Vice President of Talent Operations

Denver School of Science and Technology, Inc.; Denver (CO); Hybrid; USD 135,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation stipend

Benefits package

Job summary

DSST Public Schools in Denver, CO seeks a Vice President of Talent Operations to lead the Talent Operations team in aligning HR strategy with the organization’s mission. The role oversees compensation, benefits, policies, and performance, while partnering with executives to attract and retain transformational talent.

The position is in-person at the DSST Home Office with a relocation stipend for moves over 75 miles. Start is flexible; applications reviewed on a rolling basis.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; 10+ years of professional experience preferred.
• Experience leading HR, talent, and people ops in a high-growth environment.
• Proven ability to drive strategy, policy, and program design for talent operations.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with executive leadership to align people data and strategy with DSST’s mission.
• Lead Talent Operations to support compensation, benefits, performance, and HR policies.
• Direct the Talent Operations team and partner with Talent Acquisition to recruit and retain top talent.
• Oversee the design and implementation of scalable HR processes and governance.

Skills

People Leader

DEI Leader

Team Leader

Systems & Data

Project Leadership

Competencies

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

POSITION: Vice President of Talent Operations

LOCATION: DSST: Home Office (In Person, Denver, CO)

SALARY: $135,000 - $164,600 based on years of aligned experience in a role of similar level and responsibilities, up to 10 years.

We also offer a relocation stipend if you are moving from a location greater than 75 miles from Denver!

STATUS: Full time year round, benefits eligible, exempt, in-person position

START: Flexible, but immediate start preferred.

Applications will be accepted until September 23rd 2026 at 4pm MST.

The Vice President of Talent Operations plays a central role in ensuring the vision and strategy for key talent initiatives are aligned to the mission and network goals of the organization. Additionally, this individual will serve as the leader of the Talent Operations Team providing critical oversight and support for key talent functions such as benefits, compensation, performance & evaluation, HR policies, and more. This role will serve as the leader of the Talent Operations Department and directly manage a team of senior talent leaders.

KEY ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Collaborates with executive leadership to deliver on the organization's mission and goals by providing people data and strategy to inform decision-making.
• Provides strategic human resources leadership to ensure consistent and high quality HR support in alignment with DSST’s view of the human condition.
• Shapes the vision and provides leadership support for all key Talent Operations initiatives including the organization Transformational Talent Priority work.
• Provides critical leadership to ensure the vision and execution of compensation and benefits supports retaining and attracting transformational talent.
• Leads the network planning process related to talent including the alignment of our people cycle with our annual & long-term planning processes.
• Operates as a subject matter expert in best practices related to employment, wellness, compensation, and benefits.
• Partners directly with executives and School Leaders to establish and maintain a positive school, team, and organizational culture.
• Drives change within the organization including the adoption of new technologies, workflows, staffing models, and organization structures.
• Responsible for growth, development, and retention of a strong talent operations team.
• Partners closely with Talent Acquisition leadership to develop and implement effective talent strategies across Talent Operations and Acquisition in order to recruit & retain top talent.
• Responsible for overseeing the setting, enforcing, and evaluating of legally compliant people policies, procedures, and best practices.
• Other duties as assigned based on organizational priorities.

SKILLS

People Leader

Deep reservoir of commitment to being a “partner in the people space” by building meaningful relationships with DSST leaders and team members in order to support DSST’s mission of closing the achievement gap. Ability to build trust with DSST leaders and team members through consistent communication and action aligned with our DSST’s view of the Human Condition. Demonstrated flexibility and ability to juggle competing priorities.

DEI Leader

Engages, inspires, and empowers a diverse, motivated, and high-performing team, bringing out each team member's personal best while modeling a passion for DSST's mission and delegating tasks as appropriate. Holds the organization accountable for its commitments, providing clarity, fairness, and constructive feedback, and motivates team members to reach their full potential and achieve their goals. Invests in and promotes professional development and wellness for self and staff. Builds and sustains a culture where every member of the team can bring their full identity and experience to their work. Partners with staff and creates a safe space as they think proactively and boldly about the future. Demonstrates a deep, authentic commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Actively seeks ways to diversify management and the broader team.

Team Leader

The ability to lead, develop, and inspire a team of HR professionals (may include leading and managing other HR Business Partners) in a high growth, rapidly changing environment

The ability to understand business goals as well as design and implement new approaches, policies and procedures to effect continual improvements in business objectives, productivity and development of HR within the company

The desire and ability to be an influential and credible senior HR leader within the team, including setting the tone, agenda, and direction of the HR team and providing the necessary support, follow up, and leadership to ensure the team achieves desired results

Understand the entire talent system and each stage of the employee lifecycle and applies that understanding to craft integrated solutions that are thoughtful and reinforced by upstream and downstream talent programs

Systems & Data

A belief in the power of systems & data to shape our understanding and help navigate an equitable & effective path forward. Develop comprehensive HR systems, protocols, documentation, and guidance. A desire to constantly learn in order to both problem-solve critical challenges as well as discover new approaches to supporting DSST team members.

