Remote New

Associate Student Ombudsperson

Western Governors University
life insurance, flexible benefit account, parental leave, paid time off, paid holidays, sick time

Apr 06, 2026
If you're passionate about building a better future for individuals, communities, and our country-and you're committed to working hard to play your part in building that future-consider WGU as the next step in your career. Driven by a mission to expand access to higher education through online, competency-based degree programs, WGU is also committed to being a great place to work for a diverse workforce of student-focused professionals. The university has pioneered a new way to learn in the 21st century, one that has received praise from academic, industry, government, and media leaders. Whatever your role, working for WGU gives you a part to play in helping students graduate, creating a better tomorrow for themselves and their families. The salary range for this position takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets; experience and training; licensure and certifications; and other business and organizational needs. At WGU, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their position, and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current range is: Grade: Professional 309 Pay Range: $80,300.00 - $120,400.00 Job Description As part of the Ombuds team, the Associate Student Ombuds serves as a designated neutral who neither advocates for the individual nor the organization. Serves as advocate for fairness and a resource of information and referral, aids in answering students' questions, and assists in resolving student concerns. Ensures, the rights of all parties that might be involved are considered. Although the Associate Ombuds takes directions from the team in complex matters, it is expected that they will exercise competence, judgement, and independence in ombuds matters. The Associate Ombuds will help maintain records and support operations of the Student Ombuds office. Essential Functions and Responsibilities: Supports students by clarifying issues and assists them in generating options for resolution. Interprets and clarifies university policy and procedure and educates students and university staff on applicable processes. Responds to internal inquiries while keeping students' concerns confidential. Coaches students on ways to improve their communication and presentation skill to help them confidently and clearly voice their concerns. Remains independent, neutral, impartial, and exercises good judgement. Refers students to other university resources that may help students' address their concerns, such as Records, Assessment, Financial Aid departments. Researches the circumstances of students' concerns and makes recommendations to Ombuds team. Knowledge, Skill and Abilities: Outstanding communication skills and be able to communicate effectively with individuals at all levels of the university as well as with people of all cultures. Research and problem-solving skills to gather, review and consider appropriate options and outcomes. Must be aware of how all decisions might impact the inquirer, as well as other stakeholders and the university. Must have a thorough understanding of what leads to conflict, the nature of conflict, and methods of resolution. Understand the skills used to assist inquirers resolve their conflicts include: helping people learn how to deal with the matter directly if they wish to do this, approaching the conflict generically (especially when the inquirer is afraid of retaliation), and influencing systems change which could obviate the individual problem. Must have the ability to help the inquirer determine which conflict resolution method would be appropriate of the specific situation. Must be knowledgeable about the university - its structure, culture, policies, and practices. Must be sensitive to dealing with individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds and cultures. Must be open, objective, and must seek to understand issues from different perspectives. Should be innovative in developing options that are responsive to differing needs. Integrity Demonstrate integrity and fairness with all constituents. Must be sensitive to cultural issues within the university. Must demonstrate absolute confidentiality and use good judgement about when and how such information can be shared, while being mindful of maintaining professional standards. Thorough understanding of conflict resolution and mediation techniques and principles. Knowledge of applicable laws, rules, regulations and/or policies and procedures. Strong interpersonal communication skills to deal effectively with a broad and diverse range of people in a complex, multi-layered organization, including effective listening, empathy, sensitivity, and discernment skills. Strong problem-solving skills, including skill in independently determining root causes of problems, and skill in offering options and ideas for resolving conflict. Skill to collect, organize and analyze relevant statistical data. Significant presentation skills. Knowledge of and ability to adhere to ombuds standards of practice and ethics. Experience and/or knowledge around generating reports. Job Qualifications: Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Communication, Conflict Resolution, Organizational Dynamics, a related field of study or equivalency. Preferred Qualifications: Experience with conflict resolution and training in a professional environment Experience in student affairs within a higher education setting or supporting student-facing functions Experience handling and resolving student issues, escalations, or account discrepancies Experience maintaining and working with student records or data systems with a high degree of accuracy Experience interpreting and applying policies, procedures, or regulatory guidelines in daily work Physical Requirements: Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times. This position requires occasional travel of up to 20%, including required attendance at designated company summits (typically one to two per year). Additional travel may include conferences, visits to company locations, and other business-related events as needed. Additional travel may be assigned as needed to support business requirements. Position & Application Details Full-Time Regular Positions (classified as regular and working 40 standard weekly hours): This is a full-time, regular position (classified for 40 standard weekly hours) that is eligible for bonuses; medical, dental, vision, telehealth and mental healthcare; health savings account and flexible spending account; basic and voluntary life insurance; disability coverage; accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity supplemental coverages; legal and identity theft coverage; retirement savings plan; wellbeing program; discounted WGU tuition; and flexible paid time off for rest and relaxation with no need for accrual, flexible paid sick time with no need for accrual, 11 paid holidays, and other paid leaves, including up to 12 weeks of parental leave. How to Apply: If interested, an application will need to be submitted online. Internal WGU employees will need to apply through the internal job board in Workday. Additional Information Disclaimer: The job posting highlights the most critical responsibilities and requirements of the job. It's not all-inclusive. Accommodations: Applicants with disabilities who require assistance or accommodation during the application or interview process should contact our Talent Acquisition team at recruiting@wgu.edu. Equal Employment Opportunity: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any protected characteristic as required by law.