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Director, Office of the 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, Office of the Ombudsperson and Requisition ID number: 57866
Close Date: 11:59 PM on
Organizational Unit: Office of the Chief of Staff (10000053)
Site: Davis Center (0001)
FTE: 1.0; 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.

Director, Office of Ombudsperson

SUMMARY
The Office of the Ombudsperson supports a culture that is ethical and civil, in which mutual understanding can be reached and differences resolved through respectful dialogue and fair processes.

The Director is expected to provide a neutral and impartial forum to help promote accountability and fair treatment for students, families, employees and community stakeholders The Director performs a variety of functions in carrying out his/her duties and responsibilities. They include: providing a respectful, culturally responsive and informed place for individuals to discuss problems on or off the record, including helping them to clarify their issues, identify their goals and develop and consider a range of options; coaching stakeholders in written and verbal communications; explaining relevant District policies and practices; providing referrals to other offices/services; investigating concerns by gathering data and the perspective of others; assisting in resolving conflict, including conflict that arises from power imbalances; championing institutional accountability; facilitating and or mediating one-on-one and group conversations and other measures consistent with the mission of the Office.

The Office also provides information to District leadership on general trends and patterns of complaints so that problems may be prevented from escalating or recurring.

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:
  • Works independently and collaboratively to create and mediate a culture of responsibility, trust, and cooperation between District staff, families, and community leaders in support of students learning at grade level and beyond to achieve their personal best.
  • Participates in the development of goals and objectives for assigned area(s) in support of educating students at a high level; make recommendations for changes and improvements; implement approved changes and monitor work activities to ensure compliance with in established guidelines.
  • Demonstrates cultural humility including; 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.
  • Ensures that students and families are receiving the appropriate education programming and supports in compliance with state and federal laws and District policies.
  • Coordinates the District's compliance with provisions of the Office of Civil Rights Voluntary Agreement regarding Behavior.
  • Provides confidential, neutral assistance to constituents to protect against unfair treatment and help resolve conflicts.
  • Collaborates with leaders, District departments, school sites, family groups, outside districts and agencies and other staff to coordinate activities, resolve issues or concerns, exchange information and accomplish the District's stated goals; establish and maintain access to family and community groups and distribute information concerning their activities.
  • 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, clubs, community organizations and District functions to promote the mission, goals and objectives of the Office of the Ombudsman.
  • Assists staff with resolving conflicts and sensitive issues, responds to questions and explains rules, policies, and procedures.
  • Serves as an information resource to academic support staff/functions and as a liaison to community advocacy organizations
  • 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 and experience as determined by Human Resources.

Knowledge of:
  • State and Federal laws and regulatory issues governing public education, including rules and regulations of the Minnesota Department of Education and other governing agencies.
  • Individual and group behavior and effects of social and economic forces on individuals.
  • Community resources and diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, and ethnic backgrounds of District students.
  • Principles and practices of developing teams, motivating employees and managing in a team environment.
  • Local community resources, regional community services programs, and regional training programs.
  • Principles of record keeping, records management, and management of confidential records.
  • Principles and practices of customer service and public relations.

Skill in:
  • Interpreting, explaining and applying rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
  • Identifying problems and opportunities, and developing solutions.
  • 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 co-workers, clients, advocates and representatives from community groups and government agencies.
  • Using initiative and independent judgment within established procedural guidelines.
  • Operating a personal computer utilizing standard and specialized software.
  • Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.
  • Working successfully with successfully with a variety of individuals from various socio-economic, ethnic and cultural backgrounds, where relations may be confrontational or strained.

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
Ÿ Bargaining Unit: Non-Rep
Ÿ Grade: E17
Ÿ FLSA Status: Exempt
Ÿ Job Group: District Administration
Ÿ New: September 19, 2018

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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