Senior HR Consultant

Posting date: April 06, 2026

002647SR

1. Job Type Full-time
2. Location Cambridge
3. School/Unit Harvard University Central Administration
4. Department Harvard Human Resources
5. Salary Grade 058
6. Job Function Human Resources
7. FLSA Status Exempt
8. Term Appointment No
9. Union 00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

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 University Central Administration?

Harvard University's Central Administration (CADM) is a 5,000+ employee organization that supports the university's overall excellence by understanding and serving the needs of its schools, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and surrounding communities. Through dynamic and collaborative partnerships, CADM provides high-quality and efficient services to the schools to help them achieve their goals.

Job Description

The Senior Human Resources Consultant (SHRC) is a key member of the HR Consulting team within Central Administration at Harvard University. This role will be responsible for comprehensive human resources consulting services for an assigned department(s) within the portfolio and provide leadership in change processes to create a culture of productivity and engagement.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

The SHRC provides strategic guidance and advice on all HR related issues, demonstrating a solid understanding of the opportunities and resources available.

Essential Functions

• Consults with and advises managers and employees on policies and procedures relating to employment practices, policy interpretation and application, recruiting, performance management, compensation, union and employee relations, staff development, and organizational development.
• Partners with managers, employees, HR colleagues, and bargaining unit representatives to address a variety of workplace issues and to facilitate collaborative problem solving and decision making.
• Oversees the collaborative development and implementation of employee recognition programs in consultation with HR colleagues, managers, and leadership.
• Coaches managers and employees to encourage effective communication and objective problem resolution to achieve productive outcomes.
• Works with managers and employees on compensation issues, including position reviews/reclassifications, internal equity, salary increases, and salary offers.
• Partners closely with HR colleagues and managers to align HR services and program offerings with organizational goals and leadership and staff development needs.
• Responsible for the communication, implementation and delivery of HR services and programs.
• Contributes to the effective coordination of HR activities to provide consistent and accurate delivery of services.
• Demonstrates a high level of responsive and effective customer service and team orientation.
• Maintains current knowledge of University policies and processes, progressive HR practices, and key trends.
• Provide technical guidance, consulting, and problem resolution for human resources-related issues.
• Consult with managers and employees on employee relations issues.
• Coach managers or arrange coaching in performance management, employee relations, retention, and career development.
• Advise, interpret, communicate, and participate in the development of HR policies, practices, and processes
• Collaborate with managers to identify issues and enhance organizational design, development, or training needs.
• Manage salary administration for new hires, reclassifications, reorganizations, and special projects
• Manage compensation activities, including conducting equity reviews of all staff; ensure that any contractual increases are implemented accurately and on time.
• Manage and implement the annual merit increase and bonus process
• Provide training to clients/staff
• May function as a subject matter expert or project lead
• May provide recruitment services for hiring managers and departments in collaboration with recruiters
• May collaborate with a centralized HR function to provide service
• Ensure compliance with University Human Resources policies, procedures, and requirements and applicable legal regulations

Working Conditions:

• Work is performed in an office setting

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

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

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Professional experience in a multi-disciplinary Human Resources environment (such as employee/union relations, performance management, training and development, organizational design and effectiveness, compensation, and recruitment) preferred.
• Experience working in a union environment is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of employment laws and experience managing employee relations issues preferred.
• Master’s degree preferred.
• 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.
• Strong organizational skills, problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, complex environment.

Additional Information

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week. Hybrid schedule: A combination of on-campus and remote work
• Visa Sponsorship: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: References, Background check (Identity, Education)
• Other Information:This position has a 90-day Orientation and Review period

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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 058. 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.