Director of Employee Development and Engagement

Harvard University • Cambridge, MA

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Director of Employee Development and Engagement is a key strategic partner in strengthening the Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) culture as part of ‘Investing in Our Strong Foundation,’ the School’s newly announced 10-year strategic initiative that supports our commitment to invest in the people that power our work (HKS 2036). This role designs, leads, and continuously improves HR programs and initiatives that strengthen employee engagement, support professional growth, and foster a positive workplace culture where employees can thrive and be their very best. The Director helps to set the vision, strategy, and execution for professional development, performance management, recognition, engagement, onboarding, and community events, with the goal of aligning these activities with school priorities and our commitment to invest in our people.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience required
• Minimum of 10 years’ relevant work experience
• Strong understanding of, and experience in HR best practices across engagement, training and development, performance management, talent acquisition, rewards and recognition, and change management.
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships, influence without authority, and drive alignment across diverse stakeholders.
• Passion for creating an inclusive, engaging, and high-performing workplace culture.
• Comfort working at both strategic and tactical levels, contributing to high-level planning while executing hands-on tasks as needed.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's degree and 10+ years of work experience in Human Resources, Organizational Development, Organizational Consulting, or closely related.
• Experience designing and implementing scalable HR or engagement programs.
• Demonstrated experience designing, implementing, and evaluating employee development and engagement programs in a large, decentralized, and mission-driven organization.
• Strong data literacy and experience using metrics, surveys, and qualitative feedback to inform strategy and measure impact and communicate them effectively to leaders.
• Proven ability to lead projects and programs from concept through execution and evaluation, managing multiple priorities and stakeholders.
• Excellent facilitation and presentation skills, with experience delivering training and group processes to diverse audiences.
• Strong written communication skills and ability to translate complex HR programs and processes into narratives and messages that build understanding, alignment, and buy-in for culture, engagement, and change initiatives. This includes clear, accessible instructional and informational materials (e.g., how-to documents, onboarding resources, performance management guidance).
• A related advanced degree (management, business, human resources, organizational psychology, etc.) is a plus.
• PHR/SPHR or SHRM-CP/SCP certification is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Develops and executes a comprehensive strategy for HR programs that advance organizational culture, engagement, and performance.
• Leads the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of core HR programs, including professional development, performance management, recognition, and onboarding initiatives.
• Partners with HR leadership and business leaders to ensure all programs are aligned with school priorities and values.
• Designs and oversees a cohesive professional development framework that supports learning and growth for staff at all levels.
• Partners with managers and HR colleagues to identify capability gaps and develop learning opportunities (i.e. workshops, project participation, coaching, and mentoring).
• Collaborates with central university learning and development resources (Center for Workplace Development), integrating institution-wide offerings with school-specific needs.
• Evaluates the impact of professional development offerings and refines programs based on feedback, participation data, and school priorities.
• Oversees employee engagement strategy, including planning and administering engagement surveys and pulse checks.
• Analyzes engagement data, identifies trends, and partners with leaders and other University partners to develop action plans that improve engagement and retention.
• Champions and plans culture-building initiatives, including all-staff meetings, recognition ceremonies, and other activities that foster inclusion, collaboration, and a sense of community.
• Oversees ongoing lifecycle programs (e.g., onboarding process, stay interviews, exit surveys, career milestones) to strengthen culture, connection, and belonging.
• Uses HR analytics, survey results, and other program data and feedback to measure effectiveness, identify gaps, and inform strategic decisions.
• Prepares reports and presentations for leadership, highlighting key insights, trends, and recommendations.
• Benchmarks HR programs and engagement practices against industry standards and emerging trends.

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: Director