Senior Director, HR Strategy & Leadership

Harvard University FAS Human Resources; Cambridge (MA); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Health insurance

Retirement plans

Tuition assistance

Parental leave

Commuter benefits

Professional development

Job summary

Harvard University is seeking a Senior Director of Human Resources to partner with leaders across Harvard HR and related offices. The role leads a team delivering day-to-day HR services to 700–1000 Central Administration employees and guides strategic HR initiatives.

The position requires a Master’s degree or equivalent with 12+ years in HRBP leadership, plus experience managing HR service delivery and complex labor relations. Hybrid work and comprehensive Harvard benefits are included.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or equivalent relevant experience
• Minimum of 12 years direct Human Resources Business Partner experience
• Experience managing HR teams and overseeing HR service delivery functions
• Advanced knowledge of HR policies, processes, and business practices.
• Demonstrated experience leading teams, developing talent, and managing performance.
• Strong skills in coaching, delegation, conflict resolution, decision-making, and change management.
• Experience administering bargaining unit policies and procedures.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to influence without authority and deliver exceptional service.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, HRIS systems, and analytics tools.
• Higher education experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a trusted HR advisor to business unit Vice Presidents and senior leaders.
• Lead and manage a team responsible for delivering day-to-day HR services to assigned client areas.
• Develop and implement HR strategies aligned with organizational goals and priorities.
• Engages in strategic workforce planning to assess and respond to workforce needs, organizational structures, critical roles, and talent risks.
• May lead Organizational Talent Reviews and Performance calibration exercises.
• Allocate resources effectively, manage competing priorities, and oversee team workflow and service delivery.
• Use HR analytics and workforce data to improve organizational, team, and individual effectiveness.
• Lead programs across the employee lifecycle, including onboarding, performance management, development, recognition, and offboarding.
• Strengthen leadership capability and foster a culture of learning, inclusion, and innovation.
• Advise on complex employee and labor relations matters, including union relationships, dispute resolution, and mediation.
• Partnerwith managers, Labor Relations, and the Office of the General Counsel on employment issues and compliance.
• Collaborate across HR functions and departments to improve processes, efficiency, and service delivery.
• Lead and support departmental, cross-functional, and enterprise-wide projects.
• Maintain knowledge of evolving HR practices, legal requirements, and higher education trends.
• Ensure compliance with university policies, procedures, and applicable laws.

Skills

HR leadership

Coaching

Change management

Communication

Labor relations

HR analytics

HR policies

MS Office

HRIS systems

Relationship-building

Education

Master’s degree or equivalent

Tools

HRIS systems

Analytics tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Harvard University is seeking a Senior Director of Human Resources to partner with leaders across Harvard HR and related offices. The role leads a team delivering day-to-day HR services to 700–1000 Central Administration employees and guides strategic HR initiatives.

The position requires a Master’s degree or equivalent with 12+ years in HRBP leadership, plus experience managing HR service delivery and complex labor relations. Hybrid work and comprehensive Harvard benefits are included.