and confidential conflict management resource for all members of the MIT community. The Ombudsperson is an advocate for fair processes and fair administration of those processes, not for an individual or a particular outcome. Identify systemic issues that are causing or contributing to concerns and make recommendations to address them. Promote skill development for improved understanding and management of conflict by individuals and groups throughout the Institute. Advocate for fair and respectful treatment of all members of the MIT community. MIT Ombudsperson(s) will adhere to MIT’s Ombuds Office Terms of Reference and to the International Ombudsman Association Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics.
Conflict Management Resource
- Provide information to individuals regarding a concern or conflict, including assistance in understanding Institute policies and procedures and advise on other Institute resources as appropriate. Coach community members to explore options and resolve conflicts constructively. When appropriate, foster and facilitate communications among individuals using problem solving techniques and helping individuals learn how to deal with the matter directly, facilitation of multi-party and group meetings, shuttle diplomacy, and mediation. Help to evaluate risks and benefits of identified resolution options.
Organizational and Management Consultation
- Identify systemic issues and ideas that improve efficiency and efficacy; in consultation with co-lead Ombuds examine trends and other relevant factors; consult with managers or administrators to explore opportunities for positive change and offer recommendations if appropriate. Consult with leadership to develop conflict management strategies and maintain a network of working associations with relevant conflict management resources. Periodically review and analyze the patterns of conflict and make recommendations in consultation with the co-lead Ombuds to senior administration about policies or practices that prevent, reduce, or eliminate recurring conflict.
Community Outreach and Education
- Design, conduct, and coordinate conflict management skills training and education to promote and support skills and knowledge for members of the MIT community. Collaborate with the Ombuds Office Program Coordinator to support outreach, education, and communication about the Ombuds Office’s role throughout the MIT community.
Policy Analysis and Feedback
- Serve as an Institute resource for consultation and development of administrative systems and managerial efforts involved in formulating policies and procedures. Provide feedback within the Institute community to identify problems or trends that impact the Institute and if appropriate, recommend options to address these concerns. Periodically review and analyze patterns of conflict and provide feedback and recommendations for policies or practices that might prevent, reduce, or eliminate recurring conflicts. Act as a liaison between individuals or groups and the Institute administrative structure, serving as a communicator or informal facilitator, as appropriate.
Office Management
- Participate in strategic planning and program development for the office. Assist in the design and preparation of annual reports to the President and make informed recommendations for program enhancement.
Professional Development
- Engage in local, regional, and national/international opportunities for training and professional development. Support and participate in the development of the Ombuds profession through such outside activities as committee membership, mentoring colleagues, teaching, writing, or consulting.
Integrity and Confidentiality
- Behave with integrity and deal fairly, effectively, and in a timely and professional manner with all members of the MIT community. Demonstrate sensitivity when dealing with individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds and cultures within the Institute. Utilize all relevant technical, operational, and structural knowledge to develop innovative options that are responsive to requisite needs. Keep information confidential as appropriate and use sound judgment about when and how information can be shared. Serve MIT in a privileged professional capacity. The Ombudsperson does not accept or act as a point of notice on behalf of the Institute of any claims.
QUALIFICATIONS/TECHNICAL SKILLS
- A master’s degree in a related field and a minimum of seven years of combined experience in conflict management, dispute resolution, organizational development, or as an organizational ombudsperson is required. Must endorse and support working as a practice partner leading and managing the office. Prior experience in an academic environment and as an impartial complaint-handler is desired, as is experience with scientific and technical professionals. Proven discretion and demonstrated ability in personal communications, presentations, and writing required. Possess the sensitivity and ability to work effectively with people at all levels of the organization and from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
Please apply via the following link:
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