The HR Associate delivers hands-on operational and coordination support across core people and HR processes, communications, and programs. The role requires strong organization, comfort juggling multiple workflows and calendars, and the ability to collaborate across teams with professionalism and discretion.
The ideal candidate brings prior HR or people operations experience and can independently manage recurring HR coordination responsibilities while contributing to a positive, consistent employee experience.
Responsibilities
You'll play a central role in supporting the employee lifecycle by coordinating core HR processes, communications, and programs. This position blends organization, collaboration, and attention to detail to help deliver a seamless and engaging employee experience. Key responsibilities include:
Administration & Coordination
Maintain accurate employee and worker records, ensuring timely updates and compliance with internal processes. Assist with updates, audits, and validation of HR data
Schedule and coordinate internal and external meetings, trainings, and HR-related events
Maintain and update distribution lists
Track and manage calendars for internal communications, HR programs and cyclical processes, people leader initiatives, and learning activities
Support on-site events and logistics (e.g., company events, team meetings, in-office interviews) at our Boston headquarters
Coordinate and process transactions as needed (e.g., vendor invoices, travel arrangement, professional development, tuition reimbursement, etc.)
Update and manage contact information and distribution lists in coordination with Harvard University (HU) and Harvard Business School (HBS) systems
Pre-boarding & Onboarding
Serve as a coordination point for new hires and their managers to ensure a smooth and welcoming onboarding experience
Support pre-boarding and onboarding activities, including scheduling, speaker management, distribution of materials and documentation, system access coordination, day-one readiness, and completing paperwork
Communications Management
Partner with HR and communications colleagues to support internal communications (e.g., post announcements, program updates, and milestones)
Update and maintain the employee intranet, ensuring content is accurate, timely, and easy to navigate
Assist in drafting and distributing HR communications (e.g., all-staff messages, people leader updates)
Employee Experience & Culture Support
Support employee events that contribute to company culture and inclusion (e.g., volunteer activities, events, award programs, community events)
Coordinate employee acknowledgments and swag, including new hire welcomes, life events, retirements, and condolences
Support consistency and thoughtfulness in employee touchpoints across the organization
Contingent Worker Management
Manage hiring transactions for service providers and independent contractors, ensuring proper documentation and compliance
Manage the onboarding process for all full-time and contingent worker hires, ensuring proper coordination with IT, HR, and managers
Communicate with agency partners and people managers regarding contingent worker on/offboarding and extensions, escalating issues as needed
Monitor compliance for contingent workforce, including reviewing extension requests, managing consultant agreements, tracking tenure, conducting periodic data audits
Requirements
1-3 years of experience in HR, people operations, or a related coordination or administrative role
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and calendars
Clear, professional written and verbal communication skills
High level of discretion and comfort handling confidential information
Demonstrates interest and aptitude in utilizing technology to enhance HR and communications processes
Proficiency with Microsoft Office
Benefits
HBP is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related condition
Additional Information
Harvard Business Publishing (HBP) - the leading destination for innovative management thinking. We reach lifelong learners to improve the practice of management in a changing world. This mission inspires each of us to unlock the leader in everyone - including you!
Hbpublishing · Boston