Ombudsperson for Students

Ranked #46 in U.S. News & World Report's list of Best Public Colleges and Universities, Rutgers University-Camden is a diverse, research-intensive campus of approximately 6,100 students at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels and 1,100 faculty and staff members. Located in Camden, N.J., directly across the Delaware River from Philadelphia, the university is uniquely situated to serve the local community while achieving global reach. A U.S. Department of Education-designated Minority Serving Institution, the university thrives due to a supportive culture that helps students achieve their goals and fosters collaboration among employees. Rutgers-Camden is recognized as a national model for civically engaged urban universities and was selected by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching for a Community Engagement classification. Washington Monthly magazine has ranked Rutgers University-Camden among its "Best Bang for the Buck" universities and best national research universities. Recently, Rutgers-Camden earned Carnegie classification as an R2 research university due to a high volume of internationally recognized research, creative output, and scholarly activity.

Rutgers University-Camden seeks an inaugural Ombudsperson for Students to establish and lead a new office dedicated exclusively to serving students. As an impartial, independent, and confidential resource, the Ombudsperson will help students navigate university processes, address concerns, and resolve conflicts fairly and informally ensuring every student has access to a supportive, equitable path to success.

This position is central to delivering the premier student experience by fostering trust, transparency, and collaboration between students and the university. The Ombudsperson will serve as the campus point of contact for Title VI matters, provide education on rights and responsibilities, and offer backup support for student conduct cases. The scope of this role is exclusively student-focused and does not extend to faculty or staff, reflecting Rutgers-Camden's highly unionized environment. This position reports directly to the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs.

The University Ombudsperson for Students will provide impartial and confidential support to students seeking guidance or resolution for university-related concerns. Using a wide range of conflict resolution techniques, including coaching, facilitation, and mediation, the Ombudsperson will help students interpret university policies and navigate complex processes. When appropriate and with consent, the Ombudsperson may engage with involved parties to clarify issues and foster mutually agreeable outcomes.

In addition to direct student support, the Ombudsperson will serve as a strategic advisor to campus leadership by identifying systemic issues and recommending policy improvements. This includes analyzing trends, offering early warnings on emerging concerns, and suggesting organizational changes to enhance the student experience.

Outreach and education are also key components of the role. The Ombudsperson will design and deliver programming on conflict resolution, civility, and student rights, while collaborating with campus partners to promote awareness of the office and its services. As the designated point of contact for Title VI matters, the Ombudsperson will ensure compliance with federal regulations and coordinate educational initiatives related to discrimination based on race, color, and national origin.

The Ombudsperson will also provide backup support for student conduct cases, ensuring fair and educational outcomes in collaboration with the Dean of Students Office. The role includes contributing to institutional communication through annual reporting and advising campus committees on conflict resolution practices. Finally, the Ombudsperson will oversee the operations and strategic development of the campus Food Pantry, ensuring it remains a responsive and equitable resource for students experiencing food insecurity.

The final salary offer may be determined by several factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate's qualifications, experience, and expertise, and availability of department or grant funds to support the position. We also take into consideration market benchmarks, if and when appropriate, and internal equity to ensure fair compensation relative to the university's broader compensation structure. We are committed to offering competitive and flexible compensation packages to attract and retain top talent.

Rutgers provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. The specific benefits vary based on the position and may include:

Consistent with the current application of Rutgers Policy 60.3.22, this position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement. The flexible work arrangements outlined in Rutgers Policy 60.3.22 are part of a pilot program that is effective September 1, 2022 through August 31, 2024. Therefore, there is no guarantee that this flexible work arrangement will continue beyond that date. Flexible work arrangements are not permanent, are subject to change or cancellation and contingent on the employee receiving approval in the FlexWork@RU Application System. Additional information may be found at https://futureofwork.rutgers.edu.

* Master's degree in higher education administration, student affairs, conflict resolution, counseling, law, or a related field.

* Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in student affairs, conflict resolution, compliance, or related areas.

* Master's degree in higher education administration, student affairs, conflict resolution, counseling, law, or a related field.

* Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in student affairs, conflict resolution, compliance, or related areas.

* Demonstrated skills in mediation, facilitation, or dispute resolution.

* Knowledge of federal and state laws affecting higher education, including Title VI.

* Commitment to impartiality, confidentiality, and ethical practice.

* Strong interpersonal, listening, and problem-solving skills, with demonstrated sensitivity to diversity and inclusion.

* Juris Doctor (JD) preferred.

* Prior experience as an Ombudsman, preferably in a student-centered role.

* Ombudsman, mediation, or conflict resolution certification.

* Experience launching a new office, service, or program in a higher education environment.

* Familiarity with student conduct processes.