Assistant Director, Research Staff Management

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Why join Harvard Business School?

Harvard Business School, located on a 40-acre campus in Boston, was founded in 1908 as part of Harvard University. It is among the world's most trusted sources of management education and thought leadership. For more than a century, the School's faculty has combined a passion for teaching with rigorous research conducted alongside practitioners at world-leading organizations to educate leaders who make a difference in the world. Through a dynamic ecosystem of research, learning, and entrepreneurship that includes MBA, Doctoral, Executive Education, and Online programs, as well as numerous initiatives, centers, institutes, and labs, Harvard Business School fosters bold new ideas and collaborative learning networks that shape the future of business.

Division of Research and Faculty Development

The mission of Harvard Business School (HBS) is to educate leaders who make a difference in the world. Within HBS, the Division of Research and Faculty Development (DRFD) helps to build and develop the faculty and facilitates the creation of enduring knowledge that shapes both business scholarship and the practice of business by providing unparalleled faculty support. The School’s largest administrative department, the DRFD houses approximately 350 full-time and part-time staff members. As a premier service organization, and in collaboration with colleagues across the School, the DRFD staff delivers high-touch, customized support to the faculty, demonstrating solid judgment and high standards of responsiveness and professionalism.

Research Staff Services (RSS) provides comprehensive 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.

Reporting to the Associate Director, the Assistant Director, RSS is one of two roles on a three-person team. Each Assistant Director manages a defined portfolio of faculty relationships and provides administrative oversight of research staff, collaborating closely to ensure consistent service delivery, shared standards, and alignment across RSS operations.

This 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.

Please note, the formal title for this role internally is Assistant Director, Research Staff Services.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

Research Staff Management & Program Leadership

• Manage a defined portfolio of exempt research staff (~70 per Assistant Director), serving as the primary point of contact for faculty and researchers, providing ongoing coaching, performance management, and support to ensure effective research staff engagement and outcomes.
• Apply sound judgment in navigating complex and sensitive situations, including performance concerns, faculty-researcher dynamics, and policy interpretation, balancing individual needs with institutional guidelines and expectations.
• Oversee key lifecycle processes for the portfolio, including onboarding, performance reviews, reappointments, and transitions, ensuring consistency, compliance, and a high-quality experience while coordinating with HR and other partners as needed.
• 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.

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 is required.
• 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.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Higher education or research environment experience strongly preferred.
• 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.

• 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 Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 057. 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.