Assistant Director, Research Staff Management

Harvard University • Boston, MA

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Division of Research and Faculty Development (DRFD) at Harvard Business School (HBS) supports faculty and facilitates the creation of enduring knowledge. The Research Staff Services (RSS) department within DRFD provides comprehensive administrative and operational support for over 600 research and teaching staff, supporting more than 200 faculty members, 10+ multi-faculty research initiatives, and the D³ Institute. This role, reporting to the Associate Director, is one of two Assistant Director positions on a three-person team. Each Assistant Director manages a portfolio of faculty relationships and provides administrative oversight of research staff, ensuring consistent service delivery and alignment across RSS operations. The role requires a high degree of independent judgment and operational leadership to support faculty research needs and enhance the effectiveness of the research staff workforce. The Assistant Director partners closely with faculty, researchers, and internal stakeholders to align talent, resources, and training with evolving research priorities. Collaboration with RSS team, HBS Human Resources, the D³ Institute, and DRFD is essential, contributing to strategic initiatives that strengthen HBS's research support infrastructure. The formal internal title for this role is Assistant Director, Research Staff Services.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience, including recruitment, onboarding, professional development, and management of a diverse workforce is required.
• Demonstrated experience handling complex employee relations matters with sound judgment and discretion.
• Proven ability to build relationships and collaborate effectively across all levels of an organization.
• Experience working in environments requiring diplomacy, confidentiality, and high-touch client service.

Nice To Haves

• Higher education or research environment experience strongly preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence and advise stakeholders.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise independent judgment and manage complex processes with attention to detail and accuracy.
• High level of professionalism and discretion in handling sensitive and confidential information.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a collaborative approach to teamwork.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); experience with HRIS systems (e.g., PeopleSoft, Oracle) preferred.
• Flexibility, resilience, and a proactive approach in a fast-paced, evolving environment.

Responsibilities

• Manage a defined portfolio of exempt research staff (~70 per Assistant Director), serving as the primary point of contact for faculty and researchers, providing ongoing coaching, performance management, and support to ensure effective research staff engagement and outcomes.
• Apply sound judgment in navigating complex and sensitive situations, including performance concerns, faculty-researcher dynamics, and policy interpretation, balancing individual needs with institutional guidelines and expectations.
• Oversee key lifecycle processes for the portfolio, including onboarding, performance reviews, reappointments, and transitions, ensuring consistency, compliance, and a high-quality experience while coordinating with HR and other partners as needed.
• Provide coaching and advisory support to researchers, identifying development opportunities and delivering targeted training initiatives to strengthen capabilities and career readiness.
• Develop and execute a comprehensive training strategy, including workshops and career development programming, and assess effectiveness through feedback and data-driven improvements.
• Foster a collaborative research staff community by designing and implementing engagement initiatives that promote knowledge-sharing, best practices, and professional connection.
• Oversee the recruitment and administration of teaching support roles (Teaching Fellows, Teaching Assistants, Graders, and Scribes), ensuring high-quality instructional support for faculty.
• Partner with internal and external stakeholders to manage visiting researcher programs, international hiring processes, and visa coordination, ensuring compliance with University policies and global hiring practices.
• Build and sustain strong partnerships across DRFD, HBS departments, and external service providers to enhance research support delivery and resolve complex issues.
• Serve as a lead point of contact for cross-functional partners (e.g., HBS HR, Finance, Global Support Services, Harvard International Office), coordinating independently while aligning with the second Assistant Director on broader policy interpretation and implementation.
• Act as a trusted advisor to faculty and research staff on policies, procedures, and best practices, balancing institutional requirements with service excellence.
• Collaborate closely with the second Assistant Director to align practices, ensure consistency in decision-making, and jointly address complex or cross-portfolio issues.
• Contribute to RSS-wide initiatives and special projects in partnership with senior leadership, supporting continuous improvement and strategic priorities.
• Model and promote a high standard of customer service across all interactions with faculty, staff, and partners.
• Builds trust and collaboration by being present on-site and engaging directly with colleagues and various constituents.
• Be responsible for other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• 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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level