Associate Director of 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 the Harvard Kennedy School?

The John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University is one of 12 graduate and professional schools at the university. Harvard Kennedy School’s mission is to improve public policy and leadership so people can live in societies that are more safe, free, just, and sustainably prosperous. By combining cutting-edge research, the teaching of outstanding students, and direct interaction with practitioners, we have an impact on solving public problems that no other institution can match. When you work at Harvard Kennedy School, you make a difference.

The Associate Director of Human Resources is a trusted strategic partner and advisor to Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) leaders, managers, and staff. In this role, you’ll shape the employee experience across a diverse and dynamic academic community — guiding initiatives in employee relations, organizational design, talent and leadership development, change management and HR programming. 

You’ll work across a decentralized environment, tailoring HR strategies to meet the unique needs of research centers and departments. The ideal candidate is a forward-thinking, relationship-driven HR professional who thrives in complexity, navigates ambiguity with confidence, and brings creativity to solving people and organizational challenges. 

If you’re passionate about cultivating thriving workplaces, developing talent, and building inclusive, high-performing teams — this is an opportunity to make a lasting impact at one of the world’s leading schools of public policy and leadership. 

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic HR Partnership 

• Serve as a proactive partner and advisor to managers, staff, and union representatives on a wide range of workplace issues. 

• Build strong relationships across the School, fostering trust and collaboration. 

• Apply business insight and HR expertise to support units in achieving their strategic goals. 

• Provide expert guidance on complex employee relations matters and organizational challenges. 

Organizational Design & Change Management 

• Help leaders design agile, effective organizational structures and processes that drive performance and innovation. 

• Lead and influence organizational change efforts aligned with HKS’s mission and goals. 

• Conduct or coordinate organizational assessments, identify opportunities for improvement, and implement targeted development strategies. 

• Champion a culture that embraces change, continuous learning, adaptability, and inclusion. 

Talent Development & HR Programming 

• Design and deliver impactful HR programs in leadership, professional development, and workplace skills. 

• Partner with Harvard’s Center for Workplace Development to bring University-wide leadership and training opportunities to HKS staff. 

• Collaborate with internal and external partners to implement programs that support wellness, work/life balance, and staff recognition. 

• Lead or co-lead initiatives such as staff recognition events and rewards programs that celebrate contributions across the School. 

Talent & Performance Management 

• Support leaders in identifying, developing, and retaining top talent. 

• Drive effective performance management practices that promote engagement and excellence, including performance management training for managers and staff. 

• Foster a culture of coaching and feedback that empowers staff to grow and succeed. 

• Provide direct coaching and guidance to managers and employees. 

HR Expertise & Data-Driven Insights 

• Stay ahead of emerging HR trends and best practices. 

• Use HR analytics and data to inform decision-making and measure program impact. 

• Deliver compelling presentations and communications tailored to diverse audiences. 

Working Conditions:

• Work is performed in an office setting
• Moderate noise level, which includes customer and team member conversations within a small office environment 

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to perform the essential responsibilities of the position with or without reasonable accommodation 

• Required to move about in an office environment and sit for extended periods of time 

• Required to move about within the School and University 

• Frequent use of hands for data entry / keystrokes and simple grasping 

#LI-ES2

Basic Qualifications:

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

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and HRIS applications and analytics.
• Advanced knowledge of employment law and HR policies and practices; business acumen.
• Demonstrated experience with the administration of bargaining unit policies and procedures.
• Experience in a multi-discipline human resources environment, including organizational development, performance management, HR programing, talent acquisition, training and development, rewards and recognition. 
• Demonstrated experience managing complex employee relations issues. 
• Project and program management skills and experience conducting HR program research and managing HR projects/programs from idea to full implementation. 
• Demonstrated ability to cultivate relationships and work collaboratively and cross functionally with all levels of staff. 
• Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of staff (written and verbal). 
• Proven record of influencing without authority and outstanding service orientation.
• Experience working effectively and problem solving in a complex and ambiguous environment. 
• Comfort working at both the strategic and tactical levels, contributing to high-level planning while executing hands-on HR tasks as needed. 
• A related advanced degree (management, business, human resources, organizational psychology, etc.) is a plus. 
• PHR/SPHR or SHRM-CP/SCP certification preferred but not required.
• Master’s degree in relevant field is a plus.

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

Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education, Criminal

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.