Senior Director, Human Resources

Harvard University•Cambridge, MA

8d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Director of Human Resources reports to the Managing Director of Human Resources Consulting and partners with leaders across Harvard Human Resources, Harvard Public Affairs & Communications, Alumni Affairs & Development, and potentially another Central Administration client. The role leads an HR team supporting approximately 700–1,000 Central Administration employees and oversees day-to-day HR services for assigned business units. The Senior Director serves as a strategic HR advisor, develops workforce and talent strategies, leads employee lifecycle programs, and advises on complex employee and labor relations matters. The position also manages team performance and service delivery, uses HR analytics to improve effectiveness, and collaborates on cross-functional and enterprise-wide initiatives. The position is full-time, five days per week, with a hybrid schedule based on business and team needs. Work is primarily performed in an office setting.

Requirements

Master’s degree or equivalent relevant experience.
At least 12 years of direct Human Resources Business Partner experience.
Experience managing HR teams and overseeing HR service delivery functions.
Advanced knowledge of HR policies, processes, and business practices.
Demonstrated experience leading teams, developing talent, and managing performance.
Strong coaching, delegation, conflict resolution, decision-making, and change management skills.
Experience administering bargaining unit policies and procedures.
Strong communication, collaboration, and relationship-building skills.
Ability to influence without authority and deliver exceptional service.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, HRIS systems, and analytics tools.

Nice To Haves

Higher education experience.

Responsibilities

Serve as a trusted HR advisor to business unit Vice Presidents and senior leaders.
Lead and manage a team delivering day-to-day HR services to assigned client areas; set expectations, coach, delegate, provide feedback, manage performance, and build an inclusive, collaborative, high-performing team culture.
Develop and implement HR strategies aligned with organizational goals and priorities.
Conduct strategic workforce planning to assess workforce needs, organizational structures, critical roles, and talent risks.
May lead Organizational Talent Reviews and performance calibration exercises.
Allocate resources, manage competing priorities, and oversee team workflow and service delivery.
Use HR analytics and workforce data to improve organizational, team, and individual effectiveness.
Lead employee lifecycle programs, including onboarding, performance management, development, recognition, and offboarding.
Strengthen leadership capability and foster a culture of learning, inclusion, and innovation.
Advise on complex employee and labor relations matters, including union relationships, dispute resolution, and mediation.
Partner with managers, Labor Relations, and the Office of the General Counsel on employment issues and compliance.
Collaborate across HR functions and departments to improve processes, efficiency, and service delivery.
Lead and support departmental, cross-functional, and enterprise-wide projects.
Maintain knowledge of evolving HR practices, legal requirements, and higher education trends.
Ensure compliance with university policies, procedures, and applicable laws.

Benefits

Four weeks of accrued vacation per year, 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a winter recess, and three personal days per year.
Up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary caregivers.
Medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance benefits, along with voluntary benefits; most coverage begins on the start date.
Child and elder/adult care resources, including on-campus childcare centers, an Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs.
University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings, with full vesting after three years of service.
Tuition assistance, including reduced-cost Harvard Extension School and participating graduate-school tuition.
Tuition reimbursement of 75% to 90%, up to $5,250 per calendar year, for eligible courses at other accredited institutions.
Professional development programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
Commuter options, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes, pre-tax transit passes, and biking benefits.
Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, a credit union, and discounts on services and cultural and leisure activities.
Wellbeing and mental health resources, family and caregiver support, and additional campus perks.