HR Partner

About the role

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive. The Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) is the historic heart of Harvard University. It is the home of Harvard’s undergraduate program (Harvard College, founded in 1636) as well as all of Harvard’s Ph.D. programs (the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, founded in 1872), Harvard Athletics and the Division of Continuing Education. The 40 academic departments and 30+ centers of the FAS support a community unparalleled in its academic excellence across the broadest range of liberal arts and sciences disciplines. Together, the FAS seeks to foster an environment of ambition, curiosity and shared commitment to knowledge and truth that elicits excellence from all members of our community and prepares the next generation of leaders through a transformative educational experience.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary HR partner to the Division of Arts and Humanities, building strong, consultative relationships with leadership and faculty.
• Advise 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.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required; Minimum of 7 years’ relevant HR experience.

Additional Qualifications and Skills: 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; Experience working in a unionized environment highly desirable; 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.

Pre‑employment screening includes identity, education, and criminal background checks.

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

Pay

This position is salary grade level 058. Refer to Harvard's Salary Ranges for the corresponding salary range and related information.

Schedule

Standard hours: 35 hours per week. Hybrid position based in Cambridge, MA. Visa sponsorship is not provided for this role. Work schedule and location will be set by the department based on operational needs; when not working at a Harvard or Harvard‑designated location, employees must work in a Harvard‑registered state in compliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts.