Associate Ombuds (OMBUDSPERSON 4)

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.

Apply By Date

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

Minimum Qualifications

• 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 and demonstrated ability to perform efficiently in settings that have a high volume of work and require a high level of accuracy with exceptional follow through. Ability to do this independently with regular communication with team members.
• Strong computer skills including ability to learn University-specific applications and data management. Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office programs, Zoom and Microsoft Teams for meetings and presentations, as well as presentation and workshop software such as PowerPoint. Ability to quickly and independently learn new software applications and processes and integrate them with existing workflows.

Preferred Qualifications

• Completion of the International Ombuds Association (IOA) "Foundations of Organizational Ombuds Practice" training or a 40-hour mediation course or a Certified Organizational Ombuds Practitioner.
• Master's Degree or other advanced degree in a related field.
• 2 or more years of experience as an organizational Ombuds or in a related dispute resolution field managing cases with the highest degree of complexity and political sensitivity.
• Professional experience working in an academic and/or medical or health care setting and demonstration of a thorough understanding of these environments including the mission, vision, goals, objectives, resources, infrastructure, policies, procedures, practices, and understanding of applicable employment and academic laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures, research methods, techniques, and/or sources of information.
• Ability to research, gather, and analyze data regarding trends, practices, policies, and procedures for campus and/or academic health issues.

Key Responsibilities

80% - Conflict Management Services

• Provide impartial, informal, independent and confidential conflict management and mediation services adhering to the International Ombuds Association's Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics. Work with individuals and/or groups in conflict to clarify issues, identify a range of options, and open channels of communications and referrals to appropriate university resources. Provide comprehensive intake, conflict resolution coaching, shuttle diplomacy, and mediation when needed on cases including those with a high level of complexity.
• Works independently and/or collaboratively as appropriate to conduct conflict competence workshops and/or ombuds office outreach activities. Conducts needs assessment for departments and designs and conducts tailor-made department training on conflict resolution as well as campus-wide trainings and presentations on topics including ombuds services, communicating effectively during conflict, listening, giving and receiving feedback, bystander approaches, dealing with difficult behavior in the workplace including abusive conduct, mediation, managing conflict, and other topics. Provides assessment of training methodologies, delivery and effectiveness and gathers aggregate data on workshop effectiveness.

20% - Data, Reports, And Other Ombuds Office Initiatives and Projects

• Identifies systemic and trend issues and possible strategies for change and collaborates with the director and ombuds team on possible next steps. Prepares and analyzes data and trends and creates reports and presentations on data. Works with current office initiatives and proposes ways to evaluate and improve services. Work with the Ombuds Director and other Ombuds to develop, lead, and manage targeted goals and objectives, as they arise. Back up other Ombuds in the office.

Department Overview

The UC Davis Ombuds Office is a confidential, independent, impartial, and informal problem solving and conflict management resource for all members of the UC Davis, UC Davis Health, and UC ANR communities. This position regularly works on highly complex cases that require technical knowledge of conflict resolution and mediation techniques. Functions with a high degree of autonomy in concert with a high level of collaboration, requiring both independence and freedom to act within the context of casework as well as collaborative and reflective discussion and critique within the ombuds team. It provides Ombuds services to a diverse population, including all levels of administration, faculty, staff and students. It works on cases of high complexity and requires the highest level of confidentiality and impartiality. This position requires an advanced level of knowledge and degree of competence in all areas of Ombuds work as well as high organizational and technological proficiency. It requires strong analytical and interpersonal skills.

Position Information

• Full Salary Grade Range: $102,400 - $202,400
• Salary Frequency: Annually, paid monthly in arrears
• Salary Grade: Grade 25
• UC Job Title: OMBUDSPERSON 4
• UC Job Code: 007391
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Staff: Career
• Percentage of Time: 100
• Shift (Work Schedule): Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
• Location: Hutchison (HUTCH), Davis campus
• Union Representation: 99 - Non-Represented (PPSM)
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• This position is hybrid (mix of on-site and remote work)- locally based residency.

Benefits

Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility rules by visiting either our handy or and our .

• High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
• UC pays for Dental and Vision insurance premiums for you and your family
• Extensive leave benefits including Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave
• Paid Holidays annually as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Education Reimbursement Program as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
• WorkLife and Wellness programs and resources
• On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
• Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance and legal coverage
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Qualified Employer & Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program for qualified roles
• Retirement benefit options for eligible roles including Pension and other R