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Harvard University

Employee Talent and Development Manager

Closes:

1,479

Company Description

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.

Why join the Harvard School of Dental Medicine?

Located in Boston's Longwood Medical Area, Harvard School of Dental Medicine (HSDM) is at the forefront of dental education, research, and patient care. Founded in 1867, HSDM holds the distinction of being the first dental school in the U.S. to be part of a university and its medical school, and the first to confer the DMD degree. Our mission is to foster a community of global leaders in education, research, and clinical innovation dedicated to improving human health by integrating dentistry and medicine. We invite dedicated professionals to join our team and contribute to our rich tradition of excellence and innovation in the dental field.

Job Description

Job Summary: The Employee Talent and Development Manager is responsible for managing the employee talent lifecycle, from organizing and overseeing the search process, to recruitment and onboarding, professional development, performance evaluation, and offboarding. The incumbent will collaborate with and advise managers on identifying, engaging, and developing talent for the purposes of employee retention and strategic succession planning. They will engage with employees on a regular basis to foster a culture that values employee wellness, growth, learning, and inclusion.

They will use their knowledge, skills, and experience to create programs, identify solutions to challenges, develop metrics, and analyze program/solution effectiveness.

Essential Responsibilities

  • Manages the employee (staff and paid faculty) recruitment processes, in partnership with the Office for Faculty Affairs and Department Units as applicable, including but not limited to:
  • Posts and advertises positions; proactively utilizes recruitment tools such as LinkedIn to seek candidates and build qualified applicant pools; creates marketing materials as needed in collaboration with marketing staff; serves as candidates’ first point of contact on behalf of HSDM to ensure a positive and consistent candidate experience.
  • Educates hiring managers on aspects of recruiting such as talent demand and availability, cost, industry standards, Harvard policies, pipeline trends based on skills, sourcing methodology, etc.
  • Reviews and approves search committees with a focus on cross-departmental representation and knowledge relevant to the position, develops and provides search training for hiring managers and search committees, ensures processes and committee questions are appropriate for interviews within the parameters of relevant laws and regulations, and stays abreast of best practices in recruitment and onboarding initiatives.
  • Ensures applicant pools are adequate, and searches are conducted in a timely and professional manner, responsible for all interview scheduling; conducts resume reviews and phone screens for all jobs; makes candidate recommendations to hiring managers.
  • Responsible for completion and review of reference and background checks for finalists; makes and negotiates staff job offers and sends offer letters. Brings reference and background check discrepancies to the attention of the HR Director.
  • Manages HSDM employee orientation and onboarding processes; trains managers and department administrators on best practices and HSDM procedures as it relates to their roles.
  • Develops and recommends talent acquisition plans that align with departmental and school-wide objectives, considers both short- and long-term department and school-wide objectives, and provides coaching to managers on engaging and retaining talent.
  • Develops processes to identify and address employee retention risk and suggests solutions to mitigate it; differentiates between positive and negative turnover and suggests strategic ideas to turn attrition into opportunities to address position/department/school needs, efficiencies, effectiveness, morale, and cost.
  • Manages the performance evaluation process; communicates processes and deadlines, tracks completion, reviews evaluations, and brings issues to the attention of the HR Director; offers feedback and insights into faculty administrative performance processes and documentation.
  • Manages the employee offboarding process; conducts exit interviews and uses the process to develop metrics, identify trends, and make improvements. Makes recommendations to the HR Director and/or the Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs accordingly.

See Additional Information Section for continuation of essential responsibilities.

Working Conditions: Work is performed in a typical office setting

Physical Requirements: May be required to sit and/or stand for long periods of time.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience.
  • At least 7 years of relevant professional work experience, with at least 3 years of talent management and employee and/or program development.
  • Ability to work on-site and remotely, as needed.
  • Ability to successfully pass a comprehensive background check at hire.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

  • SHRM-CP or similar certification.
  • Experience developing and facilitating training on a variety of topics.
  • Ability to influence without authority at all levels.
  • Ability to work well collaboratively and as an individual in a hybrid work environment.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Strong organizational and record-keeping skills.
  • Ability to maintain the utmost confidentiality and discretion.
  • Experience navigating difficult conversations and working towards mutually beneficial outcomes.
  • Ability to remain objective, apply logic, and make decisions.
  • Experience in an academic setting.
  • Ability to gather and analyze data.

