Director of Strategic Initiatives and University Ombudsman (Administrator II) - University Advancement

Job Description:

Director of Strategic Initiatives and University Ombudsman (Administrator II) - University Advancement

Description

**SF State Applicants Only**

Working Title

University Ombuds and Director of Strategic Initiatives

Administrator Level (for MPP positions only)

This position is an Administrator II in the California State University Management Personnel Plan (MPP), reporting jointly to the Office of the President and University Advancement.

SF State University

San Francisco State is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against persons on the basis of race, religion, color, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, medical condition, National origin, sex, sexual orientation, covered veteran status, or any other protected status. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who self-disclose by contacting the Senior Human Resources Manager.

Applicants may visit titleix.sfsu.edu for more information on SF State's policy prohibiting discrimination, and how to file an online report using the procedures under Executive Order 1096 Revised. Inquiries can be directed to the campus Title IX Coordinator and Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation Administrator by calling (415) 338-2032 or emailing vpsaem@sfsu.edu.

San Francisco State is a 100% Smoke/Vapor-Free Campus. Smoking or Vaping of any tobacco/plant-based substance is not permitted on any University properties.

The person holding this position may be considered a "mandated reporter" under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

This position may be a "designated position" in the California State University's Conflict of Interest Code. The successful candidate accepting this position may be required to file Conflict of Interest forms subject to the regulations of the Fair Political Practices Commission.

Department

University Advancement

Appointment Type

At-Will

Time Base

Full-time (1.0)

Work Schedule

Monday-Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm

Anticipated Hiring Range

$10,168.00 - $11,000.00 Per Month ($122,016.00 - $132,000.00 Annually)

Salary is commensurate with experience.

Position Summary

Reporting jointly to the Office of the President and University Advancement, the University Ombuds and Director of Strategic Initiatives (Director) serves as a vital resource to the campus community. The Director fulfills three interrelated roles: serving as the University Ombuds, leading strategic initiatives, and managing community relations efforts. As Ombuds, the Director provides confidential, impartial, and informal conflict resolution services; assists individuals in navigating university systems; and identifies opportunities for systemic improvement. An effective communicator, empathetic listener, and skilled facilitator, the Director strengthens existing lines of communication, forges new ones, and guides high-impact projects that advance the university’s mission. Across all areas of responsibility, the Director helps cultivate a collaborative, inclusive, and transparent campus culture by developing the systems, processes, and partnerships essential to a thriving university community.

Position Information

University Ombuds

With support from the Vice President for Advancement and operating in an independent, neutral, informal, and confidential capacity, the Director serves as the University Ombuds. This role provides a safe, off-the-record space for faculty, staff, and administrators to explore concerns, resolve conflicts, and navigate university systems and relationships.

The Ombuds operates outside of formal channels and administrative structures to promote impartiality and ensure confidentiality, in alignment with the standards of practice set by the International Ombuds Association (IOA). The Ombuds does not advocate for individuals or the university but works toward fair processes and equitable outcomes for all parties.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide services including conflict coaching, consultation, informal mediation, group facilitation, referral to campus and community resources, policy explanation, and identification of appropriate resolution pathways.
• Assist visitors in navigating university policies and procedures, clarifying issues, and exploring resolution strategies.
• Facilitate one-on-one and group conversations; empower individuals to engage in constructive conflict resolution.
• Cultivate collaborative relationships with key campus offices (e.g., Dean of Students, Title IX/DHR, Faculty Affairs, Human Resources) to support institutional efforts in conflict resolution and workplace climate improvement.
• Identify systemic issues and recommend organizational and cultural improvements.
• Design and deliver training in areas such as conflict engagement, effective communication, negotiation, intercultural competence, and community-building.
• Engage in ongoing professional development through IOA and related professional communities (e.g., CSU Ombuds Network, California Caucus of College and University Ombuds).
• Maintain secure, confidential records in accordance with IOA standards.
• Track cases and training sessions; contribute to the annual Ombuds Office report through data collection, analysis, and presentation.
• May serve, by agreement, as an external Ombuds for partner institutions.

Strategic Initiatives

At the direction of the President, the Director leads or supports cross-functional strategic initiatives that align with institutional goals and priorities. The Director applies expertise in project management, strategic planning, organizational development, and change management to ensure the successful launch, implementation, and assessment of initiatives.

