Title

University Ombuds

Department Summary

Bridgewater State University is an inclusive community dedicated to the lifelong success of all students, focused on the continuous improvement of its people, and responsible for leading innovation that benefits Southeastern Massachusetts, the commonwealth, and the world. Bridgewater's accessible environment of teaching and learning stimulates critical thinking, pursuit of new knowledge, and deeper understanding, the cultivation of meaningful and diverse interpersonal relationships, and fostering an appreciation for global engagement, all aimed at transforming lives and improving the human condition.

The mission of the BSU Ombuds Office is to foster an ethical and civil campus culture characterized by respectful communication, fair practices, and mutual understanding where differences can be resolved early and informally through respectful dialogue and fair process.

Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is reflected in our institutional values, which ensure that all students are supported and succeed.

Position Summary

The University Ombuds provides faculty and staff a confidential and safe space to ask questions, express concerns, and discuss options to address any challenges or conflicts that may fall outside of their respective Collective Bargaining Agreements. The ombuds advocates for fairness, acts as a source of information and referral, and assists in the resolution of concerns and critical situations by providing confidential, impartial, and informal assistance. The ombuds is neither an advocate for any individual nor an institution and thus operates as an independent entity and adheres to the International Ombuds Association's Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics. The office supplements, but does not replace, the University's existing resources for formal conflict resolution.

Essential Duties

* Provide independent, impartial, informal, and confidential assistance to all part-time and full-time faculty and staff.* Interpret and explain University policies to visitors and make referrals to campus resources as needed.* Offer fair and impartial assistance to those dealing with difficult and complex issues by presenting a range of responsible options to resolve problems, and by facilitating discussion to empower individuals and groups to identify their best options.* Offer facilitated conversations between or among willing individuals, when appropriate and agreed upon by individuals.* Coach office visitors on how to manage interpersonal concerns and frame conversations with others in difficult situations.* Help individuals to bring concerns forward anonymously and aggregate multiple reports related to group concerns.* Identify discrepancies between the stated goals and objectives of the University and actual practice.* Identify emerging trends or concerns and create quantitative and narrative reports shared on public platforms.* Establish and maintain collaborative working relationships with all campus departments, divisions and leaders.* Facilitate workshops and conduct informational presentations/outreach activities across campus.* Develop and maintain effective outreach, informational, and marketing materials both online and in print.* Ensure confidentiality of communications with individuals to the extent allowed by law.* Engage in continued professional development through the International Ombuds Association or relevant professional organizations.

Required Qualifications

* Bachelor's Degree and five (5) years of experience in advising, counseling, training, employee relations, or similar experience.* Demonstrated ability to deal with sensitive, complex, confidential issues and to respond in a thoughtful, respectful, and unbiased manner with discretion and diplomacy.* Excellent interpersonal and problem-solving skills.* Excellent writing and presentation skills.* Excellent organizational skills and competence with current standard office technology and software.* Demonstrated cultural competency and appreciation for diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Preferred Qualifications

* Prior mediation or conflict resolution training and experience.* Prior experience designing and facilitating workshops.* Prior experience in a higher education environment.* Completion of Foundations of Organizational Ombuds Practice course from the International Ombuds Association or equivalent.* CO-OP designation (Certified Organizational Ombuds) from the International Organizational Ombuds Association or a willing to pursue this designation* Demonstrated understanding of risk and liability issues in an academic institution, including the policies upheld by the Office of Equal Opportunity and other compliance obligations.* Experience in collecting, organizing, and analyzing data to inform institutional reports and policy responses.

Work Environment

Bridgewater State University complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified applicants and employee with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for the application process, please complete and submit this electronic form: https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?BridgewaterStateUniv&layout_id=18

Special Conditions for Eligibility

Please be aware that employment at Bridgewater State University is contingent upon completion of a successful background check. Bridgewater State University is an E-Verify employer.

EEO Statement

Bridgewater State University is an equal employment opportunity employer and considers all qualified candidates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability status, veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition or any other characteristic protected by law.

Hourly Rate (Non-Exempt)

$55 - $65

Posting Number

T02333P

Open Date

12/02/2025

Close Date

01/04/2026

Open Until Filled

No

Special Instructions to Applicants

Please note the following information is required to complete your application for this position:

*a minimum of one (1) employment history entry.PDN-a0907569-d7b1-4b54-b529-87f2f070e66e