Assistant Director, Research Staff Services
Harvard University, Boston, MA, United States
Job Description
The Assistant Director, RSS is a key member of a three-person leadership team within Research Staff Services (RSS) that provides administrative and operational support for the recruitment, onboarding, development, and management of over 600 research and teaching staff, while supporting more than 200 faculty members, 10+ multi-faculty research initiatives, and the D³ Institute at Harvard. Research staff include Research Associates, Predoctoral Fellows, Postdoctoral Fellows, Research Managers, and all Teaching Fellows supporting HBS faculty.
The role exercises a high degree of independent judgment and operational leadership in supporting faculty research needs and enhancing the effectiveness of the research staff workforce. The Assistant Director partners closely with faculty, researchers, and internal stakeholders to ensure alignment of talent, resources, and training with evolving research priorities.
The role operates in close collaboration with the RSS team, HBS Human Resources, the D³ Institute, and the Division of Research and Faculty Development (DRFD), and contributes to strategic initiatives that strengthen research support infrastructure across HBS.
Job-Specific Responsibilities
Research Staff Management & Program Leadership: Serve as a primary liaison to faculty, assess research needs and align appropriate research staff resources to support individual and multi-faculty projects.
Independently manage a defined portfolio of approximately 100 researchers and associated faculty, with full responsibility for service delivery, staff management, and program execution within that portfolio.
Lead the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of onboarding, training, and performance management programs for research staff, ensuring alignment with institutional policies and evolving faculty needs.
Oversee the full lifecycle of researcher appointments, including onboarding, performance reviews, reappointments, and offboarding processes, ensuring consistency, compliance, and a high-quality staff experience.
Provide coaching and advisory support to researchers, identifying development opportunities and delivering targeted training initiatives to strengthen capabilities and career readiness.
Develop and execute a comprehensive training strategy, including workshops and career development programming, and assess effectiveness through feedback and data-driven improvements.
Foster a collaborative research staff community by designing and implementing engagement initiatives that promote knowledge-sharing, best practices, and professional connection.
Oversee the recruitment and administration of teaching support roles (Teaching Fellows, Teaching Assistants, Graders, and Scribes), ensuring high-quality instructional support for faculty.
Partner with internal and external stakeholders to manage visiting researcher programs, international hiring processes, and visa coordination, ensuring compliance with University policies and global hiring practices.
Partnership Development & Cross-Functional Collaboration
Build and sustain strong partnerships across DRFD, HBS departments, and external service providers to enhance research support delivery and resolve complex issues.
Serve as a lead point of contact for cross-functional partners (e.g., HBS HR, Finance, Global Support Services, Harvard International Office), coordinating independently while aligning with the second Assistant Director on broader policy interpretation and implementation.
Act as a trusted advisor to faculty and research staff on policies, procedures, and best practices, balancing institutional requirements with service excellence.
Collaborate closely with the second Assistant Director to align practices, ensure consistency in decision-making, and jointly address complex or cross-portfolio issues.
Contribute to RSS-wide initiatives and special projects in partnership with senior leadership, supporting continuous improvement and strategic priorities.
Model and promote a high standard of customer service across all interactions with faculty, staff, and partners.
Builds trust and collaboration by being present on-site and engaging directly with colleagues and various constituents.
Be responsible for other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Basic Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree required.
Minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience, including recruitment, onboarding, professional development, and management of a diverse workforce.
DemonstrATED experience handling complex employee relations matters with sound judgment and discretion.
Proven ability to build relationships and collaborate effectively across all levels of an organization.
Experience working in environments requiring diplomacy, confidentiality, and high-touch client service.
Higher education or research environment experience strongly preferred.
Additional Qualifications and Skills:
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence and advise stakeholders.
Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
Demonstrated ability to exercise independent judgment and manage complex processes with attention to detail and accuracy.
High level of professionalism and discretion in handling sensitive and confidential information.
Strong interpersonal skills and a collaborative approach to teamwork.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); experience with HRIS systems (e.g., PeopleSoft, Oracle) preferred.
Flexibility, resilience, and a proactive approach in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
Additional Information
Standard Hours/Schedule:
40 hours per week
Visa Sponsorship Information:
Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
Pre-Employment Screening:
Identity, Education
Other Information:
This is a hybrid position which we consider to be a combination of remote and onsite work at our Boston, MA based campus. HBS expects all staff to be onsite a minimum of 3 days per week and departments provide onsite coverage Monday – Friday. Specific hours and days onsite will be determined by business needs and are subject to change with appropriate advanced notice.
We may conduct candidate interviews virtually (phone and/or via Zoom) and/or in-person for this role.
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 & Benefits
This position is salary grade level 057. Please note that salary ranges and related information are available on Harvard's Salary Ranges.
Benefits
Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support work-life balance and wellbeing. Benefits include the following:
Generous paid time off including parental leave
Medical, dental, and vision health insurance 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
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.
