Senior HR Partner, Harvard College

Harvard University FAS Human Resources; Cambridge (MA); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous paid time off

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Retirement plans

Wellbeing resources

Tuition assistance and reimbursement

Commuter benefits

Job summary

Harvard University’s Faculty of Arts and Sciences is seeking an experienced HR partner to provide strategic guidance and leadership to college clients. You will translate departmental priorities into HR priorities and advise on workforce planning, organizational design, and talent development.

This role requires 8+ years of HR experience, strong coaching abilities for managers on performance and employee relations, and the ability to navigate a complex, decentralized environment.

Qualifications

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly explain complex matters to diverse constituents.
• Proven ability to manage a high volume of strategic engagements in a decentralized, university setting.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills across a broad range of stakeholders.
• Experience advising and coaching managers on performance management and employee relations; experience with workplace investigations is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic guidance, advice, and leadership to clients on all HR-related activities aligned with local priorities.
• Serve as the primary HR partner for Harvard College, building consultative relationships with leadership.
• Advise on workforce planning, organizational design, staffing models, and role structures; translate strategies into HR priorities.
• Partner with leaders on succession planning, retention strategies, and talent development for staff.
• Consult on performance management, career progression, and development planning; support change management during reorganizations or new initiatives.
• Collaborate with central HR centers of expertise to deliver coordinated HR solutions; represent FAS perspectives in institution-wide initiatives.
• Use HR data and metrics to inform recommendations and track progress; identify opportunities to streamline processes and enhance employee experience.

Skills

Verbal and written communication

Stakeholder management

Interpersonal skills

Experience in unionized environments

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

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 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 Summary:

Provide strategic guidance, advice, and leadership to clients on all Human Resources related activities, in support of/or aligned with local business priorities.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

Strategic Partnership & Workforce Planning

• Serve as the primary HR partner for the Harvard College, building strong, consultative relationships with leadership.
• 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
• 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.

Collaboration & HR Service Integration

• 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.

Data, Metrics & Continuous Improvement

• 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:

• Work is performed in an office setting
• This position will require 2-3 days of on-site work in Cambridge, MA.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required
• Minimum of 8 years’ relevant HR experience

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Minimum of 8 years of progressively responsible HR experience with a significant focus on strategic HR consulting for leadership
• Experience advising and coaching managers on performance management and employee relations
• Experience conducting or supporting workplace investigations.

Required skills

• 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 desirablei>

Certificates and Licenses

• Certificates and Licenses:

Additional Information

• Appointment End Date:
• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Compensation Range/Rate (including Shift Differential if applicable):
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education, Criminal, Credit, Certification/License, Motor Vehicle Record, Drug Test, DOT Physical, CORI, Employment, Prohibited Parties, Not Applicable
• Other Information:

  In order to be considered, a cover letter is required for this position.

  Salary ranges within each pay grade are based on qualifications, skills, experience, equity in comparison to similar positions, and external market values. Salary ranges allow for differences among positions within the same grade as well increasing levels of responsibility and performance within the same job.

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 059. 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

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page.

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.