Associate Director, Talent Acquisition Operations

Company Description By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Why join Harvard University Central Administration?

Harvard University's Central Administration (CADM) is a 5,000+ employee organization that supports the university's overall excellence by understanding and serving the needs of its schools, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and surrounding communities. Through dynamic and collaborative partnerships, CADM provides high-quality and efficient services to the schools to help them achieve their goals.

Job Description Harvard Human Resources is seeking an Associate Director, Talent Acquisition Operations to drive operational excellence, consistency, and innovation across the University’s talent acquisition function.

Reporting to the Managing Director, Talent Acquisition & Outreach, the Associate Director will lead a small team and oversee the systems, programs, processes, and partnerships that support recruiters, hiring managers, and candidates across the University. This role will modernize talent acquisition operations, optimize technology and workflows, strengthen compliance, and improve the recruitment experience.

The ideal candidate will bring extensive talent acquisition experience and strong operational, project management, technology, and stakeholder leadership skills. They will use data, collaboration, and continuous improvement to deliver scalable, effective recruiting solutions.

Job-Specific Responsibilities Lead a team that serves as the primary resource for University recruiters regarding technical and process training, guidance, and communications. Ensure the quality, consistency, and effectiveness of that support while applying full life-cycle recruiting expertise to promote compliance with applicable laws and OFCCP regulations and maximize the value of talent acquisition investments.

Additionally, you will be responsible for:
Strategy
• Research external market trends, tools, labor-market conditions, candidate expectations, and talent acquisition best practices; 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.

Compliance and Risk Management
• 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.

Continuous Improvement
• Partner with stakeholders to identify and prioritize enhancement opportunities and maintain a talent acquisition technology backlog.

• Lead the evaluation, prioritization, and implementation of approved process and technology enhancements.

People Leadership & Team Development
• Set clear direction, priorities, and expectations while empowering team members to work with autonomy, accountability, and sound judgment.

• Provide ongoing coaching, feedback, and development conversations to strengthen strategic thinking, confidence, and effectiveness.

TA Systems Ownership & Continuous Improvement
• 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.

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