Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required
Minimum of 8 years’ relevant HR experience
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
Experience working in a unionized environment highly desirable
Full description
Job Summary: Provide strategic guidance, advice, and leadership to clients on all Human Resources related activities, in support of/or aligned with local business priorities.
Job-Specific Responsibilities:
The Senior HR Consultant serves as a strategic partner and consultant within Harvard’s Faculty of Arts and Sciences, specifically supporting the undergraduate College. This role works closely with the College’s Dean for Administration and Finance, managers, and leaders within the college 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.
Strategic Partnership & Workforce Planning
Serve as the primary HR partner for the Harvard College, building strong, consultative relationships with leadership.
Advises on workforce planning, organizational design, staffing models, and role structures
Translate FAS and departmental strategies into HR priorities and action plans.
Talent Management & Organizational Development
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
Employee Relations & Culture
Serve as a first-line advisor to managers on performance, conduct, and workplace climate matters
Help identify and address patterns related to morale, engagement, and climate; recommend and help implement interventions.
HR Policy, Compliance & Risk Management
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.
Collaboration & HR Service Integration
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.
Data, Metrics & Continuous Improvement
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
Senior HR Partner, Harvard College at Harvard University (Cambridge, MA, us) — aijobsearch
Partner with internal Compensation team to manage compensation administration including salary setting, internal equity, classifications, annual merit increase, and bonus processes
Working Conditions:
Work is performed in an office setting
This position will require 2-3 days of on-site work in Cambridge, MA.
Physical Requirements: Basic Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required
Minimum of 8 years’ relevant HR experience
Additional Qualifications and Skills:
Minimum of 8 years of progressively responsible HR experience with a significant focus on strategic HR consulting for leadership
Experience advising and coaching managers on performance management and employee relations
Experience conducting or supporting workplace investigations.
Required skills
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
Experience working in a unionized environment highly desirable
Certificates and Licenses:
Appointment End Date:
Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
Compensation Range/Rate (including Shift Differential if applicable):
Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education, Criminal, Credit, Certification/License, Motor Vehicle Record, Drug Test, DOT Physical, CORI, Employment, Prohibited Parties, Not Applicable
Other Information: In order to be considered, a cover letter is required for this position.
Salary ranges within each pay grade are based on qualifications, skills, experience, equity in comparison to similar positions, and external market values. Salary ranges allow for differences among positions within the same grade as well increasing levels of responsibility and performance within the same job.
Work Format Details
This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.
Salary Grade and Ranges
This position is salary grade level 059. Please visit Harvard's Salary Ranges to view the corresponding salary range and related information.
Benefits
Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to:
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
Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page.
EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement
Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.
Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.