Additional Information

  • 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

Essential Responsibilities (continued)

  • Collaborates with the Harvard Center for Workforce Development and the Harvard Office of Work Life to increase employee participation in professional development and wellness offerings; formally and informally recommends/nominates high-performing employees for development programs, tracks participation levels; collaborates with employees to develop and implement HSDM-focused initiatives that consider the unique dental practice environment on a regular cadence. Develops programs for HSDM as appropriate.
  • Monitors mandatory and voluntary employee trainings for compliance and succession planning; ensures all new managers take the universal manager training within 6 months of hire and new leaders (grade 60+) are introduced to CWD executive coaching.
  • Serves as the lead for planning, coordinating, and hosting employee engagement events.
  • Creates and contributes HR content for the quarterly A&F Newsletter.
  • Develops and maintains strong professional relationships across all business units.
  • Promotes community and morale in a hybrid work environment through programs, events, meetings, and committee work.
  • Supports the Office of Faculty Affairs as it relates to recruitment, retention, and professional development initiatives.
  • Represents HSDM on relevant Harvard groups, committees, and at recruiting events, as assigned.
  • Ensures compliance with all federal, state, local, Harvard, and HSDM regulations.
  • Maintains the utmost discretion and employee confidentiality as a member of the HR Team.
  • Collaborates with HIO, Faculty Affairs, and Department Administrators to process visas.
  • Provides general HR back-up as needed or assigned.
  • Contributes to the mission and vision of HSDM and models the School’s core values in all facets of the work.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned or requested.

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 057. 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.

Job details

Title
Employee Talent and Development Manager
Employer
Harvard University
Location
Massachusetts Hall, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
Published
Aug 26, 2026
Closes:
Oct 25, 2026
Job type
Full time, Human Resources
Field
Training Development

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About the employer

Harvard University Jobs

Harvard University

4.0 Star Employer Ranking

Harvard University offers a diverse range of job and work opportunities across various categories, reflecting its status as a leading academic and research institution. These opportunities cater to different skill sets, academic backgrounds, and career stages. Harvard University Academic Positions - click here . Harvard University Staff Jobs - click here . The main types of jobs and work opportunities at Harvard: 1. Faculty and Academic Positions Tenure-Track Faculty : These roles include assistant, associate, and full professors across Harvard’s schools (e.g., Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Harvard Medical School, Harvard Business School). Faculty engage in teaching, research, and service. Qualifications typically include a Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree, a strong research portfolio, and teaching experience. Openings vary by department and school, with competitive hiring processes. Non-Tenure-Track Faculty : Includes lecturers, preceptors, and visiting professors. These roles focus primarily on teaching or short-term research projects and may require a Ph.D. or significant expertise in the field. Research Appointments : Postdoctoral fellowships, research associates, and scientists work on cutting-edge research in fields like medicine, engineering, humanities, and social sciences. These positions often require advanced degrees and are funded through grants or specific research programs. 2. Administrative and Professional Staff Administrative Roles : These include positions in academic administration (e.g., deans’ offices, registrar, admissions), student services, and program management. Examples include academic program coordinators, admissions officers, and financial aid advisors. These roles often require a bachelor’s or master’s degree and relevant experience. Professional Staff : Harvard employs professionals in areas like human resources, finance, communications, development (fundraising), and alumni relations. Examples include HR specialists, financial analysts, and marketing managers. These positions typically require specialized skills or certifications. Executive and Leadership Roles : Senior positions like directors, department heads, or executive administrators oversee operations in specific units or schools. These roles demand extensive experience and leadership skills. 3. Research and Laboratory Staff Research Support Staff : Includes lab managers, research technicians, and data analysts who support faculty and postdoctoral researchers in labs across disciplines like biology, chemistry, physics, and medicine. These roles often require technical skills, such as proficiency in lab equipment or data analysis software. Clinical Research Roles : At Harvard Medical School and affiliated hospitals, clinical research coordinators and specialists support medical and health-related studies. These positions may require certifications like Good Clinical Practice (GCP) training. 4. Technical and IT Staff Information Technology : Harvard employs IT professionals for roles like systems administrators, software developers, cybersecurity analysts, and data scientists to support its technological infrastructure. These positions require expertise in areas like cloud computing, AI, or network management. Library and Information Services : Harvard’s extensive library system hires librarians, archivists, and digital resource specialists. These roles often require a master’s degree in library science or related fields. 5. Support and Operations Staff Facilities and Operations : Includes roles in maintenance, custodial services, groundskeeping, and security. These positions ensure the smooth operation of Harvard’s campus and may not require advanced degrees but often need specific training or certifications. Dining and Hospitality : Harvard’s dining services employ chefs, food service workers, and catering staff to support campus dining halls and events. Administrative Support : Roles like executive assistants, office managers, and receptionists provide critical support to departments and faculty. 6. Student and Temporary Opportunities Student Employment : Harvard offers on-campus jobs for students, including work-study positions in libraries, dining halls, labs, and administrative offices. These roles are typically part-time and designed to accommodate academic schedules. Temporary and Seasonal Work : Temporary roles, such as event staff or short-term project assistants, are available for non-students as well. These are often listed through Harvard’s temporary staffing services. 7. Medical and Healthcare Roles Clinical and Healthcare Staff : Through Harvard Medical School and affiliated hospitals (e.g., Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham and Women’s Hospital), opportunities exist for physicians, nurses, medical technicians, and other healthcare professionals. These roles require medical licenses or certifications. Public Health Professionals : The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health employs researchers, policy analysts, and program managers focused on global health initiatives. 8. Creative and Media Roles Arts and Culture : Harvard’s museums (e.g., Harvard Art Museums) and cultural institutions hire curators, educators, and exhibition staff. The American Repertory Theater employs artists, stage managers, and production staff. Communications and Media : Roles in writing, graphic design, social media, and public relations support Harvard’s outreach and branding efforts. Key Characteristics of Harvard Jobs Diversity of Roles : Harvard’s workforce spans academic, administrative, technical, and operational functions, with opportunities for both entry-level and highly specialized professionals. Competitive Benefits : Harvard offers comprehensive benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, tuition assistance, and professional development. Faculty and staff also gain access to Harvard’s libraries, museums, and cultural events. Global Impact : Many roles, especially in research and public health, contribute to global advancements in knowledge and policy. Location : Most positions are based in Cambridge or Boston, Massachusetts, with some remote or hybrid options, particularly for administrative and IT roles. How to Find Opportunities Harvard Careers Portal : The primary resource for job listings is Harvard’s Human Resources website (hr.harvard.edu/jobs), which lists openings for faculty, staff, and temporary roles. School-Specific Listings : Each Harvard school (e.g., Harvard College, Harvard Law School) may post specialized positions on their websites. Networking and Referrals : Many academic and research roles are filled through professional networks or direct outreach to departments. X Platform : Searching for “Harvard University jobs” on X can reveal real-time discussions, job postings, or employee experiences, though these should be verified through official channels. Additional Notes Qualifications : Requirements vary widely. Faculty roles typically need advanced degrees, while support roles may prioritize experience or specific skills. Work Environment : Harvard emphasizes diversity, inclusion, and collaboration, with opportunities for professional growth and community engagement. Application Process : Most positions require an online application through Harvard’s careers portal, including a resume, cover letter, and sometimes additional materials like teaching statements or research portfolios.

