Recruiting Manager, Research Staff Services

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Job Summary: 

Reporting to the Director, Research Staff Services (RSS), and working collaboratively with the RSS team, the Recruiting Manager, RSS leads recruitment efforts primarily focused on attracting and hiring high-quality researcher talent to support HBS faculty research. As one of two recruiting managers, this role develops and executes recruiting strategies, manages the full hiring lifecycle for researcher positions, and partners closely with faculty to assess research support needs and identify appropriate staffing models. The position also oversees recruitment activities for research administration and research support roles within the Division of Research and Faculty Development (DRFD), collaborating with departmental leadership across 10 departments and applying diverse sourcing approaches, including targeted outreach and centralized resource solutions, to meet evolving organizational needs.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

• Develops, implements, and manages a recruitment strategy and process to identify and hire qualified candidates for researcher roles. Manages the requisition process. Determines recruiting strategies including varied recruiting avenues such as college recruitment, posting positions to on-line resources, and other targeted outreach for a variety of roles. Consults with faculty to determine the best model for research support needs which may include referrals to centralized resources.
• Oversees recruiting operations for the Division of Research and Faculty Development (DRFD), coordinating recruitment activities across 10 teams to meet evolving research administration and support needs including partnering with the Unit and Faculty Support department on the recruiting for Faculty Support Specialist (FSS) roles. Works with hiring managers to understand skills and expertise needed for successful candidates.
• Directs end-to-end hiring for a variety of research support-focused roles, from position planning through onboarding. Designs and applies tailored sourcing approaches—including professional networks, online platforms, and targeted outreach—to identify candidates. Advises departmental leaders on staffing approaches and resource alignment, including the use of shared or centralized research support services.
• Facilitates the recruitment process for faculty supervisors and candidates to ensure excellent customer service. Crafts job descriptions, reviews resumes and writing samples, screens candidates, and checks references.
• Maintains a pipeline of prospective candidates. Maintains a recruitment website and develops recruitment materials.
• Utilizes LinkedIn Recruiter account and various job portals to post and amplify job postings and to source candidates.
• Plans and executes a robust college recruitment program, including a strategy to attract under-represented minorities. Builds and manages relationships with internal and external constituents to create awareness of opportunities and to foster new leads.
• Works collaboratively with RSS team members on temporary research appointments and with Human Resources and the Financial Office on all issues regarding research staff appointments and payrolls. Maintains awareness of compensation levels and equity across HBS and HU, and recommends appropriate compensation for research staff.
• Maintains and updates employment data and reviews and assesses the effectiveness of the recruitment experience and process. In conjunction with the other members of the RSS team, develops strategies to forecast RA needs and implement processes to meet requirements.
• Establishes close working relationships with various departments including HBS Human Resources and the HBS Financial office.
• Serves as department resource on recruitment, benefits, employment data, compensation structures, the HBS culture and working at Harvard.
• Manages, tracks, and analyzes data and statistical information related to areas of responsibility, including, but not limited to, recruitment metrics, forecasting, workforce statistics, and support data for strategic planning and budgeting purposes.
• Acts as a resource to HBS faculty and staff on departmental, School and University policies related to areas of responsibility. Identifies best practices related to areas of responsibility and makes suggestions for process improvement.
• Collaborates with all members of the RSS team by sharing information and seeking best solutions for providing strong faculty research support.
• Assists the Associate Managing Director, RSS on special projects related to areas of responsibility.
• Build trust and collaboration by being present on-site and engaging directly with colleagues and various constituents.
• Responsible for other duties as assigned.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

• Review resumes, interview candidates, administer appropriate assessment and reference/background checking
• Manage current candidate activity in the applicant tracking system; follow up with candidates and hiring managers to obtain feedback regarding recruitment process
• In partnership with hiring manager(s) and HR consultants, develop short-term non-exempt and exempt recruiting plans and long-range workforce and employment objectives
• Assist with developing and implementing diversity and community recruiting initiatives in support of affirmative action hiring goals
• Develop and implement advertising and social media recruitment strategies
• May make hiring and salary recommendations and negotiate offers, after consultation with HR Generalists
• May communicate important employment information during delivery of employment offers (e.g., benefits, compensation, non-compete agreements)
• May analyze and use recruiting data to improve employee recruitment
• May collaborate and assist with planning, organizing, and implementing outreach efforts (college recruitment, diversity recruitment etc.); represent the University at recruiting events
• May review and classify positions for both salary grade and FLSA status
• May conduct executive level searches
• May partner with Central Recruitment Services in areas such as vendor relations, recruitment compliance, systems support, university-wide initiatives, etc.
• Adhere to OFCCP and AA/EEO regulations and established Harvard policies and procedures for compliant recruiting; work with hiring managers to build a diverse, representative workforce
• Build trust and collaboration by being present on-site and engaging directly with colleagues and various constituents.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required
• Minimum of 3 years’ relevant work experience required
• Proven ability to use technology effectively including proficiency in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Experience working with applicant tracking systems

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• In additional to the 3 years of experience listed above, this role requires 2 additional years of closely related work experience 
• Experience working in a research, academic, or non-profit environment preferred
• Demonstrated strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience or interest in human resources.
• Professionalism, experience with and commitment to providing excellent service both within a team and on an individual basis.
• Sound judgment and critical thinking abilities.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills, including the ability to manage and prioritize multiple priorities.
• Attention to detail and high standards for accuracy,
• An understanding of and sensitivity to confidential information.
• Strong interpersonal skills,
• Ability to be flexible in a changing environment, and a high energy level.

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 40 hours per week
• Compensation Range: $80,000 - $85,000, commensurate with experience
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education
• Other Information:
  • This is a hybrid position which we consider to be a combination of onsite and remote work at our Boston, MA based campus. This department expects staff to be onsite a minimum of 3 days per week and departments to provide onsite coverage Monday – Friday. Specific hours and days onsite will be determined by business needs and are subject to change with appropriate advanced notice.
  • We may conduct candidate interviews virtually (phone and/or via Zoom) and/or in-person for this role.

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 056. 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.