Associate Conflict Navigation Specialist - New Brunswick - Rutgers University

Description

Position DetailsPosition InformationRecruitment/Posting Title Associate Conflict Navigation Specialist Job Category Staff & Executive

• Administrative & Support Department Employee Partners for Conflict OverviewRutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is a leading national research university and the State of New Jersey's preeminent, comprehensive public institution of higher education.

As one of the largest employers in the State of New Jersey, Rutgers University is committed not only to the students and the State that we serve, but also to the faculty and staff who work on our campuses.
For two consecutive years, Rutgers is ranked on Forbes' list of America's Best Large Employers. Rutgers holds #64 of 500 employers and is the #1 New Jersey employer on the publication's 2023 list.

Rutgers' commitment to its employees includes maintaining and fostering a safe, diverse, and respectful workplace environment, creating employment opportunities for our nation's military veterans, and ensuring accessibility and accommodation for individuals with disabilities.

University Human Resources (UHR) supports the Rutgers mission as an institution of prominence, preeminent in research, teaching, service, and clinical care.

We strive to provide the highest level of customer service in delivering a comprehensive network of programs, services, and expertise to attract, retain, and develop diverse and highly skilled top talent.

Posting SummaryRutgers, The State University of New Jersey is seeking an Associate Conflict Navigation Specialist in the Office of Workplace Culture to join the Employee Partners for Conflict Transformation (EmPaCT) team.

Reporting to the Manager of Conflict Transformation, this role helps cultivate a respectful, collaborative workplace environment by providing conflict navigation services, skill-building opportunities, and proactive support for faculty and staff across the university.

Among the key duties of the position are the following:

• Facilitates engaging workshops and trainings for teams and departments, focusing on conflict navigation, communication skills, and strategies to strengthen collaboration and trust.
• Leads group interventions designed to de-escalate conflict, rebuild working relationships, and upskill teams in handling difficult situations.
• Provides a respectful, safe, and neutral environment for employees to share concerns and work toward solutions.
• Delivers timely and effective conflict management services, including individual coaching, mediation, facilitated conversations, and group learning sessions.
• Coaches supervisors and employees on building positive workplace culture, managing team dynamics, and navigating difficult conversations with empathy and clarity.
• Explains relevant university policies and processes, ensuring employees understand available resources, and make referrals to appropriate offices as needed.
• Triages and manages casework efficiently, identify pathways for resolution, and apply university policies and guidelines appropriately.
• Maintains accurate records and communications while collaborating closely with the EmPaCT team.
• Conducts proactive outreach to raise awareness of EmPaCT's mission and promote its services across the Rutgers community.

FLSA Exempt Grade 05 Salary Details Minimum Salary Mid Range Salary Maximum Salary Offer InformationThe final salary offer may be determined by several factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate's qualifications, experience, and expertise, and availability of department or grant funds to support the position.

We also take into consideration market benchmarks, if and when appropriate, and internal equity to ensure fair compensation relative to the university's broader compensation structure.

We are committed to offering competitive and flexible compensation packages to attract and retain top talent.
BenefitsRutgers provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees.

The specific benefits vary based on the position and may include:

• Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage
• Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs
• Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax-deferred savings options
• Employee and dependent educational benefits (when applicable)
• Life insurance coverage
• Employee discount programsPosition Status Full Time Working Hours Standard Hours 37.50 Daily Work Shift Work Arrangement Union Description Administrators Confidential Payroll Designation PeopleSoft Seniority Unit Terms of Appointment Staff - 12 month Position Pension Eligibility ABPQualificationsMinimum Education and Experience
• Bachelor's degree in a related field and at least (2) years of relevant experience in conflict management/mediation, or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.

Certifications/Licenses Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Superior communication and collaboration skills.
• Comfortability and competence presenting.
• Solid judgement and experience in assessing risk.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office including PowerPoint.
• Ability to design and deliver interactive workshops that build practical conflict resolution and communication skills.
• Experienced in guiding teams through challenging conversations with diplomacy, cultural awareness, and adaptability.
• Strong interpersonal and coaching skills, with the ability to foster trust and encourage learning in one-on-one and group settings.
• Knowledge of conflict management strategies, mediation techniques, and organizational development practices.
• Commitment to cultivating inclusive, respectful, and equitable workplace cultures.

Preferred Qualifications

• Undergraduate, graduate and/or professional certificates in conflict coaching, conflict or dispute resolution, mediation, or related fields.
• Leadership development and/or coaching certifications and experience.
• Experience facilitating group workshops and trainings.
• Experience working in higher education.

Equipment Utilized Physical Demands and Work Environment Special ConditionsPosting DetailsPosting Number 26ST0145 Posting Open Date 01/27/2026 Special Instructions to Applicants Regional Campus Rutgers University-New Brunswick Home Location Campus Douglass (RU-New Brunswick) City New Brunswick State NJ Location DetailsPre-employment ScreeningsAll offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment screenings.

Immunization RequirementsUnder Policy Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals, if employment will commence during Flu Season, Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza for the current Flu Season, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption.

Additional infection control and safety policies may apply.

Prospective employees should speak with their hiring manager to determine which policies apply to the role or position for which they are applying.

Failure to provide proof of vaccination for any required vaccines or obtain a medical or religious exemption from the University will result in rescission of a candidate's offer of employment or disciplinary action up to and including termination.

Equal Employment Opportunity StatementIt is university policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all its employees and applicants for employment regardless of their race, creed, color, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability status, liability for military service, protected veteran status, affectional or sexual orientation, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing), or any other category protected by law.

As an institution, we encourage all qualified applicants to apply.

For additional information please see the Non-Discrimination Statement at the following web address:
QuestionsRequired fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Do you have a Bachelor's degree in a related field and at least (2) years of relevant experience in conflict management/mediation, or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience?

• Yes
• NoApplicant DocumentsRequired Documents
• Resume/CV
• Cover Letter/Letter of ApplicationOptional Documents
• List of Professional References (contact Info)