Director of Ombuds Services - Call for Nominations

The university has been fortunate to have leadership in the role of Director of Ombuds Services from Professor Shereen Bingham. With Professor Bingham’s retirement in May, UNO has some “big shoes to fill” thanks to her service to the UNO community.

Full-time, tenured faculty are invited to submit nominations for the Director of Ombuds Services. Ombuds Services assists students, faculty and staff members with addressing conflicts, problems and concerns that are university related.

The Office of Academic Affairs provides this position with a course release in the fall and spring semesters, a summer stipend and external training in the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice established by the International Ombudsman Association. Learn more about Ombuds Services.

The Ombuds Services Director serves as one of UNO’s three University Ombuds and has additional responsibilities including:

• Maintain the operation, continuity, and integrity of Ombuds Services in keeping with the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice of the International Ombudsman Association.
• Hold staff meetings and offer continuing education opportunities for the Ombuds.
• Maintain consistent standards among the Ombuds of the principles of confidentiality, impartiality, informality, and independence.
• Establish regular communication with other UNO offices, individuals, and media in order to stay informed of developments and changes within the university.
• Inform UNO students and employees about the services provided by the Ombuds, coordinate publicity, and represent Ombuds Services to the university and community.
• Gather aggregate data on the number of contacts and issues brought to Ombuds Services and present an annual report to the Chancellor and Senior Vice Chancellor.
• Provide feedback, early warning “bottom up” information, and recommendations for constructive change to administrators and other high-level campus leaders.
• Oversee expenditures from the Ombuds Services budget.
• Maintain current professional knowledge and skills as an Ombuds through conference attendance and continuing education.
• Provide orientation and arrange for training for new members of the Ombuds team.

We seek a current tenured, full-time faculty member at UNO; knowledgeable how the university functions; able to communicate effectively with individuals having varied backgrounds, identities, and levels of status; and with excellent skills in communication, problem solving, facilitation, and mediation.

Please send nominations to Candice Batton, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Faculty Affairs, cbatton@unomaha.edu by March 6.

The nomination should include name and contact information and a one-page letter of nomination indicating the skills and experiences that the individual would bring to the position. Self-nominations are welcome.