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Director, Staff Ombudsperson

Employer
Minneapolis Public Schools
Location
Minneapolis, MN, US
Salary
Competitive
Below is specific information for you to consider about this position.
Job Title: Director, Staff Ombudspersonand Requisition ID number: 72008
Close Date: No established closing date; open until filled
Organizational Unit: Office of the Ombudsperson (10001301)
Site: Davis Center (0001)
FTE: 1.0 FTE - 40 hours/week; this is based on full-time equivalency with 1.0 being full time
Union: Non-Represented(44)
Functional Area: Administrative
Resume and Cover Letter are mandatory to apply for any position.

SUMMARY
Responsible for working with staff to provide mediation and conciliation services to resolve situations and disputes; supports a culture that is ethical and civil, in which mutual understanding can be reached and differences resolved through respectful dialogue and fair processes.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS -- Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class. Employees are required to be in attendance and prepared to begin work at their assigned work location on the specified days and hours. Factors such as regular attendance at the job are not routinely listed in job descriptions, but are an essential function. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:
  • Supports a culture of responsibility, trust, and cooperation with District staff.
  • Mediates disputes and issues related to staff at the District.
  • Acts as a source of information and participates in training programs for staff
  • Assists in the development of goals and objectives for assigned area(s); provides recommendations for changes and improvements; assists with the implementation of changes/revisions as required.
  • Demonstrates cultural humilityincluding; ability to acknowledge and challenge the power imbalances inherent in public education systems that impact staff/student/family dynamics; ability to acknowledge and lead self-reflection and self-critique at the institutional level
  • Facilitates and/or mediates one-on-one and group conversations; assists staff with resolution of conflicts and sensitive issues, responds to questions and explains rules, policies, and procedures.
  • Coordinates the District's compliance with provisions of the Office of Civil Rights Voluntary Agreement regarding Behavior.
  • Provides confidential, neutral assistance to staff to protect against unfair treatment and help resolve conflicts; confer with disputants to clarify issues, identify underlying concerns, and develop an understanding of their respective needs and interests.
  • Collaborates with leaders, District departments, school sites, etc., to coordinate activities, resolve issues or concerns, exchange information and accomplish the District's stated goals.
  • Advocates for equity between parties in conflict, serves as a source of information and support, and acts as an information conduit between conflicting parties.
  • Represents the District at meetings and District functions to promote the mission, goals and objectives of the Office of the Ombudsman.
  • Coordinates and conducts a variety of special studies and reviews; evaluates alternatives, makes recommendations and prepares a variety of narrative and statistical reports, correspondence and other written materials.
  • Demonstrates cultural intelligence when interacting with students, clients, visitors, and MPS staff; acts in a manner that promotes a harmonious and effective workplace environment
  • Enthusiastically promotes the Superintendent's goals and priorities in compliance with all policies and procedures.
  • Maintains absolute confidentiality of work-related issues, records and MPS information.
  • Contributes to the overall quality of the service provision by developing and coordinating work teams and by reviewing, recommending and implementing improved policies and procedures; identifies potential problem areas, confers with management staff regarding such areas and develops strategic plans to deal with such issues.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education, Training and Experience Guidelines
Master's Degree in Education, or related field; AND seven (7) years of leadership experience to include community engagement and in public K-12 or higher education; OR an equivalent combination of education, training andexperience as determined by Human Resources.

Knowledge of:
  • Principles, practices and techniques of human resource administration.
  • Principles and practices of employee relations program administration in a public setting.
  • Principles and practices mediation and conciliation.
  • Current trends in labor-management relations.
  • Administrative principles and practices, including goal setting, program development, implementation and evaluation.
  • Applicable State and federal laws, codes and regulations.
  • Principles of record keeping, records management, and management of confidential records.
  • Principles and practices of customer service and public relations.
  • Techniques for working collaboratively with a variety of individuals from various socio-economic, ethnic and cultural backgrounds

Skill in:
  • Planning, administering and supervising services on a District-wide basis
  • Providing professional mediation and conciliation services.
  • Interpreting, explaining and applying rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
  • Identifying issues, opportunities, and developing options for solutions.
  • Analysis and creative problem solving.
  • Negotiating skillfully in difficult situations and creating solutions to promote compromise.
  • Developing constructive solutions to problems and preparing appropriate resource management.
  • Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of duties.
  • Using initiative and independent judgment within established procedural guidelines.
  • Operating a personal computer utilizing standard and specialized software.
  • Communicating and interacting effectively with individuals and groups of diverse economic, racial and ethnic backgrounds.

LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
A valid Minnesota State Driver's License may be required.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT Work is performed in a standard office environment which requires occasionally lifting such articles as file boxes or heavier materials with help from others and/or lifting and carrying light objects frequently. A job in this category may require walking or standing to a significant degree or may involve sitting most of the time with long periods of computer work and heavy phone usage.

ORGANIZATIONAL INFORMATION
  • Bargaining Unit: Non-Rep
  • Grade: E17
  • FLSA Status: Exempt
  • Job Group: District Administration


Final candidates may be invited to interview with a committee. Final appointment to this position will be contingent upon passing a criminal background check.

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY:

Diversity is one of Minneapolis Public Schools core values and is essential to our goal of putting children first and making them college-ready. Diversity of our workforce provides us with a competitive advantage and allows us to better understand, communicate with and educate our diverse student body. Minneapolis Public Schools will not deny anyone the opportunity for training or employment because of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender or gender identity, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, disability, sexual orientation, age, family care leave status, or veteran status.

Minneapolis Public Schools strongly encourages diverse candidates to apply.

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