Director, HR Partners, Faculty of Arts & Sciences

Harvard University, Faculty of Arts & Sciences; Cambridge (MA); Hybrid; USD 95,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous paid time off

Health, dental, vision insurance

Retirement plans with university match

Tuition assistance & reimbursement

Commuter benefits

Job summary

Harvard University, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, is seeking an experienced HR leader to provide strategic consulting across complex employee relations, organizational design, change management, recruitment, compensation, and development initiatives. You will partner with department leaders to translate strategy into HR priorities and drive cross-functional HR solutions.

The role supervises HR Partners, collaborates with central HR, and uses data to improve workforce outcomes.

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 leadership in a complex environment.
• Experience leading HR staff, advising senior leaders, and managing HR issues across a portfolio.

Responsibilities

• Direct and provide strategic HR consulting across complex employee relations, org design, change management, recruitment, compensation, learning and development, and diversity initiatives.
• Portfolio Leadership: serve as senior HR partner for assigned FAS departments/centers; translate strategies into HR priorities.
• Team Management: lead, supervise, and develop HR Partners; ensure service quality and workload balance.
• Talent Management & Change: oversee recruitment, workforce planning, succession, retention, and staff engagement.
• Partnership: collaborate with Employee & Labor Relations and central HR to deliver integrated solutions.
• Data & Analytics: use HR metrics to drive improvements and inform strategies.

Skills

HR leadership

Strategic consulting

Employee relations

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in HR or related field

Master’s degree or SPHR/SHRM-SCP preferred

Tools

HRIS

MS Office

Job description

Company Description

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community thatadvances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways,inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills andexpertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcomingenvironment where everyone can thrive.

Why join the Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences?

The Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) is the historic heart ofHarvard University. It is the home of Harvard’s undergraduateprogram (Harvard College, founded in 1636) as well as all ofHarvard’s Ph.D. programs (the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin GraduateSchool of Arts and Sciences, founded in 1872), Harvard Athleticsand the Division of Continuing Education. The 40 academicdepartments and 30+ centers of the FAS support a communityunparalleled in its academic excellence across the broadest rangeof liberal arts and sciences disciplines. Together, the FAS seeksto foster an environment of ambition, curiosity and sharedcommitment to knowledge and truth that elicits excellence from allmembers of our community and prepares the next generation ofleaders through a transformative educational experience.

Job Description

Job Summary:

Direct and provide strategic human resourcesconsulting services in the area of complex employee relationsmatters, organizational design and development, change management,recruitment, compensation, learning and development strategies, anddiversity initiatives; broker these services as needed.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

Portfolio Leadership & Strategic HR Partnership

• May serve as the senior HR partner for an assigned portfolio ofFAS departments/centers, building strong advisory relationshipswith chairs, directors of administration, and other leaders.
• Responsible for ensuring strong service delivery across theportfolios and managing complex issue escalation.
• Translate FAS and departmental strategies into HR prioritiesand plans for the portfolio (e.g., workforce planning, staffingmodels, organizational design).
• Provide strategic consultation on talent needs, organizationalchanges, and workforce implications of academic or administrativeinitiatives.

Team Management & Service Delivery for Assigned Portfolio

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

Talent Management, Workforce Planning & Change Management

• Oversee HRP support for recruitment strategies, workforceplanning, succession planning, and retention efforts within theportfolio.
• Guide HRPs and leaders on performance management, careerdevelopment, and staff engagement initiatives.
• Lead or support change management efforts related toreorganizations, new programs, process changes, or leadershiptransitions 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; ensuretimely escalation and consistent implementation ofresolutions.
• Partner with central HR centers of expertise (TalentAcquisition, Compensation, Benefits, Center for WorkforceDevelopment, etc.) to deliver integrated HR solutions tailored tothe 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 HRstrategy, service model, and standards of practice.
• Coordinate closely with the peer Director, HR Partners topromote consistent approaches across both portfolios, share bestpractices, and address cross-portfolio HR issues.
• Provide input and feedback to the Executive Director onemerging needs, risks, and opportunities within the assignedportfolio.

Data, Analytics & Continuous Improvement

• Use HR metrics (e.g., vacancies, turnover, diversity,engagement, time-to-fill) to inform strategy and track outcomes forthe portfolio.
• Identify trends, pain points, and opportunities for processimprovement; recommend and help implement enhancements to HRBPservice delivery and HR processes.
• Contribute to FAS-wide HR initiatives and projects aimed atimproving systems, policies, and the overall employeeexperience.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration,Organizational Development, or related field; or an equivalentcombination of education and experience.
• 10+ years of progressively responsible HR experience, includingsubstantial HR leadership experience in a complex, matrixedenvironment.
• Demonstrated experience leading HR staff, advising seniorleaders, and managing complex HR issues across a portfolio ofclients.

Preferred Qualifications

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

Working Conditions:

• Work is performed in an office setting

Qualifications

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 andanalytics
• Advanced functional knowledge of Human Resources policies andprocesses; business acumen
• Demonstrated experience with the administration of bargainingunit policies and procedures

Additional Information

• Appointment End Date:
• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Compensation Range/Rate (including Shift Differential ifapplicable):
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University isunable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education, Criminal, Credit, Certification/License, Motor Vehicle Record, Drug Test, DOTPhysical, CORI, Employment, Prohibited Parties, Not Applicable
• Other Information: This role requires 2-3 days ofon-site work in Cambridge, MA
  • In order to be considered, please submit a cover letter withyour application.

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders thatsome of the duties and responsibilities can be effectivelyperformed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and locationwill be set by the department at its discretion and based uponoperational needs. When not working at a Harvard orHarvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions mustwork in a Harvard registered state in compliance with theUniversity’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 priorto 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

• Generous paid time off including parental leave
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage startingon day one
• Retirement plans with university contributions
• Wellbeing and mental health resources
• Support for families and caregivers
• Professional development opportunities including tuitionassistance 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 fromall parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensureeveryone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our communityadvance 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, sexualorientation, 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.