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Related Reading

Employee Talent and Development Manager at Harvard: How to Read the Role and Apply

What the Job Actually Asks For and Who Should Apply

Harvard's Employee Talent and Development Manager opening is one of the few university jobs where the entire talent strategy shows up in a single requisition.

You don't have to read between the lines. The title names two sides of the role: employee talent and development. One side is about who Harvard hires and keeps. The other is about how people learn once they arrive, and whether that learning changes how they perform. If you've spent time in university HR, you know those functions often sit in separate offices. This role appears designed to pull them together.

The job is posted in Boston, Massachusetts, and it sits at the intersection of organizational development, learning design, performance coaching, and employee experience. The manager will likely work with staff and managers across schools and central administration, not just one department. That cross-unit scope is what makes the role visible, demanding, and worth noticing.

What the job actually asks for

Harvard may be a university, but this is not a training coordinator job. The work includes diagnosing organizational learning needs, building development programs, supporting performance conversations, and helping managers improve how they lead.

In practice, you should expect the role to touch several areas at once.

  • Designing and running professional development programs for staff at different levels.
  • Advising managers on performance management, feedback, and team development.
  • Using employee engagement data to shape learning priorities.
  • Coordinating with HR business partners and school-based HR teams.
  • Evaluating program outcomes and adjusting based on what actually changed.

If your resume only says you delivered training, it will read as underqualified for this scope. The committee wants someone who can connect learning to performance and show the link with evidence.

Why this role sits at the center of Harvard HR

Harvard is not a single HR shop. Individual schools like Harvard Medical School, Harvard Business School, the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, and other large units often manage their own talent work while Harvard Human Resources sets university-wide policy and runs shared services. The Center for Workplace Development handles many staff learning programs, and this manager role may connect those central resources to school-level needs.

That structure matters for applicants. You won't be designing programs in a vacuum. You'll be pulled between school-level priorities and central HR frameworks, which is why stakeholder influence and change management appear so often in university HR job ads. People who have worked only in a single-function training role often struggle in this kind of matrix. People who have already managed competing demands across business units tend to move fast.

What strong candidates bring

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics groups this work under training and development managers. The occupational profile points to the combination employers want: instructional design, performance management, leadership development, and the ability to measure results.

Strong candidates tend to bring a few specific things.

  • Experience designing learning programs for adult professionals, not just one-off workshops.
  • Fluency with performance management cycles, feedback systems, and coaching frameworks.
  • The ability to influence managers who don't report to you.
  • Comfort using employee survey data and learning metrics to make decisions.
  • Knowledge of change management and team development.

Resumes that list generic facilitation without showing outcomes get lost. The hiring committee wants to see what changed because of your work. If you cut turnover, improved engagement scores, built a program managers actually adopted, or reduced time to competence for new hires, name that result in the first bullet of the relevant job.

