Human Resources Director

New England Conservatory is a cultural center, built on 150 years of innovation, that pushes the boundaries of making and teaching music. NEC is renowned for its dedicated faculty, gifted students, and contributions to the cultural landscape, past, present, and future. NEC educates and trains musicians of all ages from around the world, drawing on the talent and deep reservoir of experience of our distinguished faculty.At NEC, music is both tradition and transformation. Our community includes world-class faculty, passionate staff, and extraordinary students who believe in the power of music to shape lives, challenge perspectives, and strengthen communities. We are mission-driven, collaborative, and committed to creating an environment where creativity, belonging, and excellence thrive together.Position SummaryThe Director of Human Resources serves as a strategic and operational partner to leaders, faculty, and staff across NEC. Working closely with the CHRO, this role leads core people initiatives including employee relations, leadership coaching, talent acquisition strategy, talent development, and compensation consultation.This leader is a visible and trusted resource who brings strong people instincts, sound judgment, compliance expertise, and operational follow-through. The Director helps NEC strengthen a respectful, inclusive workplace while supporting leaders in building high-performing teams aligned with NEC’s mission and culture.Key ResponsibilitiesLeadership & Management CoachingBuild trusted partnerships with leaders, faculty leadership, and managersCoach leaders on organizational development, team effectiveness, and leadership capabilitySupport leaders in navigating complex people situationsTalent Acquisition & Employer BrandPartner with HR Operations to strengthen and modernize hiring processes and toolsSupport managers in equitable, effective hiring practicesAdvance NEC’s talent brand to attract high-quality, mission-aligned candidatesStrengthen NEC’s presence across job boards and candidate platformsTalent Management & DevelopmentIdentify development needs across emerging and high-potential talentDesign and implement learning and development programs supporting individual and organizational growthBuild sustainable development processes that balance equitable access with personalized growth pathwaysEmployee Relations & Workplace PracticesLead NEC’s employee relations strategy and day-to-day workplace practicesCoach managers through performance management and workplace concernsSupport employees through consultation and resolution of workplace issuesEnsure compliance with employment laws and institutional policiesPromote respectful workplace practices across faculty, staff, and administrative populationsCompensation & Pay TransparencyPartner with the CHRO, HR Operations, and Finance to apply compensation frameworksConsult with managers on pay decisions and compensation strategySupport employee understanding of compensation practicesContribute to pay transparency communication strategiesLeadership & Interpersonal StyleCollaborative, approachable, and consistent across all levelsMakes decisions grounded in facts, fairness, and valuesExercises strong judgment in complex or high-pressure situationsStrong listener who partners effectively with senior faculty and administrative leadershipBalances strategic thinking with execution and follow-throughOperates with trust, integrity, and a fundamental belief in peopleExperience & Background5 years of progressive HR leadership experience, typically at the Director level or senior HR Business Partner equivalentStrong expertise in employee relations and leadership coachingExperience in complex, multi-stakeholder environments; higher education, arts, or mission-driven nonprofit experience preferredFoundational knowledge of compensation practices and talent development strategyDemonstrated ability to influence without authority and work across diverse populationsNEC is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits and hires qualified candidates without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, or veteran status.Annual Clery ReportIn accordance with the federal Clery and Campus SaVE Acts, New England Conservatory of Music (NEC) commits to providing all current and prospective students and employees with access to the annual Campus Security and Fire Safety Report. This report will provide the reader with a record of statistics regarding crimes that were reported in the NEC community during the previous three years as well as College policies and procedures, in compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act. This report may be accessed here. A paper copy can be requested by contacting NEC's Director of Public Safety at 290 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115.

Salary : $150,000 - $170,000