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 D鲁 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 D鲁 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.