Conflict Resolution and Academic Relations Specialist

How to Apply

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and must be attached as the first page of your resume. The letter should address your specific interest in and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position. Applicants who do not meet these requirements will not be considered.

Job Summary

The newly formed Office of Postdoctoral Affairs (OPA) serves as a centralized hub across the Ann Arbor, Dearborn and Flint campuses to support postdoctoral fellows. Under the Rackham Graduate School and the Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR), the OPA guides and advises departments and programs about leading-practice policies, processes, and services related to the employment of and support for the well-being of postdoctoral fellows. The OPA works closely with postdocs, schools and colleges, university organizations, faculty mentors, administrators, and external entities to support the personal growth and professional development of each postdoc in preparation for their independent research, professional, and academic careers.

Rackham's Graduate Student and Program Consultation Services serves graduate students having academic disputes and tension in their academic relationships by providing a safe environment to discuss their concerns or issues, explore available options for resolution, and acquire information about relevant campus resources to support personal wellbeing and academic success.

The postdoctoral fellow Conflict Resolution Specialist is a joint appointment to the OPA and Rackham Graduate School. The Conflict Resolution Specialist reports to the Faculty Director of the OPA and the Director of Graduate Student and Program Consultation Services. This position is responsible for providing support and conflict management services for postdoctoral fellows. This position will address conflicts between postdoctoral fellows and faculty, staff, and others.This role will interact with postdoctoral fellows, collaborate with program administration and leadership to support postdoctoral fellows in need, prepare reports and summaries as needed. In addition, this role will coordinate Ph.D. student Leave of Absence policy and process.

Conflict resolution and case management entails direct service to postdoctoral fellows who would benefit from intervention and referrals to on and off-campus resources; coordinating the resolution of postdoctoral fellow conflicts using informal and formal processes such as mediation and other alternative dispute resolution processes, in addition to consultation and referral to relevant Academic HR units.

OPA and Rackham are currently offering hybrid work schedules to staff, requiring 2-3 days per week on-site with the remaining time being remote.

Because we are committed to diversity, we aspire to develop and nurture the individual and collective skills to recognize, celebrate, and deploy difference as a path to engagement, innovation, and the generation of new ideas and knowledge.

To learn more about the Rackham Graduate School, visit https://rackham.umich.edu/ ; to learn more about the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs, visit https://rackham.umich.edu/postdoctoral-fellows/ (though note a specific OPA website at postdocs.umich.edu is coming soon).

PLEASE NOTE: This is a three-year term-limited position.

Why Work at Michigan?

Being part of something greater, of serving a larger mission of discovery and care - that's the heart of what drives people to work at Michigan. In some way, great or small, every person here helps to advance this world-class institution. It's adding a purpose to your profession. Work at Michigan and become a victor for the greater good.

In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, The University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:

• Generous time off
• A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting
• Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability coverage
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses

Responsibilities*

Job responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Conflict and case management consultation

• Meet one-on-one with postdoctoral fellows to assess disputes, identify options for addressing disputes and concerns, and assist in coordinating the resolution of postdoctoral fellow conflicts using informal and formal processes.
• Conduct investigation of conflict matters.
• Coordinate appropriate intervention and follow-up with multiple academic units and university offices in support of conflict resolution efforts.
• Assist in development of annual report for postdoctoral fellow support work as needed.

Postdoctoral fellow support

• Provide direct support to postdoctoral fellows with personal/social, mental health, physical health, academic, behavioral, or other difficulties. Identify and recognize distressed postdoctoral fellows and make appropriate referrals as needed.
• Provide case follow-up and investigation to meet postdoctoral fellow health, academic, personal, and other needs.
• Communicate with academic program administration regarding postdoctoral fellow status and trainee progress.
• Effectively interface with postdoctoral fellows/postdocs in a timely and efficient manner.
• Develop and maintain website content related to postdoctoral fellow support services.
• Develop programming that systematically provides postdoctoral fellows with tools and techniques to prevent, resolve, and transform conflicts on their own (i.e., provide training for postdoctoral fellows on managing faculty-postdoctoral fellow relationships, having difficult conversations, and general conflict resolution skills).

Coordinate Ph.D. student Leave of Absence (LOA) process

• Oversee the administration of the Leave of Absence policy.
• Employ excellent judgment, organizational skills and ability, and attention to detail to manage multiple leave of absence cases at various stages simultaneously.
• Communicate with and respond to inquiries from students, graduate program staff, and faculty regarding leave of absence policy and process.
• Provide case follow-up and investigation to meet student health, academic, personal, and other needs.
• Verify documentation and supplemental information required for leaves of absence for medical reasons, military service, and family necessity/dependent care.
• Follow up with medical professionals, International Center staff, and students as necessary.
• Facilitate internal review of leave of absence requests as needed.
• Collaborate with units to ensure the accuracy of the student's record and in overall support of the leave of absence policy.
• Effectively interface with students in a timely and efficient manner.
• Review supporting documentation about the LOA process materials (website information, process forms, procedures documents, etc.) to improve communication, transparency and look for continuous improvement opportunities.

Administration

• Attends meetings, conferences, and workshops across and off-campus to keep updated on issues relating to best practices in postdoctoral fellow support services and conflict management.
• Assist in the preparation of brochures, handbooks, periodic statistical and/or progress reports, hand-outs, other written materials, and/or coordinate appropriate outreach and marketing activities as assigned.
• Maintain confidentiality in communicating sensitive information and in handling confidential records.
• Maintain compliance with reporting requirements under Title IX, the Clery Act, and other applicable regulations.
• Assist with special projects as requested.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications*

• Master's degree in conflict resolution, counseling, higher education administration, psychology, social sciences or equivalent combination of education plus 1-2 years- prior work experience related to conflict resolution, postdoctoral fellow affairs, student affairs, academic administration, or related field.
• Experience with conflict resolution, mediation and/or counseling in an educational setting.
• Case management and referral experience in an educational setting.
• Possess excellent interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrated experience in delivering outreach materials, website content.
• Demonstrated experience in delivering programs, trainings and presentations to diverse audiences.
• Understanding, appreciation of, and strong personal commitment to the issues involved in serving diverse populations.
• Demonstrated ability to problem solve, make decisions and show flexibility and adaptability, particularly in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work independently.
• Strong time management skills with the ability to handle multiple priorities.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to attend meetings, conferences, and workshops across and off-campus.
• Ability to work with a wide range of people who represent our diverse and multi-cultural society.
• Understanding the value of diversity and the importance of inclusion as demonstrated through a commitment to apply and incorporate the differences, complexities, and opportunities that diversity brings to an organization.
• Demonstrated computer proficiency (word processing, spreadsheet, and database systems).

Desired Qualifications*

Working knowledge of issues impacting postdoctoral fellows. Familiarity with UM policies, procedures, and organizational structure. Ability to apply student development theory and familiarity with Restorative Practice philosophy.

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes .

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. This job may be removed from posting boards and filled at any time after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO/AA Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

Job Detail

Job Opening ID

253852

Working Title

Conflict Resolution and Academic Relations Specialist

Job Title

Counselor

Work Location

Ann Arbor Campus

Ann Arbor, MI

Modes of Work

Hybrid

Full/Part Time

Full-Time

Regular/Temporary

Regular

FLSA Status

Exempt

Organizational Group

Rackham Grad School

Department

Office of Postdoctoral Affairs

Posting Begin/End Date

8/30/2024 - 9/13/2024

Salary

$81,000.00 - $85,000.00

Career Interest

Academic & Student Services