Summer has been anything but slow for Chris Ciotti, who joined HSPH in May as the new Associate Dean for Human Resources.
"We've looked at data from several sources, including the [recent] employee survey, and I've met with many faculty chairs, department administrators, and other staff members within HSPH so that I may better understand what we already have right and what we can do better in HR here at the School," said Ciotti.
Among some of Human Resources' goals for this coming fiscal year are the following:
Chris Ciotti
"Regarding reclassifications and promotions, we'd like to more clearly explain the process for how this works: namely, what are the criteria, who makes the decisions, and what are the guiding principles," said Ciotti. "In relation to performance management, there is a Harvard-wide group looking specifically at this issue. We'll stay connected to the findings that emerge from this group and use them as appropriate here at HSPH."
For 2008, the office will be focusing on job candidate recruitment and new employee orientation. Recruitment, finding the highest-quality job candidates and bringing them to HSPH, is critical to the mission of the School, noted Ciotti. One tool that she and other Harvard human resources leaders are examining is establishing efficient ways to share information about talented job candidates among Harvard schools.
Ciotti and her team are also evaluating which elements work well, and which do not, in helping new hires acclimate to HSPH. The HR team will consult with other human resources staff at Harvard and with HSPH employees who recently underwent the process to get feedback and ideas.
Ciotti envisions strengthening the collaboration among Longwood schools in an effort to share best practices. She will also look for ways to enable HSPH employees to take full advantage of Harvard's many resources and benefits.
"While Harvard offers so many wonderful benefits and services, including opportunities for learning and training, sometimes it is difficult for employees to understand what is available and how to best access it," said Ciotti. "We'd like to find ways to make it clear to people just what is available along these lines and how to access these resources quickly and easily."
Said Paul Riccardi, Dean for Administration and Operations, "Chris has described a clear and exciting vision for the School's Human Resources team and, by extension, for our employees. Before her arrival, the HR team did a wonderful job during a transitional year in addressing the School's HR needs, and we look forward to seeing the results of their collective efforts."
Before coming to the School, Ciotti was Vice President of Human Resources at Cubist Pharmaceuticals, a publicly traded biotech company focused on the development and sale of anti-infective drugs. While at Cubist, she led the human resources team and built the human resources infrastructure as Cubist transitioned from an R&D company to a commercial organization.
"I've really enjoyed working with the HSPH Human Resources team, and it's been wonderful to meet the staff and faculty at the School," said Ciotti. "I'm looking forward to moving forward with our goals so that Human Resources may most effectively support HSPH's strategic priorities."
After a renovation of its offices, Human Resources has returned to Kresge 505. Ciotti welcomes feedback from HSPH staff and faculty. To contact her, please call 617-432-1046 or stop by the 5th Floor.
Copyright, 2009, President and Fellows of Harvard College
