Duke University Ombudsperson

Leadership Opportunity

Duke University was created in 1924 by James Buchanan Duke as a memorial to his father, Washington Duke. It is considered one of the top research universities in the world and is regularly ranked among the top ten academic institutions in the United States. Duke University’s campus in Durham, North Carolina encompasses nearly 9,000 acres and is home to 6,500 undergraduates, over 9,000 graduate students, and more than 3,900 faculty. The Duke University Hospital is considered one of the best hospitals in the country. More information about Duke may be found at: https://duke.edu/.

Duke University is committed to a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion that goes beyond representative demographic differences. Diversity embodies cultural sensitivity and openness; collaboration and inclusion; and fosters learning by reflecting experiences from life, the classroom, and practice. Duke values thinking and behaving equitably through acknowledging and respecting different backgrounds, beliefs, practices, and cultural norms. More information about diversity, equity, and inclusion at Duke University can be found at: https://oie.duke.edu/diversity-equity-and-inclusion.

Position Summary

Ombudspersons (“Ombuds”) offer neutral and confidential guidance on a variety of issues for all students, staff, and faculty at the university in conformance with the International Ombuds Association’s (“IOA”) standards of practice and code of ethics. As such, Ombuds serve as an independent, impartial, confidential, and informal conflict management practitioner and provide strategic leadership and foresight into Duke’s equity goals and objectives.

The Ombuds Office will be staffed initially with two full-time professional Ombuds (with potential expansion if additional or more specialized expertise is needed) and sufficient administrative support for managing a high-volume and diverse case load, as well as for tracking and reporting on case volume and trends.

Candidates with diverse professional experiences will be considered, although ideal candidates will have demonstrated experience and success in the following areas:

• Strong undergraduate academic credentials required, including a preference for a relevant Master’s degree, J.D., or Ph.D.
• Ten years of relevant experience; five plus years of organizational Ombuds work experience preferred
• Prior work experience in fast-paced, complex, decentralized organizations preferred
• Experience in the academy preferred, especially work with faculty
• Experience with establishing a new office, providing leadership and vision, and setting unit goals
• Certified Organizational Ombuds Practitioner (CO-OP) certification preferred

Other Personal Characteristics

• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal skills
• Active listening
• Strong coaching skills
• High degree of integrity and trustworthiness
• Seasoned, practical judgement
• Analytical decision making and problem solving
• Deep commitment to collaboration
• Ability to manage confidential information
• Responsive and resourceful
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging

The Search Process

Duke University has retained Spencer Stuart to support this national search. If you wish to submit your own application materials or nominate someone to serve as the next Ombudsperson of the University, please send an e-mail message with supporting materials to DukeOmbuds@spencerstuart.com.

Duke University prohibits discrimination and harassment and provides equal employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status. Duke is committed to recruiting, hiring, and promoting qualified women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans.

Pursuant to Title IX of the Education Amendment of 1972, Duke prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in any of its educational programs or activities. For more information, please visit https://hr.duke.edu/policies/diversity/.