Responsibilities include:

• Facilitate collaboration among internal stakeholders and governance bodies.
• Integrate short-term and long-term objectives into operational planning.
• Apply process improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma, Human-Centered Design) to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
• Track key performance indicators and generate reports to guide decision-making and accountability.

Community Relations

Within the Office of the President and at the direction of the Chief of Staff, the director will serve as the university’s community relations officer as a component of the Government & Community Relations team, serving as a liaison between the university and both internal and external community stakeholders.

Key responsibilities:

• Build and maintain relationships with neighborhood groups, nonprofit organizations, civic leaders, and other community partners.
• Conduct outreach to promote awareness of university initiatives and opportunities for engagement.
• Serve as a campus point of contact for community members seeking university support or direction.
• Support the Government Relations team with planning, communications, and stakeholder engagement strategies.

Required Qualifications

Advanced degree (master’s, J.D., or doctorate preferred) in conflict resolution, law, higher education, organizational leadership, or a related field. Minimum of three years of professional experience in university administration, organizational development, or conflict resolution.

Demonstrated expertise in the following areas:

• Communication: Exceptional verbal and written communication, active listening, and facilitation skills.
• Neutrality and Confidentiality: Strong ethical commitment to impartiality and discretion in sensitive situations.
• Conflict Engagement: Proficiency in conflict resolution, mediation, and restorative practices.
• Strategic and Systems Thinking: Ability to analyze complex issues and develop holistic, sustainable solutions.
• Interpersonal and Group Dynamics: Understanding of individual and organizational behavior; adept at building relationships across diverse groups.
• Equity and Inclusion: Demonstrated cultural competency and ability to engage with diverse populations across identities and experiences.
• Organizational Navigation: Familiarity with university governance, policy, and administrative systems.
• Project and Change Management: Experience leading projects, managing resources, and navigating institutional change.
• Presentation and Training: Ability to develop and deliver educational content to varied audiences.
• Data Analysis: Skills in both qualitative and quantitative data collection and interpretation to inform recommendations.
• Outreach and Community Engagement: Experience fostering partnerships and representing institutions in public settings.
• Self-Direction: Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment.
• Office and Personnel Management: Experience managing staff, budgets, and office operations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Completion of IOA Ombuds training or equivalent.
• Experience in a formal ombuds, mediation, or restorative justice role.
• Fluency in a second language and/or experience working in multilingual or multicultural environments.

Pre-Employment Requirements

This position requires the successful completion of a background check.

Eligibility to Work

Applicants must be able to provide proof of US Citizenship or authorization to work in the United States, within three business days from their date of hire.

Benefits

Threaded through our Total Compensation package is a commitment to Bridging Life's Transitions. SF State is committed to providing our employees with a comprehensive program that rewards efforts that are appreciated by your colleagues, students and the customers we serve.

We offer a competitive compensation package that includes Medical, Dental, Vision, Pension, 401k, Healthcare Savings Account, Life Insurance, Disability Insurance, Vacation and Sick Leave as well as State Holidays and a dynamic Fee Waiver program, all geared towards the University's commitment to attract, motivate and retain our employee.

CSUEU Position (For CSUEU Positions Only)

Eligible and qualified on-campus applicants, currently in bargaining units 2, 5, 7, and 9 are given hiring preference.

Additional Information

**SF State Applicants Only**

SF STATE IS NOT A SPONSORING AGENCY FOR STAFF OR MANAGEMENT POSITIONS. (i.e. H1-B VISAS).

Thank you for your interest in employment with California State University (CSU). CSU is a state entity whose business operations reside within the State of California. Because of this, CSU prohibits hiring employees to perform CSU-related work outside of California with very limited exception. While this position may be eligible for occasional telework, all work is expected to be performed in the state of California, and this position is assigned to on-campus operations.

CSU strongly encourages faculty, staff, and students who are accessing campus facilities to be immunized against COVID-19. The systemwide policy can be found at https://calstate.policystat.com/policy/9779821/latest/.

The Human Resources office is open Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and can be reached at (415) 338-1872.

Please note that this position, position requirements, application deadline and/or any other component of this position is subject to change or cancellation at any time.

Advertised: Apr 18 2025 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close: May 02 2025 Pacific Daylight Time