Associate Director, Talent Acquisition Operations

Harvard University is seeking an Associate Director, Talent Acquisition Operations to help drive operational excellence across the University’s talent acquisition function. In this hybrid role based in Cambridge, MA, you will lead a small team that modernizes talent acquisition operations, strengthens compliance practices, and improves the recruitment experience through better systems, workflows, and data-informed decisions.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead a team that serves as a primary resource for University recruiters, delivering technical and process training, guidance, and communications.
• Ensure the quality, consistency, and effectiveness of recruiter enablement while applying full life-cycle recruiting expertise to support compliance with applicable laws and OFCCP regulations and maximize talent acquisition investment value.
• Monitor external market trends, tools, labor-market conditions, candidate expectations, and talent acquisition best practices, then advise leadership on implications and potential responses.
• Use data and stakeholder feedback to identify opportunities for operational improvement, innovation, and increased efficiency.
• Develop and maintain a Talent Acquisition Operations roadmap aligned with University strategy and stakeholder priorities.
• Ensure recruitment processes, systems, and programs align with University policies and compliance requirements, including applicable OFCCP regulations.
• Support talent acquisition contracting and vendor agreements in partnership with Strategic Procurement.
• Partner with stakeholders to identify and prioritize enhancement opportunities and maintain a talent acquisition technology backlog.
• Lead evaluation, prioritization, and implementation of approved process and technology enhancements.
• Set clear direction and expectations, and empower team members to work with autonomy, accountability, and sound judgment.
• Provide ongoing coaching, feedback, and development conversations to strengthen strategic thinking, confidence, and effectiveness.
• Oversee recruitment-related systems, platforms, integrations, workflows, and operational metrics.
• Provide or oversee applicant tracking system administration, including configuration, business processes, notifications, auditing, data quality, reporting, and troubleshooting.
• Partner with HR Technology, Information Technology, HRIS, and external vendors to optimize functionality, integrations, workflows, and identify workflow and configuration changes that improve operational efficiency.
• Manage relationships with recruitment technology vendors and system partners.
• Serve as a strategic resource and escalation point for recruiters and TA leaders regarding recruiting technology, processes, policies, and practices, including chairing the University recruitment governance committee.
• Foster collaboration among Talent Acquisition leaders across the University.
• Develop and coordinate training, communications, guidance, and enablement resources for the University recruitment community.
• Strengthen the identity, voice, and positioning of Talent Acquisition Operations by communicating its role, capabilities, value, and engagement model while surfacing improvement opportunities.
• Oversee the Contingent Workforce Program, including the managed service provider, program performance, policies, guidelines, and stakeholder communications.
• Serve as product owner for the University-wide LinkedIn talent acquisition program, including guidelines, engagement practices, vendor management, and quarterly business reviews.
• Partner with HHR Communications on recruitment marketing, employment branding, content development, and annual communications planning.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required
• Minimum 8 years of relevant HR experience
• Project and/or program management experience
• Supervisory experience
• Advanced knowledge of employment laws and other applicable federal, state, and local regulations
• Ability to prioritize work, manage multiple tasks and stakeholders simultaneously, take initiative, and demonstrate strong reasoning and critical thinking skills
• Strong collaborator who emphasizes team success over individual success and builds working relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate and influence at all levels
• Curious mindset with ability to learn and challenge the status quo
• Strong project management skills and attention to detail
• Highly adaptable, comfortable operating “in the gray” when necessary
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills

Technologies

• Applicant tracking system
• LinkedIn

Work Schedule

35 hours per week

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

Location and Work Format

• Hybrid role in Cambridge, MA
• Some duties may be performed at a non-Harvard location as determined by school or unit leaders
• The work schedule and location will be set by the department based on operational needs
• When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, hybrid employees 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

Pre-Employment Screening

• Identity
• Education
• Criminal

Visa Sponsorship

Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.

Salary Grade

This position is salary grade 059. Please visit Harvard’s Salary Ranges to view the corresponding salary range and related information.