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Harvard Kennedy School · 1 week ago

Associate Director of Human Resources

Cambridge, MA

Full-time

Hybrid

Lead/Staff, Director/Executive

8+ years exp

Harvard Kennedy School is part of Harvard University, dedicated to improving public policy and leadership. The Associate Director of Human Resources will shape the employee experience by guiding initiatives in employee relations, organizational design, and talent development, while serving as a strategic partner to leadership and staff.

Education

Comp. & Benefits

No H1B

Responsibilities

Serve as a proactive partner and advisor to managers, staff, and union representatives on a wide range of workplace issues

Build strong relationships across the School, fostering trust and collaboration

Apply business insight and HR expertise to support units in achieving their strategic goals

Provide expert guidance on complex employee relations matters and organizational challenges

Help leaders design agile, effective organizational structures and processes that drive performance and innovation

Lead and influence organizational change efforts aligned with HKS’s mission and goals

Conduct or coordinate organizational assessments, identify opportunities for improvement, and implement targeted development strategies

Champion a culture that embraces change, continuous learning, adaptability, and inclusion

Design and deliver impactful HR programs in leadership, professional development, and workplace skills

Partner with Harvard’s Center for Workplace Development to bring University-wide leadership and training opportunities to HKS staff

Collaborate with internal and external partners to implement programs that support wellness, work/life balance, and staff recognition

Lead or co-lead initiatives such as staff recognition events and rewards programs that celebrate contributions across the School

Support leaders in identifying, developing, and retaining top talent

Drive effective performance management practices that promote engagement and excellence, including performance management training for managers and staff

Foster a culture of coaching and feedback that empowers staff to grow and succeed

Provide direct coaching and guidance to managers and employees

Stay ahead of emerging HR trends and best practices

Use HR analytics and data to inform decision-making and measure program impact

Deliver compelling presentations and communications tailored to diverse audiences

Qualification

HR expertiseOrganizational designChange managementTalent developmentEmployee relationsMicrosoft Office SuiteHRIS applicationsEmployment law knowledgeProject managementInfluencing skillsCommunication skillsCollaboration skillsProblem-solving skills

Required

Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience required

Minimum of 8 years' relevant HR experience

Supervisory experience

Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and HRIS applications and analytics

Advanced knowledge of employment law and HR policies and practices; business acumen

Demonstrated experience with the administration of bargaining unit policies and procedures

Experience in a multi-discipline human resources environment, including organizational development, performance management, HR programing, talent acquisition, training and development, rewards and recognition

Demonstrated experience managing complex employee relations issues

Project and program management skills and experience conducting HR program research and managing HR projects/programs from idea to full implementation

Demonstrated ability to cultivate relationships and work collaboratively and cross functionally with all levels of staff

Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of staff (written and verbal)

Proven record of influencing without authority and outstanding service orientation

Experience working effectively and problem solving in a complex and ambiguous environment

Comfort working at both the strategic and tactical levels, contributing to high-level planning while executing hands-on HR tasks as needed

Preferred

PHR/SPHR or SHRM-CP/SCP certification preferred but not required

A related advanced degree (management, business, human resources, organizational psychology, etc.) is a plus

Master's degree in relevant field is a plus

Benefits

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

Company

Harvard Kennedy School

Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University is a public policy and public administration school. It is a sub-organization of Harvard University.

Founded in 1936

Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA

201-500 employees