Description

Human Resources Director
Reports To: Chief Human Resources Officer 
 

About New England Conservatory
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 Summary
The 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 Responsibilities
Leadership & Management Coaching
Build trusted partnerships with leaders, faculty leadership, and managers

Coach leaders on organizational development, team effectiveness, and leadership capability

Support leaders in navigating complex people situations

Talent Acquisition & Employer Brand
Partner with HR Operations to strengthen and modernize hiring processes and tools

Support managers in equitable, effective hiring practices

Advance NEC’s talent brand to attract high-quality, mission-aligned candidates

Strengthen NEC’s presence across job boards and candidate platforms

Talent Management & Development
Identify development needs across emerging and high-potential talent

Design and implement learning and development programs supporting individual and organizational growth

Build sustainable development processes that balance equitable access with personalized growth pathways

Employee Relations & Workplace Practices
Lead NEC’s employee relations strategy and day-to-day workplace practices

Coach managers through performance management and workplace concerns

Support employees through consultation and resolution of workplace issues

Ensure compliance with employment laws and institutional policies

Promote respectful workplace practices across faculty, staff, and administrative populations

Compensation & Pay Transparency
Partner with the CHRO, HR Operations, and Finance to apply compensation frameworks

Consult with managers on pay decisions and compensation strategy

Support employee understanding of compensation practices

Contribute to pay transparency communication strategies

Requirements

Leadership & Interpersonal Style
Collaborative, approachable, and consistent across all levels

Makes decisions grounded in facts, fairness, and values

Exercises strong judgment in complex or high-pressure situations

Strong listener who partners effectively with senior faculty and administrative leadership

Balances strategic thinking with execution and follow-through

Operates with trust, integrity, and a fundamental belief in people 
 

Experience & Background
5+ years of progressive HR leadership experience, typically at the Director level or senior HR Business Partner equivalent

Strong expertise in employee relations and leadership coaching

Experience in complex, multi-stakeholder environments; higher education, arts, or mission-driven nonprofit experience preferred

Foundational knowledge of compensation practices and talent development strategy

Demonstrated ability to influence without authority and work across diverse populations 
 

Compensation
Target hiring range: $155,000 – $170,000 annually
Final offer will be based on experience, skills, and internal equity considerations. 
 

Benefits
New England Conservatory offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support employee well-being and professional growth. Benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance options, retirement savings plans with employer contributions, paid time off, and professional development opportunities.

Employees also have access to unique community and cultural perks, including opportunities to engage with NEC classes and performances, concert access, and other institutional and community partner discounts. 
 

How to Apply
New England Conservatory has partnered with Turning Tides Strategies to support this search.

Interested candidates should submit a resume and optional cover letter to:
najia@tidestrategies.com