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Human Resources Development Jobs in Boston, MA (NOW HIRING)

... development, regulatory compliance, talent acquisition and retention, background checks, new business start-up support. The Human Resources department supports the NE Region and upstate NY which ...

... development, regulatory compliance, talent acquisition and retention, background checks, new business start-up support. The Human Resources department supports the NE Region and upstate NY which ...

Human Resources Generalist

Boston, MA · On-site

$75 - $100/hr

HR Policies and Compliance: * Assist in the development and implementation of HR policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations. * Keep abreast of changes in ...

New

Human Resources Manager

Cambridge, MA · On-site

$110 - $150/hr

About the Role As Human Resources Manager, you will serve as a trusted advisor to leadership and ... Provide coaching and guidance to managers on performance management, employee development, and ...

We offer dynamic career paths, robust development, opportunities to learn from talented colleagues ... The HR Generalist provides a broad range of expert services: recruitment and succession planning ...

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Human Resources Development information

See Boston, MA salary details

$36.9K

$71.5K

$106.5K

How much do human resources development jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for human resources development in Boston, MA is $71,524.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,500.00 and $80,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is human resources development?

Human Resources Development (HRD) refers to the process of improving an organization's workforce by enhancing employees' skills, knowledge, and abilities. This includes activities like training, career development, performance management, and organizational development. HRD aims to help employees reach their full potential, which in turn supports the overall goals and success of the organization. Effective HRD strategies can lead to higher job satisfaction, better performance, and increased retention.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in human resources development, and why are they important?

To excel in Human Resources Development, you need expertise in talent management, organizational development, and training program design, often supported by a degree in HR, business, or psychology. Familiarity with HRIS platforms, learning management systems (LMS), and certifications such as SHRM-CP or ATD are commonly required. Strong interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence, and the ability to facilitate communication and change make professionals stand out in this field. These skills and qualifications are vital for effectively fostering employee growth, improving workplace culture, and aligning workforce capabilities with organizational goals.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in human resources development, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Human Resources Development often encounter challenges such as keeping up with rapidly changing industry trends, aligning training programs with organizational goals, and engaging employees in learning opportunities. To address these challenges, it is important to stay informed about the latest HR technologies and best practices, collaborate closely with department leaders to ensure training is relevant, and use feedback tools to tailor development programs to employee needs. Building strong relationships across teams and continuously evaluating the effectiveness of development initiatives can also help HR Development professionals drive lasting impact.

What is the difference between Human Resources Development vs Human Resources Generalist?

AspectHuman Resources DevelopmentHuman Resources Generalist
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in HR, Education, or related fields; certifications like SHRM-CP or PHR are commonRequires a degree in HR, Business, or related fields; similar certifications like SHRM-CP or PHR are often preferred
Work EnvironmentFocuses on training, employee development, and organizational growth initiativesHandles a broad range of HR functions including recruitment, employee relations, and compliance
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in organizations emphasizing employee development and training programsCommon across various industries for general HR support roles

Human Resources Development primarily concentrates on employee training and organizational growth, while Human Resources Generalist manages a wide array of HR functions. Both roles require similar credentials and are vital in supporting organizational HR needs, but their focus areas differ significantly.

What can I do with a human resources development degree?

A human resources development degree prepares individuals for roles such as HR specialist, training and development manager, or organizational development consultant. Graduates can work in employee training, talent management, recruitment, and HR strategy, often utilizing HRIS software and earning certifications like SHRM or HRCI to advance their careers.

What are popular job titles related to Human Resources Development jobs in Boston, MA?

For Human Resources Development jobs in Boston, MA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Human Resources Development jobs in Boston, MA look for?

The top searched job categories for Human Resources Development jobs in Boston, MA are:

What cities near Boston, MA are hiring for Human Resources Development jobs?

Cities near Boston, MA with the most Human Resources Development job openings:

Infographic showing various Human Resources Development job openings in Boston, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,524 per year, or $34.4 per hour.

