Senior HR Partner: Strategic Advisor to Leadership

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

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.