Employee Relations & HR Manager

Employee Relations & HR Manager

The Employee Relations & HR Manager provides ongoing policy guidance and interpretation to the deans, supervisors, faculty, and staff on a wide range of HR related functions. This position serves as the primary HR liaison for the School of Public Affairs and works directly with the University of Colorado Denver Human Resources office and CU Employee Services to ensure that all SPA payroll and personnel matters are managed appropriately and comply with University, State, and Federal policies.

The Employee Relations & HR Manager will actively engage with SPA stakeholders to fully understand their needs, elevate performance, improve team dynamics, and transform organizational culture. The role will also build a culture of inclusion and cultural competence by partnering closely with the School's committees, leadership, faculty, and staff to ensure impactful and measurable progress towards our vision that will reflect and elevate the voices of the students and communities we serve. The Employee Relations & HR Manager is responsible for all aspects of staff personnel and payroll administration including; recruitment, hiring, onboarding, employee training & development, visa acquisition, relocation, termination, employee relations, leave, annual performance evaluation and planning, advising on and ensuring compliance with university rules and regulations, additional pay, awards, and other appointment details.

Examples include, but are not limited to:

• Advise supervisors and SPA leadership on policies and procedures governing employee groups. This includes making operational and strategic decisions to implement the intent of School Leadership, making recommendations on process improvements, and furthering the goals of the School.
• Serve as the primary HR/personnel liaison/contact for SPA to: CU Employee Services; the CU Denver Human Resources department; all staff, students, and faculty in SPA and Institute staff on all matters related to HR including pay, benefits, performance management, disciplinary procedures, hiring, and contracts.
• Manage all of the School's personnel and position information, examples include: updating employee statuses to ensure accuracy of the CU HR system, Human Capital Management (HCM) - terminations, short work breaks, leave of absence, job code changes, promotions, FML, sabbaticals, etc.; ensure timely and accurate amounts for compensation, awards, leave payouts, and reimbursements requiring payment through the CU payroll system; develop and periodically update the School's HR and payroll procedures to ensure efficiency and compliance with University, State, and Federal policies; manage the transition of My.Leave to CU Time & Labor, working with the HR Specialist to update SPA time reporting procedures and guidelines.
• Manage SPA's annual evaluation process (plans, reviews, ratings) to ensure all employees are reviewed and evaluated and necessary paperwork is forwarded to HR by the deadlines (University Staff, Classified and Faculty); coordinate and serve as reviewer on staff evaluation processes; provide consultation on performance management of all staff, manage evaluation and merit processes for all classified and university staff. Advise all employees of new compensation amounts, if applicable, arising from this process.
• Manage and serve as the expert for SPA processes such as: determine appropriate Job Code considering type of work performed, benefit and leave accrual eligibility - make recommendations to the Dean and Assistant Dean; oversee recruitment and hiring including job description development, search committee development and processes; provide committee guidance on interviews, and reference checks. Serve on and advise search committees as needed; ensure the university's commitment to diversity and equity in employment is present in SPA policies and processes; oversee and coordinate all job postings, recruitment, and hiring functions through CU Careers and HCM; draft, revise, and finalize all letters of offer based on Federal, State, CU, and SPA requirements; ensure proper training and onboarding for new hires; initiate and develop the School's succession planning objectives to foster successful transitions.
• Serve as one of the points of contact for employees to voice grievances/complaints.
• Identify training and professional development opportunities for staff.
• Foster an environment that recognizes and rewards employees and enhances employee morale. Manage employee SPA recognition programs.
• Responsible for evaluating promotional opportunities within the school and developing professional development programs to improve retention, enhance skills, advance individual careers, and generally foster an atmosphere that promotes positive employee morale.
• Provide guidance on HR situations and research HR issues for the Dean, Associate Deans, Assistant Dean, and Director of Faculty Affairs.

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire. A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in a relevant field and three (3) years of experience in human resources in a higher education setting. A combination of education and related technical/paraprofessional experience may be substituted for the bachelor's degree on a year for year basis.

Preferred qualifications include an advanced degree in management, human resources, public administration, or a relevant field; five (5) years of experience in human resources in a higher education setting; previous experience and knowledge of CU HR systems and personnel procedures for faculty and staff, supported by hands-on experience and institutional training in policy interpretation and compliance; previous experience working with faculty (IRC, tenure track and tenured); and managing complex and diverse personnel issues; experience using PeopleSoft HCM and Taleo/CU Careers; and previous experience and training with CU employment relations processes.

The position allows for a hybrid work schedule. The employee may work remotely for portions of the workweek, based on the demands of specific tasks or personal work preferences. Working in the office is expected when working on tasks that require collaboration. The remote versus in-office schedule shall be determined in consultation with the Dean.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Strong interpersonal and human relations skills. Ability to analyze, interpret, and evaluate a broad range of laws, rules, and policies in order to exercise good judgement in applying them to HR functions. Ability to plan, organize, and meet deadlines, work under pressure, and organize multiple projects or tasks. Must be a self-starter that requires little hands on management. Ability to manage human resources and personnel from start to finish and refine program processes for maximum efficiencies. Comprehensive personal computing skills including Word, Excel, and Outlook. Analytical skills and attention to detail. Knowledge of higher education human resources, personnel, funding, and administration. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Demonstrate an exceptional understanding of access and engagement with a commitment to developing equitable practices.

The salary range for this position has been established at $83,979 - $90,000. The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty, and training. The above salary range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. This position is not eligible for overtime compensation. Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Colorado Denver provides generous leave, health plans, and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Preference will be given to complete applications received by November 21st, 2025. Those who do not apply by this date may or may not be considered. To apply, please visit and attach: a cover letter which specifically addresses the job requirements and outlines qualifications; a current CV/resume; list of three references (we will notify you prior to contacting both on and off-list references). Questions should be directed to Chris Smith, Chris.Smith@ucdenver.edu.