Associate Director, Human Resources

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Why join Harvard University Central Administration?

Harvard University's Central Administration (CADM) is a 5,000+ employee organization that supports the university's overall excellence by understanding and serving the needs of its schools, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and surrounding communities. Through dynamic and collaborative partnerships, CADM provides high-quality and efficient services to the schools to help them achieve their goals.

Reporting through Harvard Human Resource Consulting this role serves as the primary HR consultant for Harvard Human Resources and another CADM client area. Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

• Consult with clients on employee relations, recruitment, compensation, learning and development strategies, diversity initiatives, and enhancements to the work environment
• Provide expert advice and coaching to managers and employees
• Collaborate with managers, faculty, staff, and bargaining unit representatives to understand business needs and strategically address workplace issues  
• Partner with leadership on organizational transformations, defining HR goals and associated change management and communications efforts  
• Lead change processes to create a culture of productivity and engagement  
• Create and deliver effective human resources programs, learning and development opportunities, initiatives, and offerings to a wide range of audiences  
• Seek efficiencies and recommend improvements in processes and systems  
• Provide specialized research, data analytics, and reporting to inform decision-making
• Function as subject matter expert or project lead
• May collaborate with a centralized HR function to provide service  
• Ensure compliance with University Human Resources policies, procedures, and requirements and applicable legal regulations  
• Actively diagnose, develop and lead organizational development strategies and drive them to results.  
• Support managers in forecasting and planning their talent pipeline requirements in line with their department strategy.
• Implement effective performance management to create and sustain a high performance workforce.  
• Acts as a Resource Coordinator for Title IX issues and a Local Resource Coordinator for Non-Discrimination and Bullying issues, which includes staying updated on all factors of the laws and Harvard’s procedures.
• Maintain current knowledge of progressive HR practices and key trends
• Effectively implement the delivery of HR programs initiated by HHR
• Understand all HR Services being developed and broker those services as appropriate
• Participates in all team meetings and other projects as assigned 

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required
• Minimum of 8 years’ relevant HR experience

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Master’s degree in relevant field  
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and HRIS applications and analytics  
• Advanced knowledge of employment law and HR policies and practices; financial/business acumen
• Demonstrated experience with the administration of bargaining unit policies and procedures 

Working Conditions: 

• This role has an expectation of presence on campus 1-2 days a week.

Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position

Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education

Key Competencies:

• Solid business acumen; understands the business that they are working within

• Ability to initiate strategies that serve the long-term need of the organization; think strategically/”big picture”  

• Knowledge of the organization/institution (Harvard) as well as local units

• Ability to engage, inspire and influence people

• Effective team player

• Strong interpersonal, communication, and customer service skills

• Ability to develop clear, actionable steps in support of an overall business strategy

• Ability to develop and deliver relevant, effective training programs to targeted audiences

• Significant knowledge of HR policies and process (ex. Workforce planning and talent management) 

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 059. Please visit  Harvard's Salary Ranges  to view the corresponding salary range and related information. 

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to: 

• Generous paid time off including parental leave 
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one 
• Retirement plans with university contributions 
• Wellbeing and mental health resources 
• Support for families and caregivers 
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement 
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks 

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page. 

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.