Senior Director, Human Resources

Harvard University; Cambridge (MA); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Tuition assistance

Professional development

Commuter benefits

Job summary

Harvard University in Cambridge, MA invites applications for the Senior Director of Human Resources within Central Administration. You will lead a HR team delivering day-to-day services to 700-1000 employees, collaborate with senior leaders, and shape HR strategy across units.

The role requires strategic thinking, change management, and deep HR expertise in higher education. This hybrid position offers a comprehensive benefits package and opportunities to influence workforce planning, workforce

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.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a trusted HR advisor to business unit Vice Presidents and senior leaders.
• Lead and manage a team delivering day-to-day HR services to assigned client areas.
• Develop and implement HR strategies aligned with organizational goals and priorities.
• Engage in strategic workforce planning to assess workforce needs and talent risks.
• Lead organizational talent reviews and performance calibration exercises.
• Allocate resources, manage priorities, and oversee team workflow and service delivery.
• Use HR analytics and workforce data to improve effectiveness.
• Lead programs across the employee lifecycle including onboarding, performance, development, recognition, and offboarding.
• Strengthen leadership capability and foster learning, inclusion, and innovation.
• Advise on complex employee and labor relations matters and compliance.

Skills

HR leadership

Strategic partnership

Coaching and performance management

HR analytics

Education

Master’s degree or equivalent

Tools

HRIS systems

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.

Why join Harvard University Central Administration?

Harvard University's Central Administration (CADM) is a 5,000+ employee organization that supports the university's overall excellence by understanding and serving the needs of its schools, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and surrounding communities. Through dynamic and collaborative partnerships, CADM provides high-quality and efficient services to the schools to help them achieve their goals.

Job Description

Reporting to the Managing Director of Human Resources Consulting, the Senior Director of Human Resources partners with leaders across Harvard Human Resources, Harvard Public Affairs & Communications, and Alumni Affairs & Development, and potentially another client within Central Administration. The role leads a Human Resources team supporting approximately 700-1000 Central Administration employees and manages a team that delivers day-to-day Human Resources services to these business units.

Job‑Specific 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. Manage through clear expectations, coaching, delegation, feedback, and performance management and build an inclusive, collaborative, and high-performing team culture.
• 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.
• Partner with 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.

Qualifications

Basic 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

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• 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.

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,
• Other Information: This is a full-time, five-day-per-week position with a hybrid schedule, based on business and team needs. Work is primarily performed in an office setting.

  Benefits

  We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

  • Paid Time Off:4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year, 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.

  • Health and Welfare:Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.

  • Work/Life and Wellness:Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.

  • Retirement:University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.

  • Tuition Assistance Program:Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.

  • Tuition Reimbursement:Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.

  • Professional Development:Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.

  • Commuting and Transportation:Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.

  • Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks:Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.

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

Benefits

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.

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.