Vice President for Human Resources

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.

Job Description

Harvard University seeks an accomplished, strategic, and deeply collaborative human resources executive to serve as its next Vice President for Human Resources (VPHR). This is a pivotal opportunity for a mission-driven leader to help one of the world's most influential universities meet the current moment, advance a future-focused people strategy, strengthen workplace culture and service, and build the organizational resilience and capacity required for Harvard to thrive in its next chapter.

Founded in 1636, Harvard University is the oldest institution of higher education in the United States and one of the world's most prominent centers of teaching, research, and discovery. Located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, with campuses in Allston and Boston's Longwood Medical Area and additional locations around the country and around the world, Harvard has evolved from a small colonial college into a globally recognized research university comprising Harvard College, 12 graduate and professional schools, and the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study. Today, Harvard is home to approximately 25,000 students, more than 20,000 faculty and staff, and a worldwide alumni network exceeding 400,000 individuals whose leadership and contributions span every sector of society.

Reporting to the Executive Vice President, the Vice President for Human Resources serves as a member of Harvard University's executive leadership team and sets the strategic vision for Human Resources across the University. The VPHR is the senior-most HR leader for Central Administration, with responsibility for all aspects of the employment life cycle for approximately 6,000 employees, and serves as a strategic convener and coordinating partner to HR leaders across Harvard's 12 schools. Building on a strong HR foundation, the VPHR will advance a progressive, service-oriented, multi-year, and business-aligned "strategy for people" that supports Harvard's teaching, research, and administrative mission while balancing institutional needs, employee experience, and financial sustainability. This leader will strengthen the University's ability to attract, develop, engage, and retain exceptional talent; foster a culture of respect, inclusion, accountability, and belonging; modernize HR policies, practices, and service models; and position HR as a trusted, data-informed, forward-looking, and high-touch partner. The VPHR will also mentor, develop, and elevate a team of six direct reports who oversee approximately 180 staff across the Center for Workplace Development, HR Operations, Workforce Analytics and Employee Communications, Human Resources Consulting, Labor and Employee Relations, Talent Acquisition and Outreach, and Total Rewards.

This position represents an exciting opportunity to shape the people strategy, workplace culture, and future capacity of Harvard University. The successful candidate will be a highly experienced, relationship-centered HR executive who combines enterprise perspective with practical discipline; brings strong business and financial acumen; and has the judgment, credibility, and relationship-building skills to lead through ambiguity, complexity, and change. This leader must be both strategic and hands-on, able to engage effectively with senior leaders, school-based HR leaders, faculty and administrative leaders, managers, staff, and union partners. Success will require a leader who can build trust in a large, decentralized, shared governance environment; develop and empower a high-performing Harvard HR team; communicate with clarity and consistency; strengthen internal communication and culture-building; move with appropriate urgency; accelerate adoption of needed changes; and anticipate external pressures affecting higher education and the workforce. The VPHR will bring substantive senior-level HR leadership experience across core HR functions and extensive knowledge of current HR best practices, emerging workforce trends, and constructive labor and employee relations strategies in complex organizations with varied employee populations.

Qualifications

Experience as the senior-most HR leader in a highly matrixed or decentralized organization of similar scale, complexity, and mission orientation is strongly preferred. Higher education experience is valued but not required. A bachelor's degree is required; an advanced degree in human resources, business, organizational development, higher education administration, law, public administration, or a related field is preferred. Relevant professional certifications or equivalent executive experience in complex, mission-driven organizations will also be considered. A comprehensive leadership profile can be found here.

Additional Information

All applications, nominations, and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as two separate documents, a CV or resume and a letter of interest addressing the themes in the leadership profile.

This search is led by Greg Duyck, Sarah Palmer, and Tyler Workman of WittKieffer. To receive the fullest consideration, candidate materials should be received by August 31, 2026 . Application materials and nominations should be submitted using WittKieffer's candidate portal .

Nominations and inquiries may be directed to: Tyler Workman (View email address on click.appcast.io) and Sarah Palmer (View email address on click.appcast.io)

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.

Pre-employment screening will include verification of identity, education, and employment history, as well as a credit check.

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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 064. 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.