HR Director Jobs in Colorado
HR Director jobs in Colorado are concentrated in Denver, Colorado Springs, and Boulder, where employers like Lockheed Martin, SCL Health, and the University of Colorado Health system maintain large HR functions across corporate, healthcare, and higher education settings. Demand is strongest for hr directors with deep experience in talent acquisition strategy, total rewards design, and multi-site workforce management, reflecting Colorado's mix of aerospace, technology, and health system employers. The market is active at both the divisional VP-track and standalone director levels. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 18+ HR Director jobs
Senior Manager Of People Operations
Full Time - Denver, CO, or New York, NY (Hybrid, 3 days in office at either location)
Salary Range:$73,885.00 To $96,876.00 Annually
Senior Manager of People Operations
Who We Are:
At CareerWise, we believe every young person deserves a clear path to economic mobility and professional fulfillment. As a nationally recognized nonprofit, we transform that belief into action by building modern, student-centered youth apprenticeships that unite education and industry. Through a powerful blend of classroom learning and hands-on experience, we empower hundreds of apprentices to step confidently into the workplace and shape their own success. Our impact has sparked a national conversation. Education and workforce leaders look to CareerWise as a guiding light, allowing us to scale our model into multiple states through shared institutional wisdom, reliable technology, and a deeply supportive infrastructure.
Who We’re Looking For:
We are looking for a Senior Manager of People Operations who will run the entire HR operational ecosystem and create policies and practices that support employee growth, systems architecture, and distributed team success. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are core to who you are and you are intentional about embodying these values daily and embedding them in your work. We have an awesome team of smart, fun people who roll up our sleeves and get stuff done! You thrive in a high energy, dynamic team like ours. And we mean TEAM. We collaborate, engage in healthy debate, pivot quickly based on real-time learning, and jump in wherever our skills are needed.
Job Summary
Reporting to the Senior Director of Operations, the Senior Manager of People Operation will provide comprehensive operational leadership across all HR functions to ensure structural scalability and organizational alignment. This position operates as a hands-on architect of our People infrastructure, serving as a trusted partner to executive leadership on compliance, systems optimization, total rewards, and multi-state workplace strategy while delivering value-added support to staff across all operational regional hubs.
What You’ll Be Doing:
- HR DELIVERY & OPERATIONAL ALIGNMENT | Execute overarching People strategies by aligning HR policies, systems, and procedures across distributed hubs (Denver, CO, and New York City, NY) and remote staff. Support leadership and teams through change management processes with practical HR expertise. Implement technical workflows, such as time-tracking architectures tied to grant allocations and funding compliance.
- PROCESS ARCHITECTURE & SOPS | Design, develop, and implement rigorous Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all operational HR functions, ensuring scalability, efficiency, policy clarity, and consistency across continuous department lifecycles.
- HR TECHNOLOGY OWNERSHIP| Oversee the management, procurement, data integrity, and complete optimization of all People Operations technology platforms, including ADP TotalSource, Monday.com and employee engagement platforms.
- PAYROLL, 401(k), & LEAVE MANAGEMENT | Own the end-to-end administration of multi-state payroll processing, 401(k) plan compliance, and comprehensive leave management programs (including FMLA, PFL, and short/long-term disability), ensuring flawless execution, data accuracy, and timely employee support.
- MULTI-STATE COMPLIANCE & RISK MANAGEMENT | Maintain ownership of compliance monitoring, ensuring all HR policies, procedures, and handbook standards adhere fully to federal, local, and state employment laws with a strict emphasis on multi-state and remote work rules.
- TOTAL REWARDS, LIFECYCLE | Lead the administration and execution of competitive benefits enrollment, renewal cycles, and total rewards programs. Support, design, and spearhead robust strategies to effectively onboard, engage, and retain a high-performing multi-state remote workforce, owning the seamless employee lifecycle from pre-hire to offboarding.
- PERFORMANCE & DATA INSIGHTS | Drive continuous improvement of the performance management ecosystem, ensuring department-wide consistency, objectivity, and equity. Track, analyze, and present key people metrics, HR KPIs, and workforce data insights to the Chief of Staff and the Executive Leadership Team (ELT) to drive proactive, course-correcting decision-making.
- EMPLOYEE RELATIONS| Build deep trust across all structural layers of management and staff. Foster a vibrant, inclusive workplace culture promoting wellness and psychological safety. Act as a neutral consultant in navigating conflict, resolving employee relations issues, and executing unbiased workplace investigations.
- May perform other duties as assigned
Key competencies to be successful in this role:
- Ability to bridge Operations and HR functions, supporting processes across teams
- In depth understanding of state and federal employment laws (within and outside of Colorado and New York)
- Ability to quickly build trust with staff and management
- Maintains confidentiality and does not disclose personnel-related or confidential information without permission
- Excellent critical thinking skills
- Ability to remain flexible in a fast-paced environment and drive work with confidence within a hybrid environment
- Comfortable with managing conflict; knows how to conduct unbiased workplace investigations
- High level of emotional intelligence and diplomacy
- Demonstrates a commitment to the principles of DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion)
- Lives out the CareerWise values and has a passion for the CareerWise mission and vision
Additional proficiencies:
- Minimum of 7 years of experience in a professional HR capacity (progressive leadership or operations Human Resources experience preferred)
- Experience with HRIS, Payroll, ATS, and/or employee engagement platforms
- Proficient in the Google Suite and Microsoft Office
- Experience and comfort working in a fast-paced, rapidly changing environment
- Ability to understand and interpret the multiple complexities of the evolving youth apprenticeship movement
The above statements are intended to describe the essential functions of the job being performed by employees assigned to this classification. The duties listed are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. All employees may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed. With the evolution of the organization and this role, the responsibilities of this position may change at any time.
Location:
This role can be based in/near Denver, Colorado or New York, NY. CareerWise staff typically work a hybrid work schedule. This role will require working in person at our Denver Office office on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday with the option to work remotely on Monday and Friday.
Compensation:
The starting salary range for this role is: $73,885 - $96,876 annually; this role is not covered by the minimum wage and overtime provisions of the FLSA. CareerWise offers a generous benefits package including group medical, dental, and vision plans, short-term disability, 100% vested 401k plan with a 3% employer contribution, and flexible time off.
Working conditions and physical requirements:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Usual office environment with frequent sitting, walking and standing. Frequent use of eye, hand, and finger coordination for use of standard office equipment. Oral and auditory capacity required for interpersonal communication as well as communication through automated devices such as the telephone and online video conference platforms (like Google, Zoom, MS Teams, Webex, etc.)
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer that values diversity at all levels. All individuals are encouraged to apply. If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at:
Pay: $73,885.00 - $96,876.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Denver, CO 80246
Senior Manager Of People Operations
Full Time - Denver, CO, or New York, NY (Hybrid, 3 days in office at either location)
Salary Range:$73,885.00 To $96,876.00 Annually
Senior Manager of People Operations
Who We Are:
At CareerWise, we believe every young person deserves a clear path to economic mobility and professional fulfillment. As a nationally recognized nonprofit, we transform that belief into action by building modern, student-centered youth apprenticeships that unite education and industry. Through a powerful blend of classroom learning and hands-on experience, we empower hundreds of apprentices to step confidently into the workplace and shape their own success. Our impact has sparked a national conversation. Education and workforce leaders look to CareerWise as a guiding light, allowing us to scale our model into multiple states through shared institutional wisdom, reliable technology, and a deeply supportive infrastructure.
Who We’re Looking For:
We are looking for a Senior Manager of People Operations who will run the entire HR operational ecosystem and create policies and practices that support employee growth, systems architecture, and distributed team success. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are core to who you are and you are intentional about embodying these values daily and embedding them in your work. We have an awesome team of smart, fun people who roll up our sleeves and get stuff done! You thrive in a high energy, dynamic team like ours. And we mean TEAM. We collaborate, engage in healthy debate, pivot quickly based on real-time learning, and jump in wherever our skills are needed.
Job Summary
Reporting to the Senior Director of Operations, the Senior Manager of People Operation will provide comprehensive operational leadership across all HR functions to ensure structural scalability and organizational alignment. This position operates as a hands-on architect of our People infrastructure, serving as a trusted partner to executive leadership on compliance, systems optimization, total rewards, and multi-state workplace strategy while delivering value-added support to staff across all operational regional hubs.
What You’ll Be Doing:
- HR DELIVERY & OPERATIONAL ALIGNMENT | Execute overarching People strategies by aligning HR policies, systems, and procedures across distributed hubs (Denver, CO, and New York City, NY) and remote staff. Support leadership and teams through change management processes with practical HR expertise. Implement technical workflows, such as time-tracking architectures tied to grant allocations and funding compliance.
- PROCESS ARCHITECTURE & SOPS | Design, develop, and implement rigorous Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all operational HR functions, ensuring scalability, efficiency, policy clarity, and consistency across continuous department lifecycles.
- HR TECHNOLOGY OWNERSHIP| Oversee the management, procurement, data integrity, and complete optimization of all People Operations technology platforms, including ADP TotalSource, Monday.com and employee engagement platforms.
- PAYROLL, 401(k), & LEAVE MANAGEMENT | Own the end-to-end administration of multi-state payroll processing, 401(k) plan compliance, and comprehensive leave management programs (including FMLA, PFL, and short/long-term disability), ensuring flawless execution, data accuracy, and timely employee support.
- MULTI-STATE COMPLIANCE & RISK MANAGEMENT | Maintain ownership of compliance monitoring, ensuring all HR policies, procedures, and handbook standards adhere fully to federal, local, and state employment laws with a strict emphasis on multi-state and remote work rules.
- TOTAL REWARDS, LIFECYCLE | Lead the administration and execution of competitive benefits enrollment, renewal cycles, and total rewards programs. Support, design, and spearhead robust strategies to effectively onboard, engage, and retain a high-performing multi-state remote workforce, owning the seamless employee lifecycle from pre-hire to offboarding.
- PERFORMANCE & DATA INSIGHTS | Drive continuous improvement of the performance management ecosystem, ensuring department-wide consistency, objectivity, and equity. Track, analyze, and present key people metrics, HR KPIs, and workforce data insights to the Chief of Staff and the Executive Leadership Team (ELT) to drive proactive, course-correcting decision-making.
- EMPLOYEE RELATIONS| Build deep trust across all structural layers of management and staff. Foster a vibrant, inclusive workplace culture promoting wellness and psychological safety. Act as a neutral consultant in navigating conflict, resolving employee relations issues, and executing unbiased workplace investigations.
- May perform other duties as assigned
Key competencies to be successful in this role:
- Ability to bridge Operations and HR functions, supporting processes across teams
- In depth understanding of state and federal employment laws (within and outside of Colorado and New York)
- Ability to quickly build trust with staff and management
- Maintains confidentiality and does not disclose personnel-related or confidential information without permission
- Excellent critical thinking skills
- Ability to remain flexible in a fast-paced environment and drive work with confidence within a hybrid environment
- Comfortable with managing conflict; knows how to conduct unbiased workplace investigations
- High level of emotional intelligence and diplomacy
- Demonstrates a commitment to the principles of DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion)
- Lives out the CareerWise values and has a passion for the CareerWise mission and vision
Additional proficiencies:
- Minimum of 7 years of experience in a professional HR capacity (progressive leadership or operations Human Resources experience preferred)
- Experience with HRIS, Payroll, ATS, and/or employee engagement platforms
- Proficient in the Google Suite and Microsoft Office
- Experience and comfort working in a fast-paced, rapidly changing environment
- Ability to understand and interpret the multiple complexities of the evolving youth apprenticeship movement
The above statements are intended to describe the essential functions of the job being performed by employees assigned to this classification. The duties listed are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. All employees may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed. With the evolution of the organization and this role, the responsibilities of this position may change at any time.
Location:
This role can be based in/near Denver, Colorado or New York, NY. CareerWise staff typically work a hybrid work schedule. This role will require working in person at our Denver Office office on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday with the option to work remotely on Monday and Friday.
Compensation:
The starting salary range for this role is: $73,885 - $96,876 annually; this role is not covered by the minimum wage and overtime provisions of the FLSA. CareerWise offers a generous benefits package including group medical, dental, and vision plans, short-term disability, 100% vested 401k plan with a 3% employer contribution, and flexible time off.
Working conditions and physical requirements:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Usual office environment with frequent sitting, walking and standing. Frequent use of eye, hand, and finger coordination for use of standard office equipment. Oral and auditory capacity required for interpersonal communication as well as communication through automated devices such as the telephone and online video conference platforms (like Google, Zoom, MS Teams, Webex, etc.)
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer that values diversity at all levels. All individuals are encouraged to apply. If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at:
Pay: $73,885.00 - $96,876.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Denver, CO 80246
See All 18 HR Director Jobs in Colorado
Find roles in Colorado that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find HR Director JobsHR Director Jobs by City in Colorado
Where Colorado roles are concentrated, by current openings.
HR Director Job Market in Colorado
A snapshot from current Colorado openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
What Colorado Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in HR director jobs across Colorado.
- Bachelor's degree in human resources, business administration, or a related field required
- SHRM-SCP or SPHR certification strongly preferred by Colorado employers
- Eight or more years of progressive HR experience including management responsibility
- Demonstrated expertise in Colorado employment law, FMLA, and state-specific leave statutes
- Experience partnering with executive leadership on workforce planning and organizational design
- Proficiency with enterprise HRIS platforms such as Workday, SAP SuccessFactors, or UKG
HR Director Jobs in Colorado: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a hr director in Colorado?
Most Colorado hr director roles require a bachelor's degree in human resources or business, followed by progressive HR experience across multiple functions. Colorado does not issue a state license for hr directors, but employers consistently expect the SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) or the Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) credential. Candidates who have led HR teams in Colorado's regulated industries, such as healthcare or aerospace, move into director roles faster.
How much do HR directors make in Colorado?
HR directors in Colorado earn a median of about $166,400 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $103,580 for the lowest 10% to over $276,380 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire hr directors in Colorado?
Colorado hr director roles are posted by Loenbro, Rippling, and Careerwise and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Colorado's blend of aerospace contractors, integrated health systems, and technology companies creates steady director-level demand across both corporate and regional employer headquarters.
Which Colorado cities have the most hr director jobs?
Denver, Loveland, and Colorado account for the largest share of hr director openings in Colorado. Denver dominates because it is home to regional headquarters, large health systems, and the state's densest concentration of enterprise employers, while Colorado Springs draws openings from defense contractors and military-adjacent organizations, and Boulder reflects demand from technology and bioscience companies anchored around the University of Colorado.
Are there remote hr director jobs in Colorado?
Yes, and more than many comparable senior roles, since hr director work is largely strategic, advisory, and desk-based rather than tied to a physical production environment. About 44% of hr director openings tied to Colorado are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, though fully remote positions are more common for roles focused on policy, compliance, and talent strategy than for those requiring direct on-site workforce oversight.
How can I get hired as a hr director in Colorado with little or no experience?
The most realistic path is moving up from an HR Business Partner or HR Manager role within a Colorado employer rather than stepping directly into a director title. Large Colorado health systems like UCHealth and Centura Health regularly hire HR generalists and business partners who develop toward director responsibility over time. Earning the SHRM-CP credential early and volunteering for cross-functional projects in compensation or employee relations builds the portfolio Colorado employers look for before promoting into director-level leadership.
Where can I find and apply to hr director jobs in Colorado?
Migrate Mate lists current hr director openings in Colorado drawn from employers actively hiring in the state. Find roles that match your background and apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 18 HR Director Jobs in Colorado
Find roles in Colorado that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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