Harvard also competes in a Boston labor market thick with hospitals, biotech firms, universities, and health systems that all need HR professionals who can build development programs. The competition doesn't make the job impossible to land. It does mean applicants need to prove they can operate inside a large, decentralized employer rather than just describe training experience.

How to read the posting before you apply

Don't send the same HR resume you used for every other job. The Harvard posting for job ID 1979 is specific about duties and requirements. Pull out the exact language and use it to structure your application. Here's a practical sequence.

  • First: Open the official posting and copy the core responsibilities into a document.
  • Second: Under each responsibility, write one specific result from your current or past role that matches it.
  • Third: Check the minimum qualifications first. If you don't meet them, save your time.
  • Fourth: Look for stated working conditions, like hybrid work in Boston, and confirm you can meet them before applying.
  • Fifth: Save the job ID in your notes. Harvard applications often require it in communications.

This step-by-step matching does two things. It forces you to be honest about fit, and it gives the screening team the language they're looking for without making them dig through your resume.

The process and timeline

Harvard hires thoroughly and not fast. For a manager-level HR role, expect a phone screening with a recruiter, a panel interview with HR leaders, a follow-up round focused on program design or a short presentation, and reference checks when the committee narrows the pool. The hiring team may include someone from the school or unit this role supports.

Do not sit on the posting. Strong university roles close when the committee has enough qualified applicants, even if a review date hasn't passed. Apply early, then follow up once if you haven't heard in two or three weeks.

What to send and what to skip

Keep the resume to two pages. Use the cover letter to answer one question: why are you interested in employee talent and development at Harvard specifically? Generic letters about joining a prestigious institution waste everyone's time. Name the programs or challenges you saw in the posting and describe your experience with them.

LinkedIn profiles matter. Harvard's recruiters do check them. Make sure your profile shows the same dates, titles, and results as your resume, and remove anything that conflicts. If your resume says you led a talent program, your profile should show the same program with the same outcome.

One practical move this week

If the role is a fit, do this before you apply: take a development program or performance initiative you've run and rewrite it as a one-paragraph case study with the problem you inherited, what you built, who was involved, and the result. Put that paragraph into your cover letter or the top of your resume summary. Then open the official Harvard posting and submit before the pool fills.

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Frequently Asked Questions

❓What is an Employee Talent and Development Manager at Harvard?

The role is a human resources leadership position focused on employee growth, learning programs, performance management, and organizational development. At Harvard, the manager works across units to help staff and managers improve performance and career development.

📋What does the role do day to day?

Daily work includes designing development programs, advising managers on performance conversations, interpreting employee engagement data, and partnering with HR colleagues. The balance depends on the school or unit, but the core is turning learning and feedback into measurable improvements.

🎓What qualifications are required?

Harvard's posting lists the specific minimum qualifications. Most manager-level talent development roles look for a bachelor's degree and several years in talent development, organizational development, or HR program management. Read the posting carefully because Harvard screens against the stated requirements before broader experience.

📍Where is the position located?

The job is posted in Boston, Massachusetts. Harvard roles can be hybrid, but you should confirm the work arrangement in the official posting before applying. Being able to work on campus regularly is often part of the job.

📝How do I apply for the Harvard Employee Talent and Development Manager role?

You apply through Harvard's careers portal. Use the job ID 1979 to find the posting, submit a resume and cover letter, and keep an eye on your email for next steps. The official link is in the article.

📄What should I emphasize in my resume and cover letter?

Lead with specific results: programs you built, teams you coached, engagement scores you improved, and managers you helped develop. Match the language from the posting and avoid generic HR terms that don't show outcomes.

🏆How competitive is this job at Harvard?

Harvard HR roles attract strong national applicants. The manager-level scope, Boston location, and university benefits make it competitive. Applying early and tailoring your materials gives you better odds than waiting for a deadline.

⏳What is the application timeline?

Harvard searches can take several weeks to a few months. Apply as soon as the posting is live, then follow up once after two or three weeks if you haven't heard. Strong candidates often stay active in other searches while waiting.

🎯Does the role require a Harvard degree or previous higher education experience?

Not necessarily. Harvard posts specific requirements for each job. Higher education experience helps, but experience in complex organizations with strong talent development programs can transfer well.

🚀What career path follows an Employee Talent and Development Manager role?

People in this job move into director-level talent development, organizational development, HR business partner, or broader human resources leadership roles. The scope at Harvard builds a clear case for those next steps.

💰What salary does an Employee Talent and Development Manager at Harvard earn?

The salary range is listed in the official Harvard posting. Harvard has posted salary bands for many staff roles, and the range depends on experience, internal equity, and the specific school or unit. Check the posting's job details for the current range before you decide whether to apply.