Compensation Manager / HR Specialist VI - Hybrid

Compensation Manager The Compensation Manager is part of the Division of Human Resources (DHR) within the Department of Personnel & Administration (DPA). The role oversees day‑to‑day operations of the statewide compensation unit, collaborates with the Total Rewards Director on compensation strategy, and serves as the chief expert on state compensation matters. Responsibilities Lead and manage a team of compensation analysts, delegating work, providing coaching, and guiding career development. Manage Statewide Compensation Strategically plans, develops, implements, and administers statewide compensation mechanisms (e.g., pay plan, step pay program) for approximately 30,000 employees. Leads the research, recommendations, and design of the annual total compensation report. Analyzes and develops job series and classifications, determines pay grades, participates in compensation surveys, and performs associated analysis. Makes recommendations for statewide total rewards to align with competitive market compensation; supports creation and may assist with or present the annual report to the Joint Budget Committee. Conducts market research and partners with third‑party consultants to make recommendations. Collaborates with the Office of Information and Technology and Central Payroll to conduct fiscal year‑end processes, ensuring pay increases are applied correctly and timely. Supports labor relations negotiations and conversations around compensation; may participate in or present at forums such as the Labor Management Committee. Plans and prepares materials for confidential or privileged meetings of internal stakeholders regarding compensation strategies, wage negotiations, employer‑employee relations, labor issues, and management objectives. Designs, automates, and maintains dynamic data models and dashboards to support executive decision‑making. Provides analytical expertise for regularly occurring projects and ad‑hoc projects. Collects, analyzes, and interprets raw data, transforming it into insights that lead to actionable recommendations. Communicates findings through standard methods (e.g., Excel, Email, Google Suite). Compensation Consultation and Training Provides expert consultation, solutions, and support to state agencies and stakeholders on complex compensation issues. Develops and distributes practical tools and resources to assist agencies in managing their compensation strategies. Designs and implements communication and educational strategies focused on creating pay and compensation transparency within the State. Presents to external stakeholders (e.g., the Joint Budget Committee, the Labor Management Committee). Subject Matter Expert in Compensation Acts as the statewide subject matter expert in compensation. Ensures compliance with laws, rules, statutes, and policies related to compensation (e.g., Equal Pay for Equal Work, Fair Labor Standards Act, Partnership Agreement, Colorado Revised Statutes). Reviews and recommends changes to rules, statutes, universal policies, technical guidance, and all written materials, including drafting new language with supporting documentation. Presents proposals for changes to the Director for review and approval prior to presenting to senior leadership. Compensation Team Leadership Provides comprehensive supervision of the compensation team, including workflow assignment, review of work product for quality and relevance, leave management, and performance evaluation. Establishes annual unit goals aligned with the division’s strategic goals and objectives, fosters professional development, and proactively manages conflict. Provides coaching and professional development to the team, ensuring their subject matter expertise. Minimum Qualifications At least nine (9) years of relevant experience in compensation, including a minimum of two (2) years of supervisory experience leading projects or initiatives. OR A combination of related education and/or relevant experience in compensation equal to at least nine (9) years, including a minimum of two (2) years of supervisory experience leading projects or initiatives. Preferred Qualifications Previous state service related to the work assigned to the position. Advanced data modeling and analytic skills. Proven experience designing enterprise‑wide compensation structures, leading complex cross‑functional initiatives, and driving process optimization within a dynamic, high‑volume organization. Superior analytical, problem‑structuring, and problem‑solving skills; experience synthesizing data into information and presenting concise analyses. Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while paying strict attention to detail and deliverable timelines. Proven ability to lead with a collaborative approach to build strong business partnerships and gain alignment for practical, appropriate business solutions. Exceptional interpersonal and comprehensive communication skills. Proven ability to interpret and apply complex, multi‑layered regulatory frameworks to ensure compliance and legal defensibility. Experience articulating complex classification and pay concepts to non‑subject‑matter experts. Conditions of Employment A pre‑employment criminal background check will be conducted as part of the selection process. Residency Requirement Only residents of the State of Colorado at the time of submitting the application are eligible for this position. Classification Class Code & Classification Description: H4G6XX Human Resources Specialist VI. Equal Opportunity / EEO Statement The State of Colorado is an equal‑opportunity employer. We are committed to nondiscriminatory practices in hiring, employment, and advancement opportunities. The State of Colorado strives to build and maintain workplaces that value and respect all Coloradans, committed to equal opportunity and hiring based on merit and fitness. Accommodations The Department of Personnel & Administration is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. We will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including the application process, interviewing, completing pre‑employment testing, and performing essential job functions where the accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation, please direct your inquiries to the AD and AA Coordinator, Heather Siegal, at View email address on click.appcast.io. #J-18808-Ljbffr