HR Partner

Harvard University • Cambridge, MA

2h • Hybrid

About The Position

The HR Partner is responsible for comprehensive human resources consulting services for a unit(s) or department(s). Provide leadership in change processes to create a culture of productivity and engagement. This role works closely with managers, and leaders to align people strategies with institutional goals and priorities. This role provides advanced guidance on workforce planning, organizational design, performance coaching, talent planning, and complex employee relations issues.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required
• Minimum of 7 years’ relevant HR experience
• Advanced knowledge of employment law and HR policies and practices; financial/business acumen
• Demonstrated experience with the administration of bargaining unit policies and procedures
• Experience advising and coaching managers on performance management and employee relations
• Experience conducting or supporting workplace investigations.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to clearly explain, report on, and navigate complex matters with constituents
• Proven ability to manage a high volume of strategic engagements in a complex, decentralized environment
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills; ability to work with a broad range of constituents
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and HRIS applications and analytics
• Demonstrated commitment to building and sustaining productive relationships and the ability to work effectively at all levels of the organization.
• Strong track record of providing timely and responsive consultation, aligning HR services and programs with organizational initiatives and goals.
• Exceptional communication skills (writing, oral, and listening) and customer service skills.
• Practices evidence-based decision making supported by data and analytics to provide strategic and effective HR services and programs.
• Builds trust and credibility at all levels internally and externally.
• Holds sensitive information in confidence, makes sound recommendations, and exercises professional judgment and discretion.
• Works independently with initiative and also effectively and collaboratively as part of a team.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working in a unionized environment highly desirable

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary HR partner to the Division of Arts and Humanities, building strong, consultative relationships with leadership and faculty.
• Advises on workforce planning, organizational design, staffing models, and role structures.
• Translate FAS and departmental strategies into HR priorities and action plans.
• Partner with leaders on succession planning and retention strategies for key staff roles.
• Partner with FAS Talent Acquisition on relevant hiring matters within client groups.
• Consult on performance management, career progression, and development planning for staff.
• Support change management efforts associated with reorganizations, new initiatives, or process changes within the College.
• Serve as a first-line advisor to managers on performance, conduct, and workplace climate matters, engaging employee relations and conduct specialists as needed.
• Help identify and address patterns related to morale, engagement, and climate; recommend and help implement interventions.
• Interpret and apply HR policies, procedures, and collective bargaining agreements in the FAS context, ensuring consistent and equitable practices.
• Consult with central HR on policy questions, complex leaves, accommodations, and classification/compensation issues as needed.
• Monitor HR-related risks and propose mitigation strategies.
• Partner with central HR centers of expertise (e.g., Compensation, Benefits, Talent Acquisition, Employee/Labor Relations) to deliver coordinated HR solutions.
• Serve as a connector between FAS leadership and FAS HR leadership, ensuring FAS perspectives are represented in institution-wide HR initiatives.
• Use HR data and metrics (e.g., turnover, vacancy, time-to-fill, engagement survey results) to inform recommendations and track progress.
• Identify opportunities to streamline HR processes, improve manager capability, and enhance employee experience.
• Partner with internal Compensation team to manage compensation administration including salary setting, internal equity, classifications, annual merit increase, and bonus processes.

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: Senior