HR Partner

Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences; Cambridge (MA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Parental leave

Health insurance

Retirement plans

Wellbeing resources

Tuition assistance

Job summary

Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences is seeking an HR Partner to deliver comprehensive HR consulting, workforce planning, and organizational design for its divisions. The role partners with management and central HR to align people strategies with institutional priorities, while guiding performance, development, and employee relations across the unit(s).

You will collaborate with FAS Talent Acquisition, compensation, and benefits teams to drive strategic initiatives, support change management,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience.
• Minimum of 7 years’ relevant HR experience.
• Advanced knowledge of employment law and HR policies and practices.

Responsibilities

• Provide HR consulting to unit(s) or department(s).
• Lead workforce planning, organizational design, and talent management.
• Advise on performance management, coaching, and employee relations.

Skills

HR strategy

Employee relations

Workforce planning

Organizational design

Performance coaching

Succession planning

Stakeholder management

Change management

Data-driven decision making

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

HRIS

Microsoft Office

Job description

• Union: 00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary
• Salary Grade: 058
• Department: Administration and Finance - FAS Human Resources
• FLSA Status: Exempt

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 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 Description

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

The HR Partner is responsible for comprehensive human resources consulting services for a unit(s) or department(s). Provide leadership in change processes to create a culture of productivity and engagement. This role works closely with managers, and leaders to align people strategies with institutional goals and priorities. This role provides advanced guidance on workforce planning, organizational design, performance coaching, talent planning, and complex employee relations issues.

Strategic Partnership & Workforce Planning

Serve as the primary HR partner to the Division of Arts and Humanities, building strong, consultative relationships with leadership and faculty.

Advises on workforce planning, organizational design, staffing models, and role structures

Translate FAS and departmental strategies into HR priorities and action plans.

Talent Management & Organizational Development

Partner with leaders on succession planning and retention strategies for key staff roles.

Partner with FAS Talent Acquisition on relevant hiring matters within client groups

Consult on performance management, career progression, and development planning for staff.

Support change management efforts associated with reorganizations, new initiatives, or process changes within the College

Employee Relations & Culture

Serve as a first-line advisor to managers on performance, conduct, and workplace climate matters, engaging employee relations and conduct specialists as needed.

Help identify and address patterns related to morale, engagement, and climate; recommend and help implement interventions.

HR Policy, Compliance & Risk Management

Interpret and apply HR policies, procedures, and collective bargaining agreements in the FAS context, ensuring consistent and equitable practices.

Consult with central HR on policy questions, complex leaves, accommodations, and classification/compensation issues as needed

Monitor HR-related risks and propose mitigation strategies.

Partner with central HR centers of expertise (e.g., Compensation, Benefits, Talent Acquisition, Employee/Labor Relations) to deliver coordinated HR solutions

Serve as a connector between FAS leadership and FAS HR leadership, ensuring FAS perspectives are represented in institution-wide HR initiatives.

Use HR data and metrics (e.g., turnover, vacancy, time-to-fill, engagement survey results) to inform recommendations and track progress.

Identify opportunities to streamline HR processes, improve manager capability, and enhance employee experience

Partner with internal Compensation team to manage compensation administration including salary setting, internal equity, classifications, annual merit increase, and bonus processes

Working Conditions:

• Hybrid position based in Cambridge, MA

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required
• Minimum of 7 years’ relevant HR experience

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Advanced knowledge of employment law and HR policies and practices; financial/business acumen

Demonstrated experience with the administration of bargaining unit policies and procedures

Experience advising and coaching managers on performance management and employee relations

Experience conducting or supporting workplace investigations.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to clearly explain, report on, and navigate complex matters with constituents

Proven ability to manage a high volume of strategic engagements in a complex, decentralized environment

Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills; ability to work with a broad range of constituents

Experience working in a unionized environment highly desirable

Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and HRIS applications and analytics

Demonstrated commitment to building and sustaining productive relationships and the ability to work effectively at all levels of the organization.

Strong track record of providing timely and responsive consultation, aligning HR services and programs with organizational initiatives and goals.

Exceptional communication skills (writing, oral, and listening) and customer service skills.

Practices evidence-based decision making supported by data and analytics to provide strategic and effective HR services and programs.

Builds trust and credibility at all levels internally and externally.

Holds sensitive information in confidence, makes sound recommendations, and exercises professional judgment and discretion.

Works independently with initiative and also effectively and collaboratively as part of a team.

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

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.

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.