Ombuds Graduate Student Worker

University of Denver - DU - Division of Community Support and Engagement

and the job listing Expires on September 12, 2026

Ombuds Graduate Student Assistant
Job Description

The University Ombuds serves as a confidential, impartial, and independent resource for members of the campus community – students, faculty, and staff – providing informal conflict resolution, coaching, assessment, and systemic issue identification to promote collaboration and constructive resolution of concerns. The Ombuds helps individuals and groups navigate complex situations, clarify issues, identify options, and improve communication, while tracking patterns that may highlight institutional concerns.

Services are provided in accordance with the Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics of the International Ombuds Association, and are voluntary, informal, neutral, and off-the-record.

The Graduate Student Assistant (GSA) to the Ombuds will support the University Ombuds. This GSA will work with the Ombuds in multiple areas including data collection, analysis, and reporting; best practice research; program development and implementation; intervention and training support. Additionally, the GSA will support the Ombuds in administrative tasks (e.g., advertising and scheduling).

This position will learn about conflict engagement and support processes at individual, team, and institutional levels.

This position will report to the University Ombuds, while possibly working with other professional staff as needed.

This position summary is not designed to capture all activities, duties, or responsibilities required for this position. Responsibilities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time.

This position is open to a graduate level student at the Morgridge College of Education (MCE). The successful candidate will work up to 20 hours a week during the academic quarters and will receive a stipend and tuition waivers. Additionally, this position may extend for two years, contingent on successful evaluation after the first year.

• Work with the University Ombuds in planning, implementing, and evaluating office level programs, engagements, and support processes.
• Provide research support for the University Ombuds in identifying best practices in university conflict support and management programs and translating practices to the DU setting.
• Provide assessment and evaluation support and frameworks to understand and highlight the areas need and resources provided for the DU community. Identifying trends through evaluation to establish better understandings of and focus on community need.
• Provide administrative and scheduling support for the Ombuds; including advertising and scheduling of trainings.
• Other duties as assigned

• Proficiency in communication and use of spreadsheet software
• Ability to work effectively in a diverse organization and efficiently manage multiple tasks
• Ability to work well in a team setting, as well as independently with minimum supervision
• Interest in data driven reporting
• Good judgment, problem solving skills, and discretion
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office products

• Must be a graduate level student in the Morgridge College of Education.

• Previous experience, coursework and/or professional interest in any of the following areas: conflict engagement, negotiation, mediation, restorative justice, peace building, alternative dispute resolution.
• Students studying psychology, counseling, or adjacent disciplines

The office is open Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. The successful candidate will work with the University Ombuds to establish a consistent weekly schedule.

The University of Denver is an equal opportunity employer. The…