Associate Ombuds; OMBUDSPERSON

Job Summary

Under general direction, this position provides impartial, informal, independent and confidential conflict resolution services to the UCD communities on the UC Davis campus, UC Davis Health campus in Sacramento, as well as to UC Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR), consistent with the International Ombuds Association Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics. The Associate Ombuds serves as a technical leader and meets with a diverse range of individuals and groups at all levels of the university to assist in constructively managing complex and often sensitive conflicts with the highest level of confidentiality and impartiality.

This position serves as a key institutional resource to other UC Davis, UC Davis Health and UC ANR offices for resolving conflicts and complaints. The Associate Ombuds designs and leads implementation of conflict management processes to resolve highly complex issues drawing upon advanced conflict resolution models and campus objectives; independently manages cases with a high degree of complexity, difficulty, and political sensitivity;

independently provides individual and group needs assessment and coaching utilizing a wide range of conflict management techniques, makes referrals to appropriate internal and external resources, and provides informal mediation and facilitation of effective dialogue on sensitive issues, requiring the use of astute judgment to do in-depth evaluation of variable factors; designs and leads workshops and presentations on conflict and communication topics;

identifies trends and systemic issues, makes recommendations and formulates strategies to address them, including institutional and system policy or procedural changes; works collaboratively with the Ombuds team and/or director on cases and projects with campus-wide impact and backs up other Ombuds as needed; gathers and analyzes office and visitor-related data and prepares reports; independently establishes priorities, goals, and objectives and works on cases of great complexity and political sensitivity, often without precedents and requiring innovative and creative approaches.

July 7, 2026 by 11:59pm PDT; screening and selection can begin any time

• Required to hold a valid California driver's license, have a driving record that is in accordance with local policies/procedures, and/or enroll in the California Employer Pull Notice Program
• Bachelor's degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training.
• At least 1 year of experience utilizing conflict resolution, coaching, counseling, organizational development, and/or mediation techniques and skills with individuals and/or groups in complex environments and/or difficult cases.
• Advanced professional experience that utilized exceptional interpersonal communication and problem‑solving skills relevant for effective work with a diverse population of faculty, staff, and students. This includes a demonstrated ability to be multi‑partial, think quickly, and communicate with sensitivity and tact around a variety of issues including diversity, equity, and inclusion in a complex organization. This also includes demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a busy team environment.
• Advanced abilities in designing and facilitating classes, workshops, presentations, or trainings related to communication or conflict management topics to diverse audiences. Ability to demonstrate strong presentation and facilitation skills for interactive and lecture‑based workshops, presentations, or events both virtually and in person.
• Advanced knowledge of the appropriate role of the organizational Ombuds including International Ombuds Association's standards of practice, alternative dispute resolution and conflict management theories, principles, practices, and techniques. High level of skill in appropriately implementing the organizational Ombuds role, including the ability to demonstrate sensitivity for individuals who may be dealing with stressful or difficult situations and to generate options and open channels of communication.
• Strong organizational skills, and acute attention to detail…