Director of People Operations & HR Strategy

State of Colorado; Denver (CO); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid vacation & holidays

Sick leave

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision options

Discounted RTD Pass

BenefitHub access

retirement plan

Job summary

Auraria Higher Education Center is seeking a dynamic Director of People Operations/HR to provide strategic HR leadership for the agency in Denver. You will guide managers and staff on policies, programs, and services, including recruitment, compensation, benefits, and training, while ensuring legal compliance and customer-focused service delivery.

The role oversees payroll, benefits, performance management, and organizational development, with a focus on building efficient HR processes and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Personnel Administration, Business Administration or a related field.
• Seven (7) years of full-time professional HR work experience with salary coordination and advisory duties.
• Minimum of three (3) years supervising other HR professionals.
• Experience with the Colorado State Personnel System.
• Experience using the UKG human resources information system.
• Provide complete responses to required supplemental questions during application.

Responsibilities

• Lead HR staff, operations, and service delivery across AHEC's HR department.
• Oversee wage and salary administration with consistent compensation practices.
• Direct payroll function, benefits deductions, and year-end reporting; integrate payroll with financial systems.
• Advise senior leaders on performance management and organizational development.
• Guide management on employee relations and disciplinary actions as needed.
• Administer recruitment, job evaluation, and compliance with policies and laws.
• Oversee HR training programs including sexual harassment and workplace violence training.
• Manage comprehensive benefits programs including medical, dental, insurance, 401(k) and leave.

Skills

HR leadership

Strategic planning

Employee relations

Payroll oversight

Benefits administration

Education

Bachelor's in Personnel / Business Admin

Advanced degree (preferred)

Tools

UKG HCM

Colorado State Personnel System

Job description

Auraria Higher Education Center is seeking a dynamic Director of People Operations/HR to provide strategic HR leadership for the agency in Denver. You will guide managers and staff on policies, programs, and services, including recruitment, compensation, benefits, and training, while ensuring legal compliance and customer-focused service delivery.

The role oversees payroll, benefits, performance management, and organizational development, with a focus on building efficient HR processes and