Director, HR Partners, Faculty of Arts & Sciences

Harvard University; Cambridge (MA); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Harvard University’s Faculty of Arts and Sciences seeks a Director, HR Partners to lead a team of HR professionals delivering strategic human resources consulting across departments. You will translate college-wide priorities into HR plans, manage complex employee relations, and ensure high-quality service delivery with chairs, directors, and senior leaders.

The role requires a master’s degree and 10+ years in HR leadership, experience in higher education or union environments, and strong

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Organizational Development, or related field; or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Serve as senior HR partner for assigned portfolio, advising chairs and directors.
• Ensure strong service delivery and manage complex issue escalation.
• Translate strategy into HR priorities and plans (workforce planning, staffing models, org design).
• Provide strategic consultation on talent needs and organizational changes.
• Lead and develop HR Partners and staff serving the portfolio.

Skills

HR leadership

Stakeholder management

Strategic consulting

Education

Master’s degree or equivalent in HR/related field

Bachelor’s degree in HR or related field

Tools

HRIS

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Director, HR Partners, Faculty of Arts & Sciences

• Full-time
• Work Format: Hybrid
• Union: 00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary
• Salary Grade: 060
• FLSA Status: Exempt

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 Faculty of Arts and Sciences?

The Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) is the historic heart of Harvard University. It is the home of Harvard’s undergraduate program (Harvard College, founded in 1636) as well as all of Harvard’s Ph.D. programs (the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, founded in 1872), Harvard Athletics and the Division of Continuing Education. The 40 academic departments and 30+ centers of the FAS support a community unparalleled in its academic excellence across the broadest range of liberal arts and sciences disciplines. Together, the FAS seeks to foster an environment of ambition, curiosity and shared commitment to knowledge and truth that elicits excellence from all members of our community and prepares the next generation of leaders through a transformative educational experience.

Job Summary: Direct and provide strategic human resources consulting services in the area of complex employee relations matters, organizational design and development, change management, recruitment, compensation, learning and development strategies, and diversity initiatives; broker these services as needed.
Job-Specific Responsibilities:

• May serve as the senior HR partner for an assigned portfolio of FAS departments/centers, building strong advisory relationships with chairs, directors of administration, and other leaders.
• Responsible for ensuring strong service delivery across the portfolios and managing complex issue escalation.
• Translate FAS and departmental strategies into HR priorities and plans for the portfolio (e.g., workforce planning, staffing models, organizational design).
• Provide strategic consultation on talent needs, organizational changes, and workforce implications of academic or administrative initiatives.

Team Management & Service Delivery for Assigned Portfolio

• Lead, supervise, and develop a team of HR Partners and related staff serving the assigned portfolio.
• Set clear service expectations, manage workload distribution, and monitor the quality and consistency of HRBP support within the portfolio.
• Coach HRPs on complex client issues, stakeholder management, and strategic consulting skills.

Talent Management, Workforce Planning & Change Management

• Oversee HRP support for recruitment strategies, workforce planning, succession planning, and retention efforts within the portfolio.
• Guide HRPs and leaders on performance management, career development, and staff engagement initiatives.
• Lead or support change management efforts related to reorganizations, new programs, process changes, or leadership transitions in the portfolio.

Partnership with Employee & Labor Relations and Central HR

• Collaborate closely with the FAS Director of Employee & Labor Relations on ER/LR issues arising in the portfolio; ensure timely escalation and consistent implementation of resolutions.
• Partner with central HR centers of expertise (Talent Acquisition, Compensation, Benefits, Center for Workforce Development, etc.) to deliver integrated HR solutions tailored to the portfolio’s needs.
• Ensure HRPs appropriately interpret and apply HR policies, procedures, and collective bargaining agreements in the portfolio, in alignment with institutional standards.

Coordination with Executive Director & Peer Director, HRBP

• Work with the Executive Director to implement an FAS-wide HR strategy, service model, and standards of practice.
• Coordinate closely with the peer Director, HR Partners to promote consistent approaches across both portfolios, share best practices, and address cross-portfolio HR issues.
• Provide input and feedback to the Executive Director on emerging needs, risks, and opportunities within the assigned portfolio.
• Use HR metrics (e.g., vacancies, turnover, diversity, engagement, time-to-fill) to inform strategy and track outcomes for the portfolio.
• Identify trends, pain points, and opportunities for process improvement; recommend and help implement enhancements to HRBP service delivery and HR processes.
• Contribute to FAS-wide HR initiatives and projects aimed at improving systems, policies, and the overall employee experience.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Organizational Development, or related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 10+ years of progressively responsible HR experience, including substantial HR leadership experience in a complex, matrixed environment.
• Demonstrated experience leading HR staff, advising senior leaders, and managing complex HR issues across a portfolio of clients.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in higher education or a research-intensive, faculty-based environment.
• Experience working with unionized staff and applying collective bargaining agreements.
• Advanced degree and/or HR certification (e.g., SPHR, SHRM-SCP).


Working Conditions:

• Work is performed in an office setting


Physical Requirements:

Basic Qualifications:

• Master’s degree or equivalent work experience required
• Minimum of 10 years’ relevant HR experience
• Supervisory experience


Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and HRIS applications and analytics
• Advanced functional knowledge of Human Resources policies and processes; business acumen
• Demonstrated experience with the administration of bargaining unit policies and procedures


Certificates and Licenses:

• Appointment End Date:
• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Compensation Range/Rate (including Shift Differential if applicable):
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education, Criminal, Credit, Certification/License, Motor Vehicle Record, Drug Test, DOT Physical, CORI, Employment, Prohibited Parties, Not Applicable
• Other Information: This role requires 2-3 days of on-site work in Cambridge, MA

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.

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

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.