Director of Employee Development and Engagement

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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 Director of Employee Development and Engagement is a key strategic partner in strengthening the Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) culture as part of ‘Investing in Our Strong Foundation,’ the School’s newly announced 10-year strategic initiative that supports our commitment to invest in the people that power our work (HKS 2036). This role designs, leads, and continuously improves HR programs and initiatives that strengthen employee engagement, support professional growth, and foster a positive workplace culture where employees can thrive and be their very best. The Director helps to set the vision, strategy, and execution for professional development, performance management, recognition, engagement, onboarding, and community events, with the goal of aligning these activities with school priorities and our commitment to invest in our people. 

Our successful candidate will have

• A strong understanding of, and experience in HR best practices across engagement, training and development, performance management, talent acquisition, rewards and recognition, and change management.
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships, influence without authority, and drive alignment across diverse stakeholders.
• Passion for creating an inclusive, engaging, and high-performing workplace culture.
• Comfort working at both strategic and tactical levels, contributing to high-level planning while executing hands-on tasks as needed.

This position reports to the Chief Human Resources Officer and will join a team of 11 HR colleagues.

Key Responsibilities:

HR Programs Strategy & Design

• Develops and executes a comprehensive strategy for HR programs that advance organizational culture, engagement, and performance.
• Leads the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of core HR programs, including professional development, performance management, recognition, and onboarding initiatives.
• Partners with HR leadership and business leaders to ensure all programs are aligned with school priorities and values.

Professional Growth & Development

• Designs and oversees a cohesive professional development framework that supports learning and growth for staff at all levels.
• Partners with managers and HR colleagues to identify capability gaps and develop learning opportunities (i.e. workshops, project participation, coaching, and mentoring).
• Collaborates with central university learning and development resources (Center for Workplace Development), integrating institution-wide offerings with school-specific needs.
• Evaluates the impact of professional development offerings and refines programs based on feedback, participation data, and school priorities.

Employee Engagement & Culture

• Oversees employee engagement strategy, including planning and administering engagement surveys and pulse checks.
• Analyzes engagement data, identifies trends, and partners with leaders and other University partners to develop action plans that improve engagement and retention.
• Champions and plans culture-building initiatives, including all-staff meetings, recognition ceremonies, and other activities that foster inclusion, collaboration, and a sense of community.
• Oversees ongoing lifecycle programs (e.g., onboarding process, stay interviews, exit surveys, career milestones) to strengthen culture, connection, and belonging.

Data, Insights & Continuous Improvement

• Uses HR analytics, survey results, and other program data and feedback to measure effectiveness, identify gaps, and inform strategic decisions.
• Prepares reports and presentations for leadership, highlighting key insights, trends, and recommendations.
• Benchmarks HR programs and engagement practices against industry standards and emerging trends.

Important Application Instructions: In order to be considered, your application must include a resume and cover letter. 

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required
• Minimum of 10 years’ relevant work experience

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Preferred Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree and 10+ years of work experience in Human Resources, Organizational Development, Organizational Consulting, or closely related.
  • Experience designing and implementing scalable HR or engagement programs.
• Demonstrated experience designing, implementing, and evaluating employee development and engagement programs in a large, decentralized, and mission-driven organization.
• Strong data literacy and experience using metrics, surveys, and qualitative feedback to inform strategy and measure impact and communicate them effectively to leaders.
• Proven ability to lead projects and programs from concept through execution and evaluation, managing multiple priorities and stakeholders.
• Excellent facilitation and presentation skills, with experience delivering training and group processes to diverse audiences.
• Strong written communication skills and ability to translate complex HR programs and processes into narratives and messages that build understanding, alignment, and buy-in for culture, engagement, and change initiatives. This includes clear, accessible instructional and informational materials (e.g., how-to documents, onboarding resources, performance management guidance). 
• A related advanced degree (management, business, human resources, organizational psychology, etc.) is a plus.  
• PHR/SPHR or SHRM-CP/SCP certification is preferred but not required.

Important Applications Instructions: In order to be considered, a complete application must include a resume and cover letter. 

• Appointment End Date: This is a fully benefits-eligible term appointment ending 2 years from date of hire. 
• 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 060. 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.