HGSU and HAW Contract Manager

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 Harvard Medical School?

Harvard Medical School's mission is to nurture a diverse, inclusive community dedicated to alleviating suffering and improving health and well-being for all through excellence in teaching and learning, discovery and scholarship, and service and leadership.

You’ll be at the heart of biomedical discovery, education, and innovation, working alongside world-renowned faculty and a community dedicated to improving human health. This is more than a job - it’s an opportunity to shape the future of medicine.

Job Description

Harvard Medical School (HMS) seeks a Contract Manager to support administration, interpretation, implementation, and compliance related to collective bargaining agreements covering members of the Harvard Graduate Students Union (HGSU-UAW) and Harvard Academic Workers (HAW-UAW). Reporting to senior leadership within the Office for Faculty Affairs (OFA) the Contract Manager serves as a key institutional resource to departments, faculty, and administrators on union contract provisions affecting student workers, postdoctoral fellows, teaching fellows, teaching assistants, and other academic employees.

This role ensures consistent application of negotiated agreements across HMS departments and works closely with central Harvard offices to support compliant hiring, appointment management, compensation administration, grievance processes, and labor-management collaboration. The Contract Manager plays a critical role in supporting HMS’s academic mission by enabling compliant and effective engagement of graduate student and academic workers across research and educational environments.

Faculty & Department Guidance and Training

• Provide guidance to HMS faculty members who supervise HGSU-UAW and HAW-UAW student workers and employees on contract provisions, expectations, and compliant supervisory practices.
• Design, adapt, and deliver training programs for managers and administrators on collective bargaining agreement requirements.
• Develop tools, guidance materials, and implementation resources to support consistent contract interpretation across departments.
• Promote best practices that support effective and constructive management-union relationships across HMS units.

Grievance process support

• In partnership with the Office of Labor and Employee Relations (OLER), HMS Office for Faculty Affairs (OFA), the Office of Graduate Education (OGE), and the Office of Human Resources (OHR), advise and support Department Chairs, Deans, faculty supervisors, and administrators in fulfilling their roles within contractual grievance procedures.
• Assist with preparation of documentation, coordination of responses, and tracking of grievance-related activity.
• Support consistent institutional approaches to grievance handling aligned with University guidance.

Investigations and Union Information Requests

• Facilitate contract-related disciplinary reviews and investigations involving union-represented employees, in coordination with OLER.
• Coordinate responses to union requests for information and data, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and compliance with contractual obligations.
• Partner closely with OLER staff to support timely and appropriate institutional responses.

Negotiation Support and Contract Implementation

• Actively participate in preparation for and support of collective bargaining negotiations involving HGSU-UAW and HAW-UAW.
• Recommend clarifications and operational improvements to contract language based on HMS implementation experience.
• Support rollout and operationalization of new or revised contract provisions following negotiations.

University-Wide Representation and Committee Engagement

• Represent HMS in University-wide committees, working groups, and forums related to contract administration and implementation.
• Support the work of committees and advisory bodies where HGSU-UAW and HAW-UAW representatives participate or hold contractual roles.
• Serve as a liaison between HMS departments and central offices on contract-related topics.

Community of Practice and Implementation Coordination

• Provide a forum for administrators and faculty leaders to raise implementation questions and share emerging practices.
• Identify institutional needs related to contract interpretation and operational consistency.
• Promote alignment of contract administration practices across HMS departments and programs.

Working Conditions: Sitting using near vision use for reading and computer use for long period of time.

As part of your application, we recommend including a cover letter that will help us better understand your qualifications and background. This can provide valuable insight into your experience and interest in the role.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required.
• Minimum of 8 years’ relevant work experience.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Experience in higher education or research environments preferred.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.
• Demonstrated ability in analysis, negotiation, and problem resolution.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret policy and translate into operational guidance.
• Extensive knowledge of labor contracts, personnel policies, mediation, and negotiating.
• Advanced knowledge of federal labor and employment law preferred, including the NLRA, FLSA, FMLA, and ADA.
• Strong judgment and discretion when handling sensitive employment matters.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder consultation skills.
• Experience working in complex matrixed organizations strongly preferred.

Additional Information

• 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

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.