Position Description

Reporting to the Director of HR Compliance and Professional Conduct, the Program Officer for Staff Professional Conduct will support the administration and implementation of HMS and Harvard University policies related to professional conduct. The Program Officer for Staff Professional Conduct responds to allegations and complaints of discrimination, bullying, harassment, and retaliation. This position conducts informal fact-finding and formal complaint investigations, in coordination with the central office. This position will partner with school and university offices to promote relevant resources, policy training, and educational efforts focused on preventive measures.
 

• Performs a primary role in the development and implementation of new University policies and procedures for Non-Discrimination and Anti-Bullying at HMS, in conjunction with internal partners and the Central Office
• Receives and responds to allegations and complaints of unprofessional conduct involving staff and third parties
• Consults with internal HR partners and the University Office of General Counsel in responding to complaints and concerns raised internally and/or externally
• Conducts formal investigations and performs related duties such as case evaluation, processing administrative closures, conducting party and witness interviews, identifying evidence, communicating with parties, and issuing final written reports in a timely manner and in alignment with relevant policies and procedures
• Processes and manages informal resolution requests, performs necessary duties, and manages documentation
• Assists in providing interim and supportive measures to community members, as necessary and where appropriate
• Builds upon and manages internal complaint processes, including documenting the internal investigative process; informal resolution steps; communication templates with parties, department units, and internal partners; data collection, recordkeeping, trend analysis, and methods for community outreach
• Collaborates with internal HR partners in the recommendation of local, university, and outside educational programming related to professional conduct to mitigate escalated conflict
• Develops and conducts HMS and University policy outreach. Responsible for planning and overseeing trainings. Partners with other offices, schools, and units to develop an effective and sustainable education program on relevant policies, procedures, and best practices

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and equivalent work experience required
• Minimum of 7 years' relevant work experience

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Advanced degree (science or law) is strongly preferred
• Proven ability to conduct internal investigations and complete final written report
• Experience with HR policies and practices, as well as federal statutes including Title IX, Title VII, ADA, and other civil rights laws and regulations
• Ability to train and present on policies, laws, and community climate/culture
• Demonstration of employment law expertise in an educational environment is a plus
• Demonstrated ability to exercise high level of discretion and good judgment, and ability to quickly establish credibility with a broad range of constituents, including faculty, staff, and students
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are essential, with experience navigating sensitive topics with a high level of tact, diplomacy, and compassion
• Ability to handle confidential information with the utmost discretion and sensitivity

Additional Information

This position is based in Boston and some in-person on-campus work will be required, and flexible/remote work is an option. Any remote work must be performed in a state in which Harvard is registered to do business (CA*, CT, GA, IL, MA, MD, ME, NH, NJ, NY, RI, VA, VT, and WA). Individual flexible and remote work options for this role will be discussed during the interview process. *Note: Harvard employees working in California must be exempt.

The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up-to-date on CDC-recommended vaccines.

Please note that we are currently conducting a majority of interviews and onboarding remotely and virtually. We appreciate your understanding.

The Harvard Medical School is not able to provide visa sponsorship for this position.

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Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

We are committed to cultivating an inclusive workplace culture of faculty, staff, and students with diverse backgrounds, styles, abilities, and motivations. We appreciate and leverage the capabilities, insights, and ideas of all individuals. Harvard Medical School Mission and Community Values

EEO Statement

We are 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 conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.