Strategic HR Partner for Research & Innovation Centers

Harvard University FAS Human Resources; Cambridge (MA); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous paid time off

Health insurance (medical/dental/eye)

Retirement plans with university/OECon

Tuition assistance and reimbursement

Wellbeing resources

Commuter benefits

Job summary

Harvard Law School (HLS) seeks a Senior HR Business Partner to deliver strategic HR consulting to its research centers, including the Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society, the Institutional Data Initiative, and the Library Innovation Lab.

The role partners with leadership to design organizational strategies, drive talent acquisition, and manage complex employee relations while upholding university-wide HR policies. This is a two-year term with potential renewal and a hybrid work model.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required.
• Minimum of 8 years’ relevant HR experience.
• Master’s degree and/or professional HR certification desirable.
• Experience as an HR Business Partner in a dynamic research environment or startup-like organization.
• Consultative agility supporting leaders through changing priorities and evolution.
• Solid financial/business acumen with knowledge of employment law and HR policies.

Responsibilities

• Serve as Sr. HR partner to BKC, IDI, LIL and other clients with tailored strategic guidance.
• Advise leadership and ensure alignment with HR policies and priorities.
• Partner with leadership to navigate ambiguity and scale through org design and workforce planning.
• Lead talent acquisition strategy including sourcing, onboarding, and diverse pipelines.
• Support managers in employee relations, performance, and compensation matters.
• Advise on best practices and present options to achieve results.
• Collaborate with managers and bargaining unit representatives to address workplace challenges.
• Promote inclusion and belonging across client groups.

Skills

HR leadership

Stakeholder management

Change management

Organizational design

Coaching

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Master’s degree / HR certification desirable

Job description

Harvard Law School (HLS) seeks a Senior HR Business Partner to deliver strategic HR consulting to its research centers, including the Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society, the Institutional Data Initiative, and the Library Innovation Lab.

The role partners with leadership to design organizational strategies, drive talent acquisition, and manage complex employee relations while upholding university-wide HR policies. This is a two-year term with potential renewal and a hybrid work model.