Director of Human Resources

FOOTHILLS ANIMAL SHELTER • Golden, CO

13d • $80,000 - $100,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

Foothills Animal Shelter seeks a Director of Human Resources to lead the organization’s full HR function and support a fair, supportive, and appreciative workplace. The role combines strategic leadership with hands-on administration, including advising the Executive Director and leadership team, guiding managers, and maintaining HR programs and practices. The Director also supervises the Volunteer Program Manager, who leads approximately 300 volunteers.

The position is based at Foothills Animal Shelter in Golden, Colorado. It is hybrid, with at least three days onsite each week and up to two days remote. The schedule is 40 hours per week, with flexibility to respond to urgent employee matters, investigations, or emergencies as needed. Work is primarily office-based in an animal shelter environment, with exposure to animal-related noise, odors, allergens, animal waste and bodily fluids, cleaning chemicals, and potential bites and scratches.

Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree in human resources, business administration, or a related field, or equivalent experience; at least three years of progressively responsible HR generalist experience, including benefits administration, payroll, and employee relations; and a current PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, or SHRM-SCP certification. Fear Free Shelter certification is required, or the candidate must be able to obtain it within 60 days of employment. The annual salary range is $80,000–$100,000, commensurate with experience.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, business administration, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• At least three years of progressively responsible human resources generalist experience, including benefits administration, payroll, and employee relations.
• Current PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, or SHRM-SCP certification.
• Thorough working knowledge of federal and Colorado employment law and the ability to apply it to day-to-day decisions.
• Sound judgment and the ability to make independent decisions on complex and sensitive employment matters.
• Clear and effective oral and written communication with employees, supervisors, leadership, and outside partners.
• Ability to maintain the highest levels of confidentiality when handling personnel information and sensitive situations.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage competing deadlines across payroll, benefits, and compliance calendars.
• Data management, analysis, and reporting experience.
• Advanced proficiency with HCM and payroll systems; computer proficiency in Microsoft Office, including word processing, spreadsheets, meeting software, and email.
• Ability to manage the emotional aspects of end-of-life services and humane euthanasia, and support employees in high-emotion circumstances.
• Flexibility in work schedule to respond to urgent employee matters, investigations, or emergencies as needed.

Nice To Haves

• Experience as a sole or lead human resources practitioner.
• Human resources experience with a local government, public sector employer, or nonprofit organization.
• Experience administering Paycom or a comparable human capital management system.
• Experience in the animal welfare or veterinary industry.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Shelter’s full human resources function, including recruiting, onboarding, employee relations, compensation, payroll, benefits, safety, and compliance.
• Serve as the primary advisor to the Executive Director and leadership team on employment matters and organizational risk.
• Coach and support supervisors and managers in employee relations, performance management, communication, and effective people leadership.
• Maintain and strengthen HR programs, including hiring, onboarding, employee safety, and benefits administration.
• Manage annual benefits renewal and open enrollment in partnership with the organization’s broker.
• Champion employee appreciation and engagement, recognizing contributions, celebrating successes, and fostering a positive workplace culture.
• Supervise the Volunteer Program Manager, who leads approximately 300 volunteers.
• Administer Paycom HCM and keep HR policies, practices, and records current with federal, Colorado, and public employer requirements.
• Respond to urgent employee matters, investigations, or emergencies as needed.

Benefits

• Six paid holidays and additional floating holidays awarded annually on the employment anniversary.
• Three weeks of accrued vacation, increasing with tenure.
• Paid sick leave.
• Medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
• Health savings accounts and flexible spending accounts.
• Retirement plan with up to 4% employer match and immediate vesting.
• Two medical plans and dental and vision plans currently offered at no cost for employee-only coverage.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness employer.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director