Human Resources Specialist

Western is seeking an HR Specialist who enjoys working with employees, seeking ways to improve work-life, contributing to a bright team of dedicated HR professionals, and helping us meet Western’s strategic goals.

Job Description: Western Colorado University invites applications for the full-time position of Human Resources Specialist.  Join our collegial team of employee-focused HR professionals working to enrich the Western experience and improve the wellbeing of the faculty and staff. The HR Specialist provides human resources services to the university’s faculty and non-classified employees. The HR Specialist’s responsibilities are primarily in the areas of on-boarding, benefits, compensation, and HR information system (WorkDay) support. The position reports to the Director of Human Resources.

Responsibilities: The HR Specialist provides and continually improves on-boarding for new employees; provides information about the University culture, training, policies and benefits. Follows up on employee questions and ensures that all new hire requirements are completed. Is responsible for learning and staying up to date on all Western insurance, retirement and benefit offerings. The HR Specialist is the primary resource for employee benefits, answering questions, assisting with problems, managing open enrollment, and pro-actively communicating to improve overall employee perception of Western’s benefits value. Carefully reviews benefit transactions to ensure deduction amounts are timely and accurate. Acts as liaison with insurance vendors and benefits consultants, for information acquisition and sharing, for compliance, and for census requests.  Reviews all forms of compensation for accuracy. Manages the WorkDay process for annual appointment and compensation changes, working with others to plan implementation. Works with the HR Director and other team members on the development and maintenance of compensation plans for faculty and administrators. Works closely with the payroll office auditing data transactions and working to correct any discrepancies. This position will become the functional lead for our benefits application in WorkDay and develop strong skills in other parts of the WorkDay system, both in support of their own work and to coach other employees in functional tasks. Manages employee off-boarding process. Contributes and collaborates with the HR team on various projects as we work to support Western’s employees.

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree.  Accuracy with detailed information; highly organized; excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Solid database and office software skills.  Prior experience in an occupational field related to the job duties.

Preferred Qualifications:  Knowledge of FMLA and FLSA regulations and HR laws generally.  Knowledge of the WorkDay HRIS system.

Anticipated Start Date: As soon as possible after selection, preferably before June 1, 2023

Compensation:  The position is FLSA exempt, non-classified, with a salary range of $52,000 – $59,000 per year. 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. Work-life balance is supported with generous paid time off plans and flexibility in scheduling. After one year of employment, Western provides free tuition for dependents enrolled full time in undergraduate programs for up to four years.

What you need to apply: Visit www.western.edu/jobs and use our online application. Required attachments for the online application include a letter, describing your interest in and suitability for the position, addressed to Kim Gailey, Director of Human Resources, your resume, your transcripts and contact information for three references. Contact Kim Gailey with position specific questions: kgailey@western.edu Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until a successful candidate is hired.

Note: Official transcripts (unopened or delivered directly to HR) are required upon hire; copies/scans submitted during application will not serve the purpose of official transcripts upon hire.

Additional Information on Western and Gunnison/Crested Butte

Western Colorado University is a public institution with an enrollment of ~3,700 graduate and undergraduate students, the majority of which reside on the campus and in the community.  With average class sizes of 17 students, faculty and staff share a strong commitment to inclusivity and personalized, immersive education. They are student-oriented, collegial, enthusiastic, and engaged in the campus and community. Western is committed to continual growth in regard to diversity, equity, and inclusivity and promotes participation in DEI initiatives from students, faculty, staff, and the community. Please see our diversity statement, and our DEI Committee charge. The University is located in Gunnison, Colorado, a rural community 200 miles southwest of Denver and the gateway to Crested Butte, a world class ski community.  K-12 students are served by the award-winning Gunnison Watershed School District. Both communities value the arts, quality of life, community-based wrap around services for children and adults, and continued personal growth and learning opportunities. At an elevation of 7,700 feet in the southern Rocky Mountains, the Gunnison Valley provides exceptional year-round outdoor recreational and cultural opportunities including summer arts and music festivals, mountain biking, skiing, kayak/rafting, rock climbing, hiking and camping… all within minutes of the campus.

Visit http://www.western.edu to learn more about the university.

An Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vets.

Western Colorado University believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. Western is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (for state classified positions, with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law. Please see our diversity statement, and our DEII Committee charge.

ADAAA ACCOMMODATIONS: Western Colorado University is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Western will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or performing essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to the Office of Human Resources at HR@western.edu or (970) 943-3140.

WESTERN COLORADO UNIVERSITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER INCLUDING DISABILITY/VETERANS