(Auraria) People Ops/HR Assistant Director

This is a Non-Classified position, performing the outlined duties with the Auraria Higher Education Center. This position is eligible for hybrid work after an initial training period; up to 2 days remote and at least 3 days in office. The position focuses on people operations and human resources within the Auraria Higher Education Center, serving the Community College of Denver, Metropolitan State University of Denver, and the University of Colorado Denver. The role supports a workforce of approximately 38,000 students and 5,000 faculty and staff. Job Summary Auraria Higher Education Center is seeking a dynamic Assistant Director of People Operations/HR to work alongside the Director. The Assistant Director acts as a strategic partner, provides leadership, oversees HR operations, leads complex employee relations, supports organizational change, and ensures a positive employee experience. The role serves as the department’s second-in-command and primary backup to the Director, and plays a key role in continuous process improvement, fiscal stewardship, and efficient use of people resources. Essential Job Functions Leadership & Team Management Supervise HR staff, providing day-to-day leadership, coaching, and performance management. Coordinate workload, ensuring alignment with priorities, deadlines, and service standards. Support professional development, training, and growth opportunities for HR team members. Act as department lead when the Director is unavailable, maintaining continuity of operations. Represent the department in meetings, committees, and cross-functional initiatives. Performance Management Lead investigations, coach leaders on performance and conduct issues, ensuring legally compliant practices. Provide guidance on HR policies, contracts, and employment laws. Partner with the Director and resources to reduce organizational risk and ensure fair, equitable outcomes. Strategic Partnership & Organizational Change Collaborate on design and implementation of organizational change initiatives. Help develop and execute employee experience strategies that enhance engagement, culture, and retention. Identify opportunities to streamline workflows and modernize HR practices. Operational & Fiscal Stewardship Support workforce planning, staffing strategies, and organizational structure reviews. Assist with budget development, monitoring, and cost-effective decision making. Use HR metrics and analytics to inform recommendations and evaluate program effectiveness. General Support the team with audits and act as a point of contact as needed. Perform a variety of special projects requested by the Director. Execute other duties assigned and directed. Application Requirements Complete the online application; a prerequisite for consideration. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the application. A cover letter is required, detailing how education and experience meet the minimum qualifications and any preferred qualifications. Incomplete application materials may result in removal from consideration. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in public administration, public policy, business, higher education administration, social sciences, behavioral sciences, human resources, human relations, or a related field from an accredited institution. Five to seven years of full‑time professional experience in people experience/human resources, including three to four years in a supervisory role. Professional expertise in employee relations, including conducting investigations and advising leaders on complex performance and conduct situations. Full responses to all required supplemental questions are mandatory. Preferred Qualifications Experience in FLSA, FMLA, ADA, EEO, I-9, payroll taxes, and related HR areas. Professional experience in a union setting. Success in change management and continuous process improvement. Conditions of Employment Position open to Colorado residents and non-residents; must establish Colorado residency before hire. Must pass a criminal background check. Must maintain confidentiality, professionalism, and positive work environment. Must work on site 3‑5 days per week, Monday‑Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.; additional or broader hours may be required. Must operate standard office equipment and digital tools. Attributes and Abilities Establish and maintain effective working relationships with diverse populations at all levels. Communicate positively and effectively across modalities. Balance multiple projects while maintaining attention to detail. Contribute to a respectful, positive, and professional workspace. Prioritize work, follow through, and meet deadlines. Apply strong judgment and critical thinking skills. Listen deliberately, communicate relevant information, anticipate problems, and offer resolutions. Drive strategic HR operational initiatives. Work with human capital management systems. Understand local, federal, and state Colorado laws, rules, and regulations. Build modern, scalable HR processes and lead continuous improvement initiatives. Commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion The State of Colorado believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, encouraging candidates from all backgrounds. Auraria Campus is an equal‑opportunity employer and will support applicants with disabilities with reasonable accommodations. Non-Union & Colorado Partnership for Quality Jobs and Services Act This position is designated as a “Not Covered” role under the Colorado Partnership for Quality Jobs and Services Act, and is therefore not eligible for representation by COWINS. #J-18808-Ljbffr State of Colorado