University Ombudsperson

**About Queen's University**

Queen’s University is the Canadian research intensive university with a transformative student learning experience. Here the employment experience is as diverse as it is interesting. We have opportunities in multiple areas of globally recognized research, faculty administration, engineering & construction, athletics & recreation, power generation, corporate shared services, and many more.

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**Job Summary**

Accountable to the Board of Trustees through the University Culture Committee, and the Senate, the University Ombudsperson is an independent, impartial and confidential resource for students, staff, and faculty with diverse backgrounds and identities to receive guidance and advice about their university-related concerns and complaints regarding university policies, procedures, and decision-making structures. The Ombudsperson may receive any university-related inquiry, concern, or complaint from any member of the university community, and may conduct an inquiry notifying those in authority, and providing recommendations with a view to remedying an individual situation, and/or identify any policies, rules or procedures that appear unclear, inequitable, or unfair. Committed to Indigenization, equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility and anti-racism (I-EDIAA) principles, the Ombudsperson assists members of the university community to explore and evaluate options, and to determine an appropriate course of action with an aim to resolving disputes before they escalate. The successful resolution of complaints contributes to the development of a supportive and inclusive environment for all students, staff, and faculty across the university.

The Ombudsperson interacts with all levels of administration including, but not limited to Associate Deans, Deans, the Provost, Vice-Provost (Student Affairs), the Principal and Vice-Principals, University Counsel, external lawyers, Student Wellness Services, and Campus Security to provide expert advice and recommendations on a wide variety of complex matters at the university.

**KEY RESPONSIBILITIES**:

- Responds to queries/issues raised by senior and academic administrators, students, faculty, and staff, investigating the background to the query/issue, providing information and/or possible solutions and, in circumstances of conflict, building consensus and resolution dependent upon a number of variables including university, faculty or staff policies, history and precedent.
- Provides regular reports to Senior Leadership and the Board of Trustees on operations and matters of strategic importance.
- Conducts thorough and objective investigations regarding both individual and systemic issues with a focus on rigorous fact-finding, fairness, timeliness, and attention to detail.
- Identifies potential security concerns or institutional risks within issues raised with the Office of the Ombudsperson. Identifies and mitigates risks that are not straight forward or apparent, arising from separate issues.
- Identifies and reports on any policies, rules or procedures associated with the university’s academic mission and related support services that appear unclear, inequitable or unfair. Makes recommendations on revisions to existing policies, rules or procedures and/or advises on the development of new policies, rules or procedures.
- Provides assistance to individuals responding to allegations of sexual misconduct. In doing so, takes into consideration the university’s legislative responsibilities regarding reports of sexual violence, the university’s Non-Academic Misconduct (NAM) procedures, and the principles of procedural fairness.
- Serves on a number of committees, working groups and task forces involved in work related to: Non-Academic Misconduct, Academic Accommodations, Academic Integrity, Student Services, Human Rights and Equity and Sexual Violence Prevention and Response.
- Conducts workshop sessions on specific topics for particular groups, or on general topics for a range of participants (e.g. procedural fairness workshops applicable to Advisors, Associate Deans, Appeal Board Chairs, AMS Judicial Affairs Office and Judicial Committee).
- Participates in professional development to maintain knowledge of changes to relevant laws and regulations, working with key stakeholders to understand the operational and procedural impacts such changes may have on the university.
- Creates a positive and inclusive work environment that supports and promotes a culture where a diverse range of ideas and perspectives are incorporated into decision-making.
- Plans, prioritizes and manages the work of employees, providing strategic and tactical advice, guidance and coaching. Identifies the need for staff resources, participates on staffing committees, and makes effective recommendations regarding employee selection that takes into account the principles of employment equity.
- Manages performance by establishing performance stan