Associate Director, Talent Acquisition Operations

Drive operational excellence across Harvard’s Talent Acquisition function as a hands-on leader who modernizes systems, strengthens compliance, and improves the recruiting experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead a small team serving as the primary resource for University recruiters on technical and process training, guidance, and communications
• Ensure recruiter enablement is high-quality, consistent, and effective while applying full life-cycle recruiting expertise to maximize value and support compliance with applicable laws and OFCCP regulations
• Monitor external market trends, tools, labor-market conditions, candidate expectations, and TA best practices; advise leadership on implications and potential responses
• Use data and stakeholder feedback to identify opportunities for operational improvement, innovation, and increased efficiency
• Build and maintain a Talent Acquisition Operations roadmap aligned to University strategy and stakeholder priorities
• Ensure recruitment processes, systems, and programs align with University policies, compliance requirements, and 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; empower team members 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 system functionality, integrations, workflows, and identify workflow/configuration changes for operational efficiency
• Manage relationships with recruitment technology vendors and system partners
• Act as a strategic resource and escalation point for recruiters and TA leaders on recruiting technology, processes, policies, and practices; chair 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 role, capabilities, value, and engagement model while surfacing insights and 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
• Strong collaborator who prioritizes team success over individual success and builds relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate and influence at all levels
• Curious mindset to learn continuously and challenge the status quo
• Strong project management skills and attention to detail
• Highly adaptable with proven ability to drive results in changing environments and comfort operating “in the gray” when necessary
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills

Technologies

• Applicant tracking system
• LinkedIn

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

Work Schedule

• 35 hours per week

Visa Sponsorship

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

Pre-Employment Screening

• Identity
• Education
• Criminal

Work Format Details

• Some duties may be performed at a non-Harvard location as determined by school or unit leaders
• Work schedule and location are set by the department based on operational needs
• For hybrid positions, employees must work in a Harvard registered state when not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, 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 level 059. View Harvard’s Salary Ranges for the corresponding salary range and related information.