Job Summary

The Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) seeks a strategic, collaborative, and solutions-oriented Senior Human Resources Business Partner to serve as a trusted advisor to leaders, faculty, and staff within a dynamic academic and research environment. This role offers an opportunity to influence organizational effectiveness, support a culture of innovation and inclusion, and partner with world-class faculty, researchers, and administrators in advancing the School's mission.

As a key member of a collaborative Human Resources team, this position partners closely with leaders across the School to address complex workplace issues, develop people strategies, and implement Human Resources initiatives that align with organizational priorities and University values.

Job-Specific Responsibilities

• Serve as a strategic Human Resources partner, providing consultation and guidance on employee relations, talent management, organizational development, compensation, performance management, workforce planning, and employee engagement.
• Advise and coach leaders, managers, faculty, and staff on complex workplace matters, balancing organizational needs, employee experience, and compliance considerations.
• Partner with leadership to identify organizational challenges and opportunities and develop proactive Human Resources strategies that support operational and strategic goals.
• Lead and support organizational change initiatives, including workforce transitions, communications planning, and change management efforts.
• Provide guidance and oversight related to employee leaves of absence and other employee support processes, ensuring compliance with applicable policies and regulations.
• Consult on sensitive employee matters, including issues involving Title IX resources, workplace accommodations, and other employee support and referral processes.
• Partner with managers and administrative leaders to assess and determine appropriate employee and independent contractor classifications in accordance with University policies and legal requirements.
• Support leaders and employees in unionized environments and provide guidance on the interpretation and administration of collective bargaining agreements and bargaining unit policies.
• Design, deliver, and evaluate Human Resources programs, training initiatives, and professional development opportunities that foster employee growth and organizational effectiveness.
• Analyze workforce data, trends, and metrics to inform decision-making, identify opportunities for improvement, and support strategic planning efforts.
• Recommend and implement process improvements that enhance service delivery, operational efficiency, and the employee experience.
• Serve as a subject matter expert and project lead for Human Resources initiatives and special projects.
• Collaborate with University partners to deliver coordinated, high-quality Human Resources services.
• Ensure compliance with University policies, collective bargaining agreements, and applicable federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
• May provide recruitment services for hiring managers and departments in collaboration with talent acquisition partners.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience required
• Minimum of 8 years' relevant HR experience

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Master's degree in Human Resources, Organizational Development, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.
• Advanced knowledge of employment law, Human Resources policies, practices, and organizational effectiveness principles.
• Demonstrated experience advising leaders and managing complex employee relations matters.
• Experience supporting academic, research, healthcare, or other highly complex matrixed organizations preferred.
• Experience supporting unionized environments and administering collective bargaining agreements preferred.
• Knowledge of leave administration, employee accommodations, and worker classification considerations strongly preferred.
• Experience utilizing HRIS platforms, workforce analytics, and Microsoft Office applications.
• Exceptional consulting, communication, facilitation, relationship-building, and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage sensitive and confidential matters with sound judgment and discretion.