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

The deadline has been extended to July 28, 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
• 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 Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees and our Benefits Page.

• 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 Retirement Saving Plans. More information on our retirement benefits can be found here

Physical Demands

• Standing - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Walking - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Sitting - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 26-50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 26-50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Bending/Stooping - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Squatting/Kneeling - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Twisting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders) - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Environmental Demands

• Marked changes in humidity or temperature - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Extreme Temperatures - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Uneven Surfaces or Elevations - Occasional Up to 3 Hours

Mental Demands

• Sustained attention and concentration - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Complex problem solving/reasoning - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Ability to organize & prioritize - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Communication skills - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Numerical skills - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Constant Interaction - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Customer/Patient Contact - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours

Work Environment

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.

Work flexible schedule including evenings and weekends to meet operational needs. Occasional travel to attend related events and conferences that may include overnight stays.

Special Requirements

• This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment
• This position is designated as a mandated reporter under CANRA and UC policy, and employment is contingent on compliance with applicable policies, procedures and training requirements

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging

At UC Davis, we’re committed to solving life’s most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together.

As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

To view the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role-or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere

To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks