HR and Payroll Program Manager

Position Details
University of Colorado Denver
Official Title: Human Resources Program Manager
Working Title: HR and Payroll Program Manager
FTE: Full Time 1.0 (100%) FTE Hybrid
Salary Range: $85198-$90000
Position # Requisition #38266
Join the University of Colorado Denver

About the University of Colorado - Denver
Millions of moments start at CU Denver a place where innovation research and learning meet in the heart of a global city. Were the states premier public urban research university with more than 100 in-demand top ranked bachelors masters and doctoral degree programs. We partner with diverse learnersat any stage of their life and careerfor transformative educational experiences. Across seven schools and colleges our leading faculty inspires and works alongside students to solve complex challenges and produce impactful creative work. As part of the states largest university system CU Denver is a major contributor to the Colorado economy with 2000 employees and an annual economic impact of $800 million. To learn more about how CU Denver helps learners meet their moment visit .

Job Description
* Applications are accepted electronically ONLY at *

The HR & Payroll Program Manager plays a pivotal role in ensuring the operational integrity of the Business Schools human resources and payroll functions. This position is ideal for a highly organized detail-oriented professional who excels in executing core HR operations with a strong focus on payroll administration regulatory compliance and policy implementation.

Key responsibilities for this HR & Payroll Program Manager include managing payroll for biweekly and monthly employees overseeing employment documentation and compliance processes and ensuring timely and accurate HR transactions. The successful candidate will be a hands-on contributor who can independently prioritize tasks meet deadlines and maintain consistency in a dynamic environment.

While aspects of talent management job description development and broader HR strategy can be learned on the job we are seeking someone who brings immediate strength in operational HR and who is committed to long-term success and growth within the department. This role also serves as a backup to the Director of HR and partners with International Student and Scholar Services on faculty visa matters.

HR & Payroll Program Manager
What you will do:

Payroll & HR Compliance

• Manage payroll for UCDenver Business School employee types including biweekly and monthly payroll for staff lecturers students and additional pay requests.
• Ensure all payroll transactions are completed on schedule and in compliance with university state and federal regulations.
• Maintain employee records in HCM Peoplesoft and ensure accuracy for new hires promotions and additional jobs.
• Develop update and implement HR and payroll procedures including Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the Business School.
• Interpret and provide guidance on HR policies including state classified rules and regent policies.
• Partner with CU Leave team to coordinate FMLA and FAMLI leave processes.
• Tracks student hourly actual work hours and compares against Deans office approvals.

Recruitment Hiring & Onboarding

• Serve as HR representative in assigned searches and hiring processes including job analysis posting candidate review and offer letter creation.
• Oversee assigned job description development for internal reorganization or staff promotions
• Obtain required approvals and ensure audit trails and search summaries meet compliance standards.
• Coordinate onboarding for students temporary staff lecturers and full-time employees.
• Ensure completion of employment documentation (I-9s background checks) and required online training.
• Schedule New Employee Orientation and track performance management plan (PMP) development.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Liaison Responsibilities

• Coordinate with internal departments (IT Marketing Building Ops Identity Management Campus Security) to ensure smooth onboarding and access setup.
• Liaise with CU System Payroll and Benefits Services teams to resolve payroll and benefits issues.
• Partner with the Office of International Affairs for employment certification and visa processes (J-1 H-1B permanent residency).
• Serve as HR representative on campus committees and as point of contact for 7 auxiliary/D2 programs ensuring contract compliance and providing HR/payroll guidance.

Organizational Support & Backup Coverage

• Maintain lecturer records for budgetary headcount and update Business School organizational charts.
• Oversee annual evaluation process for university and classified staff.
• Crosstrain and serve as backup for full-time faculty onboarding and payroll.
• Serve as backup to the Executive Director of HR to ensure continuity of operations.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications you already possess (Minimum Qualifications)
Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

• A bachelors degree in public administration public policy business higher education administration social sciences behavioral sciences human resources human relations or a directly related field from an accredited institution.
• Three (3) years of professional experience in payroll administration and processing and HR generalist experience to include employee recruitment and onboarding policy implementation and ensuring compliance with HR regulations and standards.
• At least one (1) year of professional experience managing time-sensitive HR transactions with a high degree of accuracy and confidentiality.

Substitution: A combination of education and related technical/paraprofessional experience may be substituted for the bachelors degree on a year-for-year basis.

Preferred Qualification to possess (Preferred Qualifications)

• Experience working in a higher education such as a community college or four (4)-year institution of education or other similarly regulated environment.
• Experience using human capital management systems (e.g. PeopleSoft Salesforce OnBase or similar platforms).
• Experience coordinating employment-based visa processes (J-1 H-1B or permanent residency).
• Experience developing or maintaining HR policies SOPs or compliance documentation.
• Experience in managing with cross-functional teams (e.g. IT Finance International Affairs) to support HR operations.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of HR operations payroll administration and regulatory compliance.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities meet deadlines and maintain accuracy under pressure.
• Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to interpret and apply policies procedures and employment regulations with sound judgment.
• Proven ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build effective working relationships across departments.
• Commitment to providing responsive solutions-oriented customer service to faculty staff and students.
• Demonstrated initiative and ability to proactively identify and resolve operational issues.
• Commitment to diversity equity and inclusion in the workplace.
• Computer proficiency in MS Office applications (Outlook Excel Word and Vizio).

Conditions of Employment

• This position follows a hybrid work structure where employees can work remotely 2 days a week and three days in the office.

Mental Physical and/or Environmental Requirements

• The ability to sit for extended periods stand and walk occasionally reach with hands and arms use hands to manipulate a keyboard and mouse and have good near vision for computer work;often requiring minimal lifting but may involve bending or reaching to retrieve items from shelves or drawers.

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at .

Employment Sponsorship
Please be advised that this position is not eligible now or in the future for visa sponsorship.

Compensation and Benefits
The salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established at $85198 - $90000.
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 (or hiring range) represents the Universitys 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.
Benefits: Compensation Calculator: Deadline

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Preference will be given to complete applications received by Nov:59:00 PM. Those who do not apply by this date may or may not be considered.

Required Application Materials:
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 Andi Denton .

Background Check Policy
The University of Colorado Denver strives to maintain a safe and productive educational clinical research and employment environment. All prospective employees and current employees must therefore consent to and pass background checks prior to any final appointment/employment.