Senior HR Partner

Job description

Company Description

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community thatadvances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways,inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills andexpertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcomingenvironment where everyone can thrive.

Why join the Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences?

The Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) is the historic heart ofHarvard University. It is the home of Harvard’s undergraduateprogram (Harvard College, founded in 1636) as well as all ofHarvard’s Ph.D. programs (the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin GraduateSchool of Arts and Sciences, founded in 1872), Harvard Athleticsand the Division of Continuing Education. The 40 academicdepartments and 30+ centers of the FAS support a communityunparalleled in its academic excellence across the broadest rangeof liberal arts and sciences disciplines. Together, the FAS seeksto foster an environment of ambition, curiosity and sharedcommitment to knowledge and truth that elicits excellence from allmembers of our community and prepares the next generation ofleaders through a transformative educational experience.

Job Description

Job-Specific Responsibilities

The Senior HR Partner serves as a strategic partner and consultantwithin Harvard’s Faculty of Arts and Sciences, specificallysupporting the undergraduate College. This role works closely withthe College’s Dean for Administration and Finance, managers, andleaders within the College to align people strategies withinstitutional goals and priorities. This role provides advancedguidance on workforce planning, organizational design, performancecoaching, talent planning, and complex employee relationsissues.

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, staffingmodels, and role structures

Translate FAS and departmental strategies into HR prioritiesand action plans.

Talent Management & Organizational Development

Partner with leaders on succession planning and retentionstrategies for key staff roles.

Partner with FAS Talent Acquisition on relevant hiring matterswithin client groups

Consult on performance management, career progression, anddevelopment planning for staff.

Support change management efforts associated withreorganizations, new initiatives, or process changes within theCollege

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 implementinterventions.

HR Policy, Compliance & Risk Management

Interpret and apply HR policies, procedures, and collectivebargaining agreements in the FAS context, ensuring consistent andequitable practices.

Consult with central HR on policy questions, complex leaves,accommodations, and classification/compensation issues asneeded

Monitor HR-related risks and propose mitigationstrategies.

Collaboration & HR Service Integration

Partner with central HR centers of expertise (e.g.,Compensation, Benefits, Talent Acquisition, Employee/LaborRelations) to deliver coordinated HR solutions

Serve as a connector between FAS leadership and FAS HRleadership, ensuring FAS perspectives are represented ininstitution-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 trackprogress.

Identify opportunities to streamline HR processes, improvemanager capability, and enhance employee experience

Partner with internal Compensation team to manage compensationadministration including salary setting, internal equity,classifications, annual merit increase, and bonus processes

Working Conditions:

Work is performed in an office setting

Hybrid position based in Cambridge, MA

Qualifications

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 experiencewith a significant focus on strategic HR consulting forleadership

Experience advising and coaching managers on performancemanagement and employee relations

Experience conducting or supporting workplaceinvestigations.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills, includingthe ability to clearly explain, report on, and navigate complexmatters with constituents

Proven ability to manage a high volume of strategic engagementsin a complex, decentralized environment

Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills; abilityto work with a broad range of constituents

Experience working in a unionized environment highlydesirable

Additional Information

Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week

Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University isunable to provide visa sponsorship for this position

Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education,Criminal

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders thatsome of the duties and responsibilities can be effectivelyperformed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and locationwill be set by the department at its discretion and based uponoperational needs. When not working at a Harvard orHarvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions mustwork in a Harvard registered state in compliance with theUniversity’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 priorto employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 059. Please visit Harvard's Salary Ranges to view thecorresponding salary range and related information.

Benefits

Generous paid time off including parental leave

Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage startingon day one

Retirement plans with university contributions

Wellbeing and mental health resources

Support for families and caregivers

Professional development opportunities including tuitionassistance and reimbursement

Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks

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

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talentfrom all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensureeveryone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our communityadvance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on thebasis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexualorientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability,or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in theuniversity's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help allcommunity members participate fully in work and campus life freefrom harassment and discrimination.

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Worksite address

cambridge, MA, 02140, US

Who can apply

Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.