Careers

OMBUDS

Location:  Remote 
Organization: Union for Reform Judaism
Employment Type: Hourly Contract    
Hourly Rate: $25 - $30 per hour, 15-20 hours per month
Start Date: ASAP

THE ROLE
The Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) is seeking an Ombuds to help ensure the protection, well-being, and voice of our community members. The Ombuds serves as an independent, neutral, and confidential resource for individuals with questions, concerns, or complaints arising from experiences within URJ communities, including worksites, camps, and programs. The Ombuds provides guidance, conflict resolution support, and brings systemic concerns to the organization’s attention for resolution. Services are delivered in accordance with the International Ombuds Association’s Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics, as well as URJ policies and ethical codes, with a strong commitment to racial equity, diversity, and inclusion (REDI).

WHAT YOU WILL DO

INDIVIDUAL & GROUP SUPPORT
•Serve as a confidential guide for individuals or groups with concerns or questions regarding their experiences in URJ communities.
• Meet with community members using online platforms, providing empathetic listening and neutrality, and understanding issues without judgment while being mindful of implicit biases.
• Help individuals identify issues, evaluate options, and navigate potential resolutions.
• Refer individuals to appropriate resources for formal complaint filing, restorative justice, or other interventions as needed.
• When individuals are unable or unwilling to raise concerns directly, support giving voice to their issues or raising awareness with appropriate organizational decision-makers.
• Facilitate resolution between parties when appropriate and within ethical boundaries.

SYSTEM-WIDE SUPPORT
• Provide independent, neutral feedback on organizational policies and processes, suggesting improvements to strengthen awareness, access, and equity.
• Support cultivation of an organizational culture that prioritizes ethical, transparent, and compliant communication.
• Identify systemic challenges or patterns, including biases or barriers, and provide recommendations for REDI-focused improvements.
• Raise awareness of the Ombuds function as a safe, impartial resource across URJ communities.
• Support organizational responses to questions or concerns related to misconduct, harassment, abuse, or discrimination, ensuring prompt and fair attention. 

WHO YOU ARE
You are an experienced counselor or mediator, and someone who builds trust quickly and listens with compassion, clarity, and neutrality. You bring emotional steadiness to difficult situations and help people feel heard without taking sides. You’re deeply committed to equity and ethical practice, and you know how to move between individual support and organizational insight with grace. You understand complex systems, can spot patterns others may miss, and are not afraid to raise hard truths in service of safety and integrity. Above all, you are grounded, discreet, and unwavering in your commitment to confidentiality, fairness, and inclusion.

KEYS TO SUCCESS (THE MUST-HAVES)
• Communicate clearly and with compassion. You listen deeply, coach thoughtfully, and adapt your communication to meet people where they are.
• Build trust quickly. You understand the weight of confidentiality and embody neutrality, even when navigating emotionally charged situations.
• Practice radical candor with tact. You can surface sensitive concerns honestly while preserving relationships and maintaining professionalism.
• Navigate conflict with steadiness. You have strong problem-solving skills and can help people explore options without steering them toward a particular outcome.
• Uphold ethical standards. You follow the International Ombuds Association’s standards and apply URJ policies with integrity and consistency.
• Systems Thinking. You spot patterns, identify root causes, and offer insights that help strengthen organizational culture and accountability.
• Lead with an inclusive mindset. You approach every interaction and recommendation with a commitment to racial equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
•    Advanced degree or certification in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, Mediation, or related field.
•    Experience as an organizational or advocacy ombuds.
•    Mediation or conflict resolution training and/or experience.
•    Experience working with fast-paced, complex, multi-site organizations.
•    Certification as an Organizational Ombuds Practitioner (CO-OP) is highly desirable.

ABOUT US
Every team member at the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) plays an essential role in our mission to create a whole, just, and compassionate world. Our team is creative, thoughtful, and innovative. Each member of the team is empowered to make meaningful contributions to achieving our shared goals. Our diverse team is made up of individuals with different skills and backgrounds and every team member is willing to take risks as well as take action to develop and create big ideas for the future of the Reform Movement. While this position focuses on a particular area of work, every team member is a vital part of our overall success.  

The Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) provides vision and voice to build strong communities that, together, transform the way people connect to Judaism and change the world. We acknowledge that due to racism, ableism, homophobia, and other forms of oppression, that our communities are not whole until everyone experiences a sense of belonging within the Jewish community. As the largest Jewish movement in North America, we stand for a Judaism that is inclusive and reflective of a wide range of identities and accept the responsibility of dismantling oppression both inside and outside of our communities. Through camping, youth experiences, programs, information sharing, and networking opportunities, our over 850 congregations and 14 residential camps create opportunities for our communities to enhance their capacity to build and expand community, engage in meaningful and authentic Jewish life, deepen Jewish learning, energize worship, pursue social justice and develop inspired leadership. Together, our employees and stakeholders, are creating Reform Judaism of today.

APPLICATION PROCESS
Apply online and include a one-page cover letter along with your resume, outlining your skills and experience and how you meet the essential functions and qualifications of the position. We look forward to hearing from you!    
The URJ strives to be a welcoming and inclusive environment that acknowledges diversity as a critical strength. We promote strenuous policies and practices of equal opportunity and diversity, equity, and inclusion. It is our objective to recruit, hire, and retain the most qualified individuals including those of any race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation or identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic or status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Our equal employment philosophy applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, compensation, benefits, training, promotions, transfers, job benefits, and terminations. The URJ encourages applications from women, people of color, persons with disabilities, individuals who identify as LGBTQIA+, and other often underrepresented groups.