Project Leadership

Determination to independently lead high-quality network-level project work that supports critical Human Capital initiatives in a way that demonstrates our commitment to people. Ability to lead assigned projects to completion including creating & executing project documentation, cross-functional project meetings, all staff communications and project reflections. Displays maturity and ability to work independently Detailed-oriented, strong follow-through skills Strong time management skills, ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and meet tight deadlines Interest in performing a critical support role and the ability to excel in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial, results-oriented environment;

COMPETENCIES

Mission Driven: Is deeply connected and committed to DSST’s mission and the belief that all students can acquire a world class education.

Values Driven: Is deeply committed to living our core values in their daily work.

Influences and Motivates Others: Inspires committed action from others to live our values, get results, and accomplish our mission.

Drives to Results: Has a drive and urgency to achieve and sustain results over time.

Demonstrates Understanding of Others: Has a strong understanding of people, an inclusive lens, and leads with our view of the human condition.

Is Self-Aware: Has a deep, reflective understanding of self that exhibits awareness and humility.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree 10-12 years of professional experience. This should include:
• 4+ years of HR related experience
• 4+ years of experience in a K-12 organization
• 4+ years of progressive leadership experience
• 6+ years experience managing multiple projects, work streams, or initiatives
• 6+ years of demonstrated success working across multiple teams/stakeholders (both internal and external)
• Experience with change management on the organization level
• Experience in developing & executing systems that achieve efficiency and scalability; can lead large scale workstreams
• Excellent organization, time management, and follow-through; a high sense of urgency
• Outstanding problem-solving and critical thinking skills and ability to use data to drive decision-making
• Excellent people leadership skills; able to provide timely and actionable feedback to inspire and move direct reports to action
• Ability to take full ownership and responsibility for the success of multiple departments, priorities, and goals
• In depth understanding of school needs in urban charter/public school contexts

Application Timeline

This is an evergreen position, meaning DSST Public Schools recruits for this role on an ongoing basis to support current and anticipated hiring needs across our network. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and qualified candidates may be contacted for interviews as opportunities become available. For positions with a defined hiring timeline, the anticipated application deadline will be listed at the top of the job posting.

Who We Are

At DSST Public Schools, we are proud to achieve transformational results for our 7,500+ students — 97% of whom attend a Green (top-rated) school. Just as important is how we achieve them: values-centered, human-focused, and together. We invite educators and leaders who share our belief that there is more in us — more brilliance, more courage, more possibility — to join us.

Our Impact

100% of DSST graduates have been admitted to college or a postsecondary program 15 of 16 schools rated Green on the 2024–25 SPF 9 out of 10 DSST families would recommend DSST to a friend 95%+ of staff say their managers check in regularly and care about them as people

Why Work at DSST?

• Comprehensive Compensation & Benefits: Competitive pay and a Total Rewards package that includes fertility and adoption support, educator-focused mental-health care, and everyday perks like Safeway grocery discounts.
• Growth & Opportunity: Weekly 1:1 coaching, data-driven feedback, and clear career pathways such as Apprentice Teacher and Emerging Leader.
• Rewards & Recognition: Core Value and TOAST Awards, milestone celebrations, and the signature Flower Person Award honoring staff who help our community flourish.
• Whole Human Wellness: Access to the Therapist of Color Collaborative, Wellness Wednesdays, comprehensive health coverage, and six weeks of paid parental leave.
• Thriving in Colorado: Time to recharge with 11+ weeks off each year, relocation support for out of state applicants, and local discounts that help you enjoy life in our beautiful sunshine filled state.

Employment Classification & PERA Participation

DSST Public Schools participates in the Colorado Public Employees' Retirement Association (PERA). Unless otherwise stated in the position title or posting, all roles are full-time and are designated as PERA-covered positions. Candidates should review their individual circumstances and ensure they are able to accept employment in a PERA-covered role prior to applying.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY AND DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

DSST Public Schools is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not exclude participation in, deny benefits to, or discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and related conditions, sexual orientation, or gender identity), age (40 and older), disability, or genetic information. We also prohibit retaliation for filing a complaint, reasonably opposing discrimination, or participating in any investigation or proceeding. DSST is committed to building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where all individuals are respected, valued, and empowered to thrive.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here represent those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing these duties, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear and may spend extended periods standing, walking, bending, or kneeling. The employee must occasionally lift or move up to 30 pounds and have sufficient hand and finger dexterity to operate a computer keyboard and other office equipment.