Job Summary

Harvard University invites qualified candidates to apply for the position of Managing Director of Total Rewards. Reporting directly to the Vice President of Harvard Human Resources, the Managing Director will play a pivotal role in shaping Harvard's strategic approach to health and welfare benefits, retirement programs, and compensation initiatives.

As a forward-thinking and service-oriented leader, the Managing Director will spearhead the development and execution of a comprehensive total rewards strategy that aligns with Harvard?s goals of attracting, engaging, and retaining world-class talent. Their proactive advocacy and strategic thinking will drive innovation in total rewards, as they engage with stakeholders to foster an inclusive and dynamic work environment. Additionally, they will manage complex discussions with senior leaders within Harvard's decentralized administration with exceptional diplomacy and tact, nurturing the growth and professional excellence of the existing staff of approximately 50 employees.

This position offers an unparalleled opportunity to drive transformative outcomes and significantly contribute to the well-being and satisfaction of Harvard's workforce. It is ideal for a leader who is eager to make a difference and advance the university's mission through strategic and innovative approaches to total rewards and employee satisfaction.

By joining our team, you become a part of a vibrant community that not only advances Harvard?s world-changing mission but also contributes to meaningful societal impact. Our dynamic environment fosters innovation and collaboration, offering ample opportunities for professional development. Here, you will build valuable skills and expertise while working alongside some of the brightest minds dedicated to making a difference in the world. At Harvard, your contributions will be instrumental in driving forward our mission and shaping the future of higher education.

Position Description

• Lead the strategic direction, design, and management of health and welfare benefits, ensuring they effectively support the well-being of employees and their families.
• Articulate the value of total rewards in driving employee satisfaction and engagement.
• Oversee various programs, including retirement ,leaves of absence, as well as the university?s benefits call center, operations, and reporting.
• Lead the Office of Work-Life, oversee and manage the childcare program, which includes seven centers, while navigating the complex relationships with faculty, staff, graduate students, and university administrators that shape childcare policy and financial investments at the University.
• Staff the University?s Benefits Committee and co-Staff the University?s Investment Committee in partnership with Finance stakeholders
• Demonstrate strong vendor management skills and confidently engage with major vendors and consulting firms.
• Navigate the complexities of a unionized environment with adaptability and efficacy; partner with the Office of Labor Relations in matters where benefits and compensation decisions intersect with union contracts.
• Direct the design, redesign (where applicable) and execution of a comprehensive total rewards program.
• Drive the evolution and education of innovative compensation programs, integrating leading practices and competitive, equitable packages tailored to the unique challenges of a higher education setting.
• Lead initiatives to improve and adapt compensation frameworks and policies by addressing emerging trends.
• Recognize and enhance the university's reputation in compensation work while proactively addressing potential challenges.
• Demonstrate fluency and expertise in compensation structures and methodologies.

Basic Qualifications

• A minimum of 15 years of Human Resources experience with at least 10 years of progressive experience in benefits management and compensation (including executive compensation).
• Prior experience in a leadership or management role within a large, decentralized, or complex organizational structure, such as a university or non-profit organization.
• A Bachelor?s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

The following qualifications are strongly preferred:

• An advanced degree (e.g., MBA or Master?s in Human Resources Management) or an active certification (e.g., Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS), Certified Benefits Professional (CBP), or Group Benefits Associate (GBA) is preferred but not required
• Proven expertise in leading comprehensive total rewards programs, preferably within a higher education or similarly complex environment.
• Experience in establishing and managing fringe rate pools, ensuring compliance, analyzing and integrating data, and providing proactive reporting and narrative development.
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships and partnerships at various organizational levels, with strong diplomacy, political savvy, and assertive, confident communication skills.
• Strategic leadership expertise with the ability to blend analytical thinking and financial stewardship with a personable approach to stakeholder engagement.
• Experience in managing large-scale compensation, benefits, and retirement portfolios with an emphasis on innovative and sustainable solutions.
• Patient and diplomatic temperament with strong emotional management skills.
• Ability to thrive in high stakes and ambiguous environments.

Additional Information

Please note that Harvard University cannot provide Visa Sponsorship or Work Authorization for this position.

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/benefits-wellbeing) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.

Work Format

Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)


Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging
Harvard University views equity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify this excellence while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

EEO Statement
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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