Employment Specialist

Posting Number: JR107411

Location: Colorado

Engineering a world of possibilities

The Payroll and Employment Services team within the MAPS office supports Colorado School of Mines community and its off-campus partners by providing efficient and accurate payroll and employment operations. This support is essential to advancing the University's mission and is guided by principles of exceptional customer service, regulatory compliance, and fiscal accountability.

In this role, you'll play a key role in fostering an environment focused on process efficiency and effectiveness, helping to reduce the financial and administrative burdens on campus constituents and requires a proactive approach to maintaining system integrity, improving processes, and delivering exceptional service to the campus community.

This position requires an initial training period of 8 weeks, which takes place on campus in Golden, Colorado. Hybrid scheduling may be a possibility after that training period, in accordance with Mines policy and business needs.

Individuals in this position will have in-depth experience, knowledge and skills in the discipline of the employment life-cycle and related transactions. This individual will apply their knowledge and skills to a wide range of standard and nonstandard situations to interpret customer needs, assess requirements, identify solutions and deliver results. They will serve as a change agent, driving innovation and continuous improvement by contributing to the development of best practices and creating a positive, productive work environment.

Primary Responsibilities:

Employment Processing

The Employment Specialist is responsible for the full life-cycle management and data integrity of employment and payroll information for all Colorado School of Mines employees (classified staff, faculty, and students). This includes ensuring compliance with internal and external regulations and maintaining accurate records from hire to separation.

• Process and review all employee related transactions and data (new hire, job change, compensation, termination, etc.) for compliance and accuracy in Workday (HCM/Payroll System).
• Review and enter any supplemental data required for accurate employment records, payroll processing and benefit administration.
• Participate in meetings related to Employment Services, Payroll Operations and HR to collaborate and remain aware of, advise on and discuss system issues and/or projects.
• Watch for, identify and communicate any areas of concern related to both internal and external compliance and regulation requirements.
• Ensure departmental processes follow proper segregation of duties requirements and other control mandates and guidelines.
• Collaborate with the overall team to identify appropriate operations and input procedures.
• Propose and implement procedural changes to enhance customer service and support for campus departments.

Audit, Compliance and Reconciliations

• Complete and document required audits accurately and in a timely manner.
• Assist with 1042-S administration in the NRA tax system (Sprintax Calculus) and audit records to ensure compliance; work with leadership to make system updates and edits when necessary.

Support and Metrics

• Work with the Employment Lead for any corrections needed and training the MAPS staff.
• Stay informed of campus employment activity and needs to ensure shared services meets user requirements and exceed expectations.
• Drive continuous process improvement by analyzing transactional processes and identifying opportunities for efficiency.
• Collaborate with functional managers to develop transactional processes that improve service delivery.
• Identify and develop metrics to assess department service levels, performance, customer satisfaction, and overall effectiveness.
• Analyze data to identify trends, performance levels, and areas for process and service level improvements.
• Contribute to a productive, efficient, and effective work environment.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in a related field (human resources, communications, etc.) or equivalent experience.
• Considerable knowledge of human resources and the employment life cycle, demonstrated with at least 2 years of related work experience.
• Understanding and appreciation for automation and the use of technology as an enabler of high-quality services and performance levels.
• Experience managing multiple tasks and prioritize workload in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to transfer information to co-workers in a collaborative and engaging manner.
• Knowledge of higher education culture, governance, structures and mission.
• Demonstrated focus on customer service and compliance.
• Strong analytical skills and experience and an understanding of how metrics and measures can drive innovation and service level quality.
• Demonstrated ability to consider implications of complex problems and solutions and taking necessary actions to resolution.
• Experience with Workday preferred but not required.

Salary and Benefits

$56,485 - $58,000

Mines takes into consideration a combination of candidate's education, training and experience as well as the position's scope and complexity, the discretion and latitude required in the role, work location, and external market and internal value when determining a salary level for potential new employees.

Colorado School of Mines offers a robust portfolio of benefits for all employees. For this role, that includes:

• Flexible health and dental care options
• Generous sick/vacation time: 13 paid holidays per year - including a week-long winter break for entire campus.
• Fully vested retirement plan on first day of employment, with generous employer contribution
• Tuition benefits (6 credits per year for employees, 50 percent discount for dependents)
• Free RTD Ecopass

All Mines employees also have access to discount programs through the State of Colorado and free tickets for Mines Athletics home games, as well as access to the state of the art Recreation Center (fitness classes and training, swimming pool and more) and equipment rentals through the Outdoor Rec Center. We are proud to have recently opened an on campus daycare center. For more details about benefits at Mines, visit mines.edu/human-resources/benefits.

How to Apply

Complete an online application (personal information, demographic information, veteran status)

• Upload a resume or CV
• Upload a cover letter

Candidates must be currently authorized to work in the United States. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

This posting may be used to fill more than one vacancy based on business needs.

References will not be contacted until later in the selection process and you will be informed before that contact is made.

Application review will begin September 22, 2025. Apply by September 21, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. as applications received after that date may not be reviewed.

It is the intent of Mines to comply with the applicable requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008, and their implementation rules and regulations, in support of equal opportunities for qualified applicants with disabilities. To meet this goal, Mines will make reasonable accommodations during the employment selection process and within our working environment.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to access job openings or apply for a job on our site as a result of your disability. You can request a reasonable accommodation by contacting our Human Resources team at hr@mines.edu or 303.273.3250 for assistance.

Successful Completion of a Background Investigation is Required for this Position.