[Hiring] Assistant Director/HR Partner @Harvard University

Role Description

The overarching mission of the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health (SPH) is to advance the public’s health through learning, discovery, and communication. To pursue this mission, the School produces knowledge through research, reproduces knowledge through higher education, and translates knowledge into evidence that can be communicated to the public, policymakers, and practitioners to advance the health of populations.

The Office of Human Resources (HR) at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health (SPH) is a proactive, strategic partner to the SPH community. We support the School’s mission and strategic priorities by attracting, developing, rewarding, and retaining exceptional talent in an inclusive, high-performing environment.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

• Reporting to the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO), the Assistant Director of Human Resources / HR Partner serves as a trusted advisor and thought partner to managers, faculty, staff, and bargaining unit representatives.
• This role addresses a broad range of workplace and organizational issues, delivering strategic, high-impact HR solutions.
• The Assistant Director / HR Partner will facilitate problem-solving; maintain the highest levels of discretion, confidentiality, and customer service; and provide integrated HR guidance that reflects a strong understanding of the School’s operations, culture, and evolving needs.

Responsibilities include:

• Provide expert guidance, consulting, and problem resolution on a full spectrum of human resources issues.
• Consult with and coach managers and employees on employee and labor relations, performance management, retention, staffing, and career development.
• Interpret, communicate, and advise on HR policies, practices, and processes; contribute to their continuous improvement and development.
• Partner with managers to identify organizational issues and recommend enhancements to organizational design, development, and training needs; collaborate with the Center for Workforce Development and the Harvard Longwood Campus (HLC) Employee Development and Wellness teams as appropriate.
• Collaborate with the HLC Compensation team on all compensation-related matters, including job reviews, salary and bonus recommendations, and equity reviews.
• Support and lead aspects of change management efforts to foster a productive, engaged, and inclusive culture.
• In partnership with the Talent Acquisition team, ensure the successful recruitment of top talent.
• Proactively identify opportunities to streamline processes, improve HR service delivery, and drive HR initiatives with a focus on effectiveness and efficiency and to leveraging across the HLC.
• Facilitate, review, and approve HR and payroll transactions, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance.
• Serve as a subject matter expert and/or project lead on designated HR projects and initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with University Human Resources policies, procedures, and requirements, as well as applicable federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required.
• Minimum of 7 years’ relevant HR experience.
• Experience with employee relations issues.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Bachelors (or advanced) degree. SHRM Certification.
• Advanced knowledge of employment law, HR policies and practices and some financial/business acumen.
• Demonstrated experience with the administration of bargaining unit policies and procedures.
• Harvard experience or working in academia a plus.
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
• Experience with HRIS applications and analytics.
• Experience with managing projects through completion and meeting deadlines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, negotiation skills.
• A track record of strong business judgment, connecting human resources with organization goals/mission.
• Strong problem solving & analytical skills.
• Service-oriented, collaborative, and impact-driven.
• Demonstrated commitment to building and sustaining relationships, including effectively communicating with staff at all levels, working as a team, and working with confidential data.

Requirements

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week.
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education, Criminal.

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.