ES-0301-05

JOB SUMMARY

This position is located in the DC State Board of Education (SBOE), Office of the Ombudsman or Public Education. The Office of Ombudsman for Public Education is a neutral and independent office housed within the SBOE. The Office of the Ombudsman provides services for all public schools in the District of Columbia. The Ombudsman’s office is charged with providing conflict resolution services to families with students in grades Pre-K-12 in the public schools as well as working in collaboration with families and stakeholders to address systemic issues such as bullying, harassment, school discipline, and special education.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The incumbent in this position is primarily responsible for handling case management and serves as a liaison for citizens to communicate their complaints and concerns regarding public education. Responsibilities also include developing outreach strategies and directing public outreach activities to encourage communication between residents, citizens, and relevant education stakeholders. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

 

•   Serves as a liaison and direct point of contact for residents and citizens to communicate their complaints and concerns through a dedicated office, as it relates in the public education setting.

•   Organizes and facilitates community events, creates, and manages communication for both internal and external stakeholders and entities.

•   Receives complaints and concerns from parents, students, school staff, and District residents concerning public education, programs, policies, and procedures involving special education.

•   Examines and makes determinations regarding the validity of complaints timely and professionally. Responds to complaints and concerns in a timely manner, providing accurate and helpful information.

•   Evaluates and proposes options for responses and solutions to complaints including recommendations.

•  Makes referrals to the appropriate school officials. Identifies systematic concerns raised and received by citizens, related to public education.

•  Maintains a database that tracks complaints and concerns received, arranging according to various categories to include school level and location.

•  Submit reports as required by law, including recommendations of policy changes, staff training, and strategies to improve the delivery of public education services.

•  Systematically track complaints and concerns, analyzes the data to report on patterns of complaints and concerns that suggest a need for a policy change, staff training, or the implementation of strategic action to address the issue.

•  Facilitates and manages projects with other agencies and individuals.

QUALIFICATIONS/EDUCATION

Preferred Experience and Knowledge:

•  Skill in problem solving, negotiation, mediation, and conflict resolution.

•  Demonstrated knowledge of and experience in education policy, and issues pertaining to student special education, program operations, goals, objectives, and strategic planning.

•  Strong comprehension of laws, policies, regulations, and precedents governing education.

•  Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with individuals, groups, and constituents.

•  Skill in communicating orally and in writing and the ability to present concise and effective reports and briefings to executive staff, professional and administrative employees, as well as elected officials. 

•  Bachelor’s or Advanced professional Degree in a related field is preferred, with 3-5 years of direct experience OR equivalent combination of education and experience.

WORKING CONDITIONS/ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed in a standard office environment. The position may require extended hours, including evenings and weekends, to attend public meetings and community events.

OTHER SIGNFICANT FACTORS

Tour of Duty: Generally, the incumbent will work Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Evenings and weekends as needed) The Office of the Ombudsman currently operates in hybrid posture; Subject to change.
Type of Appointment: Excepted Service – Permanent Appointment. This is an “at-will” position and not covered under the Career, Legal, or Management Supervisory Service.
Collective Bargaining Unit: This position is not covered by a collective bargaining agreement.

Promotion Potential: No known promotion potential

Area of Consideration: Open to the public

Salary Range: $66,561.00 - $99,840.00 

Residency Requirement: This position is subject to the District of Columbia’s residency requirement in accordance with D.C. Official Code § 1-515.03. Applicants must be current residents or agree to establish residency within 180 days of appointment.

POSITION DESIGNATION

This position has been designated as security-sensitive under the guidelines of the DC Personnel Manual. Incumbents of this position are subject to enhanced suitability screening pursuant to Chapter 4 of DC personnel regulations. Accordingly, incumbents must successfully pass a criminal background and consumer credit check as a condition of employment and will be subject to periodic criminal background checks for the duration of their tenure.

EEO STATEMENT

The District of Columbia Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, familial status, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, disability, genetic information, or any other protected category under District and federal law.

How to apply: Closing Date is October 16, 2025

Interested candidates must submit a cover letter and resume via email to [email protected]. 

Application - OMB Vacancy - Assistant Ombudsman, ES-0301-05

Only individuals who meet the minimum qualifications will be contacted. Applications will be screened as they are received. All cover letters and resumes must be submitted by 11:59 pm on October 16, 2025 to be considered for this position.