Director of Human Resources

Western Colorado University • Gunnison, CO

17d • $110,000 - $120,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Western Colorado University is seeking an experienced Director of Human Resources to lead and oversee all aspects of human resources, employee relations, and organizational development. The position reports to the Vice President for Finance and Administration/Chief Financial Officer and serves as a trusted advisor to executive leadership on employment matters, legal compliance, and workplace policies. This is an in-person, on-campus position. The Director of Human Resources is responsible for developing and implementing HR programs that support a positive and productive workplace while ensuring alignment with institutional goals and regulatory requirements. Key areas of oversight include recruitment, hiring, compensation, employee benefits, performance management, HRIS functions, equal opportunity compliance, student employment, safety, workers’ compensation, immigration/work authorization compliance, training, and development. The Director of Human Resources supervises five HR staff members and one Equal Opportunity professional, providing leadership, guidance, and support in problem-solving, policy interpretation, performance management, and staff development. This position serves as the institutional lead for HRIS staffing and compensation transactions, overseeing system configuration and maintenance. This position also oversees reporting, ensuring accurate data collection, compliance with state and federal regulations, and timely submission of institutional reports. Additional responsibilities include position management and classification reviews, administering non-classified employee benefits, and managing new employee orientation and onboarding, and developing performance evaluation programs. The successful candidate will possess a strong understanding of employment law, HR best practices, and organizational leadership, with a proven ability to advise senior leaders and foster a culture of professionalism, inclusivity, and continuous improvement. The Director of Human Resources is a key member of the executive team, contributing to institutional strategy, policy development, and the overall employee experience at the University.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a closely related field; or Bachelor’s degree in any field and 5 years of work experience in Human Resources
• Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in human resources or a related area
• Comprehensive knowledge of federal and state employment laws and regulations, including FLSA, FMLA, ADA, EEO, and Colorado employment laws
• Demonstrated ability to lead and manage complex HR operations, including recruitment, performance management, compensation, employee relations, and compliance
• Proficiency in using HRIS and enterprise systems, such as Workday (HCM) or other human capital management platforms, for data management, reporting, and process optimization
• Strong leadership and team-building skills, with the ability to mentor HR and EEO staff and promote a culture of service, professionalism, development, and continuous improvement
• Ability to analyze workforce data and compliance metrics to inform policy and program decisions, and to exercise sound judgment in conducting investigations and facilitating effective conflict resolution and corrective action processes.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field
• Seven (7) to ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in human resources
• Experience in higher education, governmental, or public sector human resources, including familiarity with state personnel systems and compliance frameworks
• Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) certification or equivalent (e.g., SHRM-SCP)
• Expertise in public sector or higher education HR practices, including familiarity with classified personnel systems and union environments
• Experience managing immigration and work authorization processes, including collaboration with legal counsel for visa sponsorship and permanent residency
• Advanced proficiency in Workday HCM systems, especially in configuration, testing, and user support
• Ability to lead compensation strategy and structure development; managing solutions, market benchmarking, and pay plan implementation
• Demonstrated success in strategic policy development and implementation, including presenting and communicating effectively with employees, executive leadership, and governing boards

Responsibilities

• Developing and implementing HR programs that support a positive and productive workplace while ensuring alignment with institutional goals and regulatory requirements.
• Overseeing recruitment, hiring, compensation, employee benefits, performance management, HRIS functions, equal opportunity compliance, student employment, safety, workers’ compensation, immigration/work authorization compliance, training, and development.
• Supervising five HR staff members and one Equal Opportunity professional, providing leadership, guidance, and support in problem-solving, policy interpretation, performance management, and staff development.
• Serving as the institutional lead for HRIS staffing and compensation transactions, overseeing system configuration and maintenance.
• Overseeing reporting, ensuring accurate data collection, compliance with state and federal regulations, and timely submission of institutional reports.
• Position management and classification reviews
• Administering non-classified employee benefits
• Managing new employee orientation and onboarding, and developing performance evaluation programs.
• Advising senior leaders and foster a culture of professionalism, inclusivity, and continuous improvement.
• Contributing to institutional strategy, policy development, and the overall employee experience at the University.

Benefits

• Western offers an excellent benefits package including shared premiums for a comprehensive health insurance plan, dental insurance, retirement plan, life insurance, and other insurance options.
• After one year of employment, Western provides free tuition for dependents enrolled full-time in undergraduate programs for up to four years.

What This Job Offers

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