Reporting to the President for administrative and budgetary purposes, while maintaining a high degree of confidentiality aligned with best practices of the profession, the Ombudsperson will engage in consultation, conflict assessment and analysis, conflict coaching, restorative practices, mediation, and facilitation. This new initiative aligns with SAIC’s School-wide emphasis on diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism; provides a discrete space for students, faculty, and staff to share issues; and allows the ombudsperson to confidentially advise the president and other DEI staff on overall trends, influencing planning, training, and education initiatives.

Specifically, the ombudsperson provides neutral, informal, independent, and confidential conflict resolution services to SAIC constituencies through a restorative practice lens. They also develop and present conflict resolution trainings and workshops within the context of an art and design school, as requested by various campus groups. The addition of an ombudsperson aims to alleviate friction among individuals and groups experiencing conflict who wish to have impartial expertise in mediation. While working with an ombudsperson does not supersede mandatory reporting and investigation procedures (e.g., Title IX), the School seeks to extend a sense of belonging among everyone who works, learns, and grows at SAIC, which is inclusive of their many backgrounds, talents, and working styles, through the addition of an ombuds.

As a designated neutral party in conflict resolution, the ombudsperson will neither advocate for any constituency nor decide case outcomes; moreover, they would not have purview over matters covered by any SAIC contracts, union or otherwise, including wages, benefits, and working conditions. Rather, the ombudsperson encourages amenable parties to reach mutually agreeable solutions to concerns between or among individual or groups wherever possible; empowers all constituents to utilize empathy, care and self-directed conflict resolution within and among constituencies; and increases institutional awareness of areas of and strategies of improvement that will shape planning.

A bachelor’s degree and four years of professional experience in conflict resolution are required. The successful candidate will be expected to hold or obtain CO-OP certification from the International Ombudsman Association or equivalent. The search committee is also prioritizing the following as highly desired skills and traits for the Ombudsperson:

• Experience in providing two-party and group facilitation
• The ability to communicate effectively with students, faculty, and staff confidentially on sensitive topics and maintain an emotionally resilient and compassionate style
• Familiarity with quantitative data analysis
• Alignment with SAIC’s commitment to creating an inclusive and equitable institution

Application and Nomination

The School of the Art Institute of Chicago has retained the services of Spelman Johnson, a leading national executive search firm, to assist with leading this search. Applications submitted on or before Tuesday, November 15, 2022, will receive full consideration; applications will continue to be reviewed until the position is filled. A resume or CV and a position-specific cover letter must be submitted via the Spelman Johnson website at www.spelmanjohnson.com/open-positions.

Nominations for this position may be emailed to Michel R. Frendian, senior consultant, at mrf@spelmanjohnson.com. Applicants needing reasonable accommodation to participate in the application process should contact Spelman Johnson at 413-529-2895 or email info@spelmanjohnson.com.

We offer a competitive, comprehensive benefits package:

• Generous paid time off
• Paid holidays (up to 14 days)
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Generous parental, caregiver, and medical leave benefits
• Competitive retirement plan (up to 9% matching contribution)
• Tuition remission and Tuition Exchange Program
• Great employee discounts
• Complimentary general admission to participating cultural institutions

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Vaccination Expectation

Becoming vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19 is the most important contribution we as individuals can make to ensure our own safety and the safety of our museum and school community. All employees must complete an attestation and provide proof of their vaccination and booster status, or request a medical or religious exemption within the first week of employment.

The Art Institute of Chicago is an equal opportunity, equal access employer fully committed to achieving a diverse and inclusive workplace.