Director of Human Resources

Human Resources Division

Boston, MA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Executive Department is one of the state's largest employers with over 46,000 employees that span 11 Secretariats and 70 plus agencies. From Accountants to X-ray technicians with hundreds of titles in between, we are one employer with many career opportunities. The Commonwealth is looking for leaders, thinkers, creators, and innovators. We are a diverse workforce that reflects the diverse population that we serve.
The Human Resources Division (HRD) is an agency within the Executive Office for Administration and Finance. HRD provides support to state agencies in all matters relating to the Commonwealth's classification, compensation, benefits, recruitment, training & employee development, civil rights, collective bargaining and workers compensation administration.
Position Overview:
HRD is pleased to offer an exciting career opportunity to a highly motivated, organized and talented human resources professional within its HR Operations Unit. As a subject matter expert in HR, this candidate will be relied upon to provide insights, guidance, and solutions to various business partners. The Director of Human Resources will develop and lead human resource strategies and initiatives to promote a culture that attracts and retains high performing employees and ensures that the HRD workforce reflects the diversity of the Commonwealth members that we serve. Reporting to the HR Executive Operations Administrator, the Director of Human Resources oversees the human resources team responsible for providing HR and payroll support and services to employees and agency business partners within the Executive Office for Administration and Finance Secretariat. The departments directly served by the HR Operations Unit include but are not limited to the following: the Governor's Office, the Executive Office for Administration & Finance, Human Resources Division, Supplier Diversity Office and the Division of Administrative Law Appeals. This is a hybrid position, offering flexibility to work both remotely and on-site.
In addition to the daily oversight of the HR/Payroll functions, the Director of Human Resources will provide direct support to the HR Executive Operations Administrator on all HR strategy, services and support needed throughout the Executive Office for Administration & Finance secretariat. Specific areas of focus include HR strategic initiatives, policy implementation, classification and compensation, employee relations matters, recruitment and retention, benefits and leave administration and learning and development. Other areas of focus and duties include the following:
  • Aligns, develops and implements HR strategy and initiatives across the Secretariat.
  • Oversees and collaborates with HRD HR/Payroll staff to improve overall efficiency of internal HR processes and compliance.
  • Provides direct management and oversight in an effort to streamline and improve certain HR functions and processes; including recruitment and retention, the pre-hire to hire employee experience, employee orientation, onboarding/offboarding processes, benefits and leave administration and DEI initiatives.
  • Conducts ongoing assessments of all human resources policies, programs, and practices in collaboration with internal departments and keeps current with significant changes in employment law to ensure compliance with applicable state and federal laws and administrative regulations.
  • Designs, recommends, implements and monitors changes and updates to HR policies, systems, processes, and procedures.
  • Works with the HR team to ensure that agency business partners in the Secretariat receive data and analysis on staff demographics, applicant recruitment trends, hiring and attrition statistics, performance management and succession planning.
  • Ensures that HR staff are up to date on all HR policy implementations and/or updates to be responsive to employee inquiries in all aspects of HR.
  • Assists in matters relative to collective bargaining agreements including contractual guidance and salary administration, etc.
  • In collaboration with senior leadership and the HR Executive Operations Administrator, provides guidance and direction on various HR matters and assists to ensure HR tasks are tracked and completed.
  • Liaises with HRD Legal to ensure compliance in workplace investigations and other disciplinary matters.
  • Maintains excellent communication with Secretariat leadership and other external agency partners such as the Comptroller's Officer, Group Insurance Commission, State Retirement Board, etc.
  • Special and critical HR projects as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • At least six (6) years of full-time professional/managerial experience with advanced levels of knowledge of human resources programs, policies and practices.
  • Demonstrated success in human resources leadership with a comparable or larger sized organization.
  • The ability to think from a long-term perspective about the evolving needs of the organization and of the HR strategies and programs that will be required to meet these needs and accomplish the agency business partners' objectives.
  • Experience in a government agency or public sector HR preferred.
  • Familiarity with unionized environments is strongly preferred.
  • Experience with workforce planning and development a plus.
  • Working knowledge of labor and employment laws, regulations, and HR best practices.
  • Excellent communication and problem-solving abilities.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion.
  • Demonstrated strategic thinking, leadership capabilities, objective setting, and measurement skills.
  • Experience effectively coaching, delivering feedback, motivating, and developing staff.
  • Ability to analyze and determine the applicability of program data, to draw conclusions, and to make appropriate recommendations.
  • Ability to persuade, influence and gain the buy-in of others.
  • Demonstrated ability to drive multiple projects to successful completion.
  • Ability to adjust to changing situations, be flexible to meet changing priorities, and work with ambiguity.
  • Must maintain a high degree of professionalism and confidentiality.
  • Experience conducting workplace investigations is a plus.
  • Solution- and team-oriented.
  • Excellent written and verbal communicator with strong interpersonal skills and high emotional intelligence.
  • Experienced in building strong relationships and collaborations, as well as alliances and productive partnerships in a complex, matrixed organization.
  • Willingness to serve as hands-on manager taking personal ownership of some projects while directing staff on others.
  • Proficient usage of Microsoft Office products including Excel and Outlook.
  • Knowledge of Microsoft Access and/or the Commonwealth's Information Warehouse (CIW) and ability to create and generate reports using the Human Resources Compensation Management System (HR/CMS).

Qualifications:
MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:
Applicants must have at least (A) six (6) years of full-time or, equivalent part-time, professional, administrative, supervisory, or managerial experience in business administration, business management, public administration, public management, clinical administration or clinical management of which (B) at least two (2) years must have been in a supervisory or managerial capacity or (C) any equivalent combination of the required experience and substitutions below.
Substitutions:
I. A certificate in a relevant or related field may be substituted for one (1) year of the required (A) experience.
II. A Bachelor's degree in a related field may be substituted for two (2) years of the required (A) experience.
III. A Graduate degree in a related field may be substituted for three (3) years of the required (A) experience.
IV. A Doctorate degree in a related field may be substituted for four (4) years of the required (A) experience.
Comprehensive Benefits
When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.
Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!
An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.