Senior Human Resources Consultant

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 Faculty of Arts and Sciences?

The Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) is the historic heart of Harvard University. It is the home of Harvard’s undergraduate program (Harvard College, founded in 1636) as well as all of Harvard’s Ph.D. programs (the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, founded in 1872), Harvard Athletics and the Division of Continuing Education. The 40 academic departments and 30+ centers of the FAS support a community unparalleled in its academic excellence across the broadest range of liberal arts and sciences disciplines. Together, the FAS seeks to foster an environment of ambition, curiosity and shared commitment to knowledge and truth that elicits excellence from all members of our community and prepares the next generation of leaders through a transformative educational experience.

Job Description

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

The Senior HR Consultant serves as a strategic partner and consultant within Harvard’s Faculty of Arts and Sciences, specifically supporting the undergraduate College. This role works closely with the College’s Dean for Administration and Finance, managers, and leaders within the College to align people strategies with institutional goals and priorities. This role provides advanced guidance on workforce planning, organizational design, performance coaching, talent planning, and complex employee relations issues.

Strategic Partnership & Workforce Planning

• Serve as the primary HR partner for the Harvard College, building strong, consultative relationships with leadership.
• Advises on workforce planning, organizational design, staffing models, and role structures
• Translate FAS and departmental strategies into HR priorities and action plans.

Talent Management & Organizational Development

• Partner with leaders on succession planning and retention strategies for key staff roles.
• Partner with FAS Talent Acquisition on relevant hiring matters within client groups
• Consult on performance management, career progression, and development planning for staff.
• Support change management efforts associated with reorganizations, new initiatives, or process changes within the College

Employee Relations & Culture

• Serve as a first-line advisor to managers on performance, conduct, and workplace climate matters
• Help identify and address patterns related to morale, engagement, and climate; recommend and help implement interventions.

HR Policy, Compliance & Risk Management

• Interpret and apply HR policies, procedures, and collective bargaining agreements in the FAS context, ensuring consistent and equitable practices.
• Consult with central HR on policy questions, complex leaves, accommodations, and classification/compensation issues as needed
• Monitor HR-related risks and propose mitigation strategies.

Collaboration & HR Service Integration

• Partner with central HR centers of expertise (e.g., Compensation, Benefits, Talent Acquisition, Employee/Labor Relations) to deliver coordinated HR solutions
• Serve as a connector between FAS leadership and FAS HR leadership, ensuring FAS perspectives are represented in institution-wide HR initiatives.

Data, Metrics & Continuous Improvement

• Use HR data and metrics (e.g., turnover, vacancy, time-to-fill, engagement survey results) to inform recommendations and track progress.
• Identify opportunities to streamline HR processes, improve manager capability, and enhance employee experience
• Partner with internal Compensation team to manage compensation administration including salary setting, internal equity, classifications, annual merit increase, and bonus processes

Working Conditions:

• Work is performed in an office setting
• Hybrid position based in Cambridge, MA

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

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

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Minimum of 8 years of progressively responsible HR experience with a significant focus on strategic HR consulting for leadership
• Experience advising and coaching managers on performance management and employee relations
• Experience conducting or supporting workplace investigations.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to clearly explain, report on, and navigate complex matters with constituents
• Proven ability to manage a high volume of strategic engagements in a complex, decentralized environment
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills; ability to work with a broad range of constituents
• Experience working in a unionized environment highly desirable

Additional Information

• Please submit a cover letter and resume to be considered for this position
• 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, Criminal