Assistant Director/HR Partner

Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health; Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Health insurance

Retirement plans

Wellbeing resources

Family support

Tuition assistance

Commuter benefits

Job summary

Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health is seeking an Assistant Director of Human Resources / HR Partner to provide strategic guidance to managers, faculty, and staff across the School.

The role emphasizes confidentiality, advisory support, and partnership with labor relations and employee development teams. The position advances HR initiatives in an inclusive, high-performing environment, with responsibility for policy interpretation, change management, and collaboration on compensation and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience.
• Minimum of 7 years’ relevant HR experience.
• Experience in a union environment is required.
• Experience with employee relations issues.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert guidance, consulting, and problem resolution on a full spectrum of HR issues.
• Coach managers and employees on employee and labor relations, performance management, retention, staffing, and career development.
• Interpret, communicate, and advise on HR policies, practices, and processes; contribute to continuous improvement.
• Partner with managers to identify organizational issues and recommend enhancements to organizational design, development, and training needs; collaborate with related teams.
• Collaborate with the Compensation team on all compensation-related matters, including job reviews, salary and bonus recommendations, and equity reviews.
• Support change management efforts to foster an engaged, inclusive culture.
• Ensure successful recruitment in partnership with Talent Acquisition; streamline processes to improve HR service delivery.
• Approve HR and payroll transactions; ensure accuracy and timeliness.
• Serve as SME and/or project lead on designated HR initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with University HR policies and applicable laws.

Skills

Employee relations

Strategic HR

Change management

Project management

Communication skills

Negotiation skills

HRIS analytics

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor’s degree

SHRM Certification

Tools

HRIS

Excel

PowerPoint

Word

Job description

Company Description

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.

Company Description

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 T.H. Chan School of Public Health?

The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health is a world-renowned institution dedicated to advancing public health through cutting-edge research, education, and global collaboration. Our school is a special place to work because of its vibrant, mission-driven community, interdisciplinary approach, and commitment to addressing some of the most pressing health challenges worldwide. We foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment where innovation, continuous learning, and work-life balance are valued.

Learn more about the School’s mission, objectives, and core values, our Principles of Citizenship, and about the Dean’s AAA vision about our school’s ongoing strategic initiatives.

Job Description

Job Summary

The overarching mission of the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health (SPH) is to advance the public’s health through learning, discovery, and communication. To pursue this mission, the School produces knowledge through research, reproduces knowledge through higher education, and translates knowledge into evidence that can be communicated to the public, policymakers, and practitioners to advance the health of populations.

The Office of Human Resources (HR) at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health (SPH) is a proactive, strategic partner to the SPH community. We support the School’s mission and strategic priorities by attracting, developing, rewarding, and retaining exceptional talent in an inclusive, high-performing environment.

Job-Specific Responsibilities

Reporting to the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO), the Assistant Director of Human Resources / HR Partner serves as a trusted advisor and thought partner to managers, faculty, staff, and bargaining unit representatives. This role addresses a broad range of workplace and organizational issues, delivering strategic, high-impact HR solutions. The Assistant Director / HR Partner will facilitate problem-solving; maintain the highest levels of discretion, confidentiality, and customer service; and provide integrated HR guidance that reflects a strong understanding of the School’s operations, culture, and evolving needs.

Responsibilities include

• Provide expert guidance, consulting, and problem resolution on a full spectrum of human resources issues.
• Consult with and coach managers and employees on employee and labor relations, performance management, retention, staffing, and career development.
• Interpret, communicate, and advise on HR policies, practices, and processes; contribute to their continuous improvement and development.
• Partner with managers to identify organizational issues and recommend enhancements to organizational design, development, and training needs; collaborate with the Center for Workforce Development and the Harvard Longwood Campus (HLC) Employee Development and Wellness teams as appropriate.
• Collaborate with the HLC Compensation team on all compensation-related matters, including job reviews, salary and bonus recommendations, and equity reviews.
• Support and lead aspects of change management efforts to foster a productive, engaged, and inclusive culture.
• In partnership with the Talent Acquisition team, ensure the successful recruitment of top talent
• Proactively identify opportunities to streamline processes, improve HR service delivery, and drive HR initiatives with a focus on effectiveness and efficiency and to leveraging across the HLC.
• Facilitate, review, and approve HR and payroll transactions, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance.
• Serve as a subject matter expert and/or project lead on designated HR projects and initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with University Human Resources policies, procedures, and requirements, as well as applicable federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
• Perform other related duties as required

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required
• Minimum of 7 years’ relevant HR experience
• Experience working in a union environment is required
• Experience with employee relations issues

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelors (or advanced) degree. SHRM Certification
• Advanced knowledge of employment law, HR policies and practices and some financial/business acumen
• Demonstrated experience with the administration of bargaining unit polices and procedures
• Harvard experience or working in academia a plus
• Experience with complex employee issues
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel, PowerPoint, and Word
• Experience with HRIS applications and analytics
• Experience with managing projects through completion and meeting deadlines
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, negotiation skills
• A track record of strong business judgment, connecting human resources with organization goals/mission
• Strong problem solving & analytical skills
• Service-oriented, collaborative, and impact-driven
• Demonstrated commitment to building and sustaining relationships, including effectively communicating with staff at all levels, working as a team, and working with confidential data

Additional Information

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education, Criminal

Join the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health to support our mission of health research and education, and to be a part of the oldest institution of higher learning in the country!

• The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health does not provide visa sponsorship, now or in the future, for staff positions.
• Harvard University requires pre-employment reference checks and background screenings.
• This position has a 90 day orientation and review period.

The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up to date on CDC-recommended vaccines.

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 058. Please visit Harvard's Salary Ranges to view the corresponding salary range and related information.

Benefits

• 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.