Senior HR Director: Strategic Partner & Leader (Hybrid)

Harvard Central Administration (CADM) Talent Acquisition; Cambridge (MA); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Time Off

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Retirement plans

Tuition assistance

Professional development

Job summary

Harvard University Central Administration (CADM) seeks a Senior Director of Human Resources to partner 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.

You will develop and implement HR strategies, engage in strategic workforce planning, and oversee day-to-day

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or equivalent relevant experience.
• Minimum 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 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.
• 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.

Skills

HR policies

Team leadership

Coaching

Communication

Relationship building

Collaboration

Education

Master’s degree or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

HRIS systems

Analytics tools

Job description

Harvard University Central Administration (CADM) seeks a Senior Director of Human Resources to partner 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.

You will develop and implement HR strategies, engage in strategic workforce planning, and oversee day-to-day