Sr. HR Consultant (two year term position)

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.

About the Role

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 is a two-year time-limited position from the start date.

This role is part of an HR team that delivers HR Consulting services to over 1,000 employees in three Central Administration (CADM) units: Harvard IT (HUIT), Financial Administration (FAD), and Harvard Federal Credit Union (HFCU). This position reports to the Senior Director of Human Resources for HUIT, FAD, HFCU and will work directly with HUIT.

We are seeking an experienced HR Consultant. This role is instrumental in the delivery of HR Consulting Services to HUIT. The ideal candidate will balance a strategic outlook with hands-on HR, communications, and management skills. This role requires a dynamic professional who can effectively bridge HR strategy and execution while enhancing employee engagement and HR service delivery through strong communication and project management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead HR Processes and Systems: Manage HUIT-wide HR Consulting Services.
• Provide technical guidance, consulting, and problem-solving for human resources-related matters, including conducting investigations.
• Consult with managers and employees on employee relations concerns.
• Collaborate with managers to identify and address organizational design, development, or training needs.
• Manage salary administration for new hires, reclassifications, special projects, and staff equity reviews.
• Independently create, maintain, communicate, and participate in the development of HUIT HR practices and processes; interpret and implement HR policies.
• Create and manage HR landing page with policies, processes, and key client information, and serve as primary liaison to the HUIT Communications Team.
• Manage and implement the annual merit increase and bonus process.
• Manage positions tracking, maintain a system for FTE tracking in collaboration with Finance and HUIT HR Coordinator.
• Collaborate with a centralized HHR functional department to provide HR services to HUIT.
• Ensure compliance with University Human Resources policies, procedures, and requirements and applicable legal regulations.
• May function as subject matter expert in HR-related areas.
• Directly liaise with HRCs and clients to support employee engagement programs and initiatives (including Harvard Heroes, HDLP, MOR).
• Develop and execute comprehensive HR communication plans to support the organization’s goals and HR initiatives.
• Draft documents for all levels of HUIT.
• Lead and manage HR projects, including planning, execution, and delivery within deadlines and budget.
• Coordinate with clients to gather feedback through surveys and other tools to assess the effectiveness of engagement strategies.
• Generate reports on work outcomes and employee engagement, providing insights and recommendations for improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required.
• Minimum of 7 years’ relevant HR experience.

Skills

• Proven record of successful project management and communication strategy implementation.
• Exceptional writing and editing skills with attention to detail.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Familiarity with project management software and HRIS tools.
• Exceptional Excel and PowerPoint skills.
• Certification in project management (e.g., Agile) is a plus.

Schedule

35 hours per week.

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental, and financial wellbeing. 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.