LUSU - Student Union

Provost & Vice-President (Academic)

Thunder Bay

Full-time

Permanent

Overview

As the Ombudsperson at Lakehead University, you'll play a crucial role in addressing inquiries, complaints, and grievances from students, staff, and faculty, excluding union employment and
labor relations. Upholding the principles of natural justice and within the framework of existing policies and laws, you'll serve as an impartial third party, primarily assisting University students in addition to university employees, while ensuring fairness for all. Your responsibilities include investigating concerns, mediating conflicts, and providing guidance in accordance with University policies and procedures. Additionally, you'll have the opportunity to advocate for necessary changes to policies and procedures, contributing to a more equitable and transparent academic and work environment.

Responsibilities

• Establish procedures for receiving administrative, academic, and individual complaints from the university community.
• Serve as a knowledgeable resource on University rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Assist in resolving conflicts and navigating bureaucratic processes.
• Provide dispute resolution alternatives, crisis intervention, and guidance on due process.
• Assist students through mediations or preparation for appeal hearings.
• Act as a mediator between students, faculty, and staff upon request.
• Identify key issues and recommend systemic changes in the Ombuds Annual Report.
• Investigate internal conflicts for students, faculty, and staff.
• Provide dispute resolution alternatives and information on due process.
• Consult and refer individuals to campus services as needed.
• Facilitate communication between students and various university and community entities.
• Manage data on community complaints and injustices.
• Track and analyze data to identify trends and recommend process and policy changes.
• Act as a sensor within the university community to identify and address concerns.
• Design and conduct training programs on dispute resolution and related topics.
• Advise the university community on fair processes and present on Ombuds-related topics.
• Publicize office services through various communication channels.
• Attend regular meetings of the Ombudsperson Committee and university committees.
• Participate in Thunder Bay and Orillia community resource groups as necessary.
• Represent the office at professional conferences and network meetings.
• Create and maintain organized files.
• Oversee the office budget efficiently.

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree is required, while a Master’s degree in a related field is preferred.
• Completion of training in mediation, dispute resolution, or negotiations is essential.
• Experience working with people of diverse backgrounds and cultures is essential.
• A minimum of 3 years of progressive experience in an Ombudsman role is required, or an acceptable equivalent of education and combined experience.
• Comprehensive understanding of dispute resolution and mediation practices, including the conduct of investigations.
• Familiarity with relevant laws, legislation, research methodologies, and reporting practices.
• Proficiency in handling a wide range of issues, such as landlord and tenant disputes, immigration problems, consumer complaints, and human rights disputes.
• Strong grasp of conflict resolution techniques and skills, with the ability to facilitate resolution between parties.
• Ability to work effectively in a multicultural and highly diverse setting, demonstrating maturity and judgment in heated or hostile situations, and showing sensitivity to the academic environment.
• Openness, objectivity, and the capacity to understand issues from multiple perspectives.
• Innovative thinking in developing responsive options to address differing needs.

Assets:

• Demonstrated ability to build relationships, establish credibility, and diplomatically resolve difficult issues.
• Proactive initiative to ensure accuracy and appropriateness in addressing matters.
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication, conflict resolution, and negotiation skills.
• Tact, sensitivity, and discretion in working with clients in crisis situations.
• Excellent organizational abilities, including the management of multiple cases simultaneously.
• Capability to work independently and impartially, maintaining strict confidentiality and neutrality.
• Understanding of the professional codes of practice relevant to the role of Ombudsperson.

Lakehead University is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals including women, racialized persons, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities, and other equity-seeking groups. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. This is in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements.

Lakehead University has a goal to recruit and retain a diverse workforce as measured by increasing representation of underrepresented groups among applicants, candidates, and hires. Experience working with Indigenous or racialized communities, and/or members of other equity-deserving groups, is a strong asset. A lived experience or worked experience of any of these issues is preferred.

We appreciate your interest; Lakehead University is committed to supporting an accessible environment. Applicants requiring accommodation during the interview process should contact the Office of Human Resources at (807) 343-8010 ext. 8334 or human.resources@lakeheadu.ca to make appropriate arrangements.

Benefits Information

Why Lakehead University?

Application Deadline:

Thursday, June 4, 2026 - 11:59pm

Salary:

Band 8 ($77,222.72 to $96,528.11)

Contact Information:

humanres@lakeheadu.ca

Reference Number:

SCHII-25-30

Application Deadline:

Thursday, June 4, 2026 - 11:59pm

Salary:

Band 8 ($77,222.72 to $96,528.11)

Yes, eligible for benefits

Contact Information:

humanres@lakeheadu.ca

Reference Number:

SCHII-25-30