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The Assistant Director, RSS is a key member of a three-person leadership team within Research Staff Services (RSS) that provides administrative and operational support for the recruitment, onboarding, development, and management of over 600 research and teaching staff, while supporting more than 200 faculty members, 10+ multi-faculty research initiatives, and the D³ Institute at Harvard. Research staff include Research Associates, Predoctoral Fellows, Postdoctoral Fellows, Research Managers, and all Teaching Fellows supporting HBS faculty.
The role exercises a high degree of independent judgment and operational leadership in supporting faculty research needs and enhancing the effectiveness of the research staff workforce. The Assistant Director partners closely with faculty, researchers, and internal stakeholders to ensure alignment of talent, resources, and training with evolving research priorities.
The role operates in close collaboration with the RSS team, HBS Human Resources, the D³ Institute, and the Division of Research and Faculty Development (DRFD), and contributes to strategic initiatives that strengthen research support infrastructure across HBS.
Job-Specific Responsibilities
Research Staff Management & Program Leadership: Serve as a primary liaison to faculty, assess research needs and align appropriate research staff resources to support individual and multi-faculty projects.
Independently manage a defined portfolio of approximately 100 researchers and associated faculty, with full responsibility for service delivery, staff management, and program execution within that portfolio.
Lead the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of onboarding, training, and performance management programs for research staff, ensuring alignment with institutional policies and evolving faculty needs.
Oversee the full lifecycle of researcher appointments, including onboarding, performance reviews, reappointments, and offboarding processes, ensuring consistency, compliance, and a high-quality staff experience.
Provide coaching and advisory support to researchers, identifying development opportunities and delivering targeted training initiatives to strengthen capabilities and career readiness.
Develop and execute a comprehensive training strategy, including workshops and career development programming, and assess effectiveness through feedback and data-driven improvements.
Foster a collaborative research staff community by designing and implementing engagement initiatives that promote knowledge-sharing, best practices, and professional connection.
Oversee the recruitment and administration of teaching support roles (Teaching Fellows, Teaching Assistants, Graders, and Scribes), ensuring high-quality instructional support for faculty.
Partner with internal and external stakeholders to manage visiting researcher programs, international hiring processes, and visa coordination, ensuring compliance with University policies and global hiring practices.
Partnership Development & Cross-Functional Collaboration
Build and sustain strong partnerships across DRFD, HBS departments, and external service providers to enhance research support delivery and resolve complex issues.
Serve as a lead point of contact for cross-functional partners (e.g., HBS HR, Finance, Global Support Services, Harvard International Office), coordinating independently while aligning with the second Assistant Director on broader policy interpretation and implementation.
Act as a trusted advisor to faculty and research staff on policies, procedures, and best practices, balancing institutional requirements with service excellence.
Collaborate closely with the second Assistant Director to align practices, ensure consistency in decision-making, and jointly address complex or cross-portfolio issues.
Contribute to RSS-wide initiatives and special projects in partnership with senior leadership, supporting continuous improvement and strategic priorities.
Model and promote a high standard of customer service across all interactions with faculty, staff, and partners.
Builds trust and collaboration by being present on-site and engaging directly with colleagues and various constituents.
Be responsible for other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Basic Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree required.
Minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience, including recruitment, onboarding, professional development, and management of a diverse workforce.
DemonstrATED experience handling complex employee relations matters with sound judgment and discretion.
Proven ability to build relationships and collaborate effectively across all levels of an organization.
Experience working in environments requiring diplomacy, confidentiality, and high-touch client service.
Higher education or research environment experience strongly preferred.
Additional Qualifications and Skills:
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence and advise stakeholders.
Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
Demonstrated ability to exercise independent judgment and manage complex processes with attention to detail and accuracy.
High level of professionalism and discretion in handling sensitive and confidential information.
Strong interpersonal skills and a collaborative approach to teamwork.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); experience with HRIS systems (e.g., PeopleSoft, Oracle) preferred.
Flexibility, resilience, and a proactive approach in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
Additional Information
Standard Hours/Schedule:
40 hours per week
Visa Sponsorship Information:
Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
Pre-Employment Screening:
Identity, Education
Other Information:
This is a hybrid position which we consider to be a combination of remote and onsite work at our Boston, MA based campus. HBS expects all staff to be onsite a minimum of 3 days per week and departments provide onsite coverage Monday – Friday. Specific hours and days onsite will be determined by business needs and are subject to change with appropriate advanced notice.
We may conduct candidate interviews virtually (phone and/or via Zoom) and/or in-person for this role.
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 & Benefits
This position is salary grade level 057. Please note that salary ranges and related information are available on Harvard's Salary Ranges.
Benefits
Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support work-life balance and wellbeing. Benefits include the following:
Generous paid time off including parental leave
Medical, dental, and vision health insurance 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
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.
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