Employee Relations Specialist

Location: DSST Home Office, Denver, CO

Salary range: $70,000–$85,300 based on up to 10 years of aligned experience. Relocation stipend available for candidates joining from 75+ miles outside Denver.

Full-time, benefits-eligible, exempt, in-person position.

About the role

The Employee Relations Specialist plays a critical role in fostering a fair, equitable, and supportive workplace across DSST. This role manages day-to-day employee relations matters, supports workplace investigations, ensures consistent application of policies, and partners closely with school leaders to promote a positive work environment. Ideal for an HR professional who is detail-oriented, highly organized, and committed to strengthening systems that support a healthy, mission-aligned workplace culture.

Responsibilities

• Employee Relations Case Support (70%)
  • Manage and support a high volume of employee relations cases from intake through resolution, including performance concerns, policy questions, workplace conflict, and employee complaints.
  • Serve as a point of contact for HR partners and leaders seeking guidance on routine employee relations matters.
  • Triage cases, escalate complex or high-risk issues appropriately, and ensure timely follow-up.
  • Support workplace investigations, including documentation gathering, interviews, and coordination.
• Policy Guidance & Consistency (15%)
  • Interpret and apply HR policies to support consistent and equitable decision-making.
  • Partner with Human Capital and School leadership to reinforce adherence to policies, procedures, and expectations.
  • Coach managers on routine employee relations matters, including documentation and initial performance conversations.
  • Contribute to the development and refinement of employee relations processes, templates, and tools.
  • Support training initiatives to build leader capacity in handling employee relations cases.
  • Strengthen systems that improve efficiency, transparency, and alignment with organizational values.
• Data Tracking & Reporting (10%)
  • Maintain accurate case logs, metrics, and documentation.
  • Analyze data to identify trends, root causes, and opportunities for proactive support.
  • Assist in preparing reports and summaries for HR leadership.
• Other Duties as Assigned (5%)
  • Perform additional duties based on organizational priorities.
  • Model DSST’s Core Values, Commitment to the Human Condition, and commitment to equity as a leader within the network.
  • Play an active leadership role in building and sustaining Home Office culture.
  • Engage with school communities to build relationships between schools and the Home Office.
  • Participate in and support Home Office and Network-wide events.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required or current enrollment in a Bachelor’s degree program.
• 2–4 years of HR experience, with at least 1 year of exposure to employee relations, case management, or compliance.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Teams, Excel, and Google Suite.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple cases simultaneously.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion.
• Strong attention to detail and documentation accuracy.
• Demonstrated ability to apply sound judgment and escalate issues appropriately.
• Mission-driven commitment to education equity and expanding opportunity for all students.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting employee relations work in a multi-site or complex organization.
• Familiarity with workplace investigations processes.
• Previous experience in an educational environment, CMO, or Charter Management Organization.
• Basic understanding of employment law principles (e.g., ADA, FMLA, EEO, Title VII, Title IX).

Benefits

• Comprehensive Compensation & Benefits
  • Competitive pay and a Total Rewards package including fertility and adoption support.
  • Educator-focused mental-health care and everyday perks like Safeway grocery discounts.
• Growth & Opportunity
  • Weekly 1:1 coaching, data-driven feedback, and clear career pathways (e.g., Apprentice Teacher, Emerging Leader).
• Rewards & Recognition
  • Core Value and TOAST Awards, milestone celebrations, and the signature Flower Person Award for staff who help the community flourish.
• Whole Human Wellness
  • Access to the Therapist of Color Collaborative and Wellness Wednesdays.
  • Comprehensive health coverage and six weeks of paid parental leave.
• Thriving in Colorado
  • 11+ weeks off each year, relocation support for out-of-state applicants, and local discounts to enjoy life in Colorado.

Schedule

Full-time, in-person position in Denver, CO. Immediate start.

View the current School Year Calendar.

About DSST Public Schools

At DSST Public Schools, we achieve transformational results for our 7,500+ students—97% of whom attend a Green (top-rated) school. Just as important is how we achieve them: values-centered, human-focused, and together. We invite educators and leaders who share our belief that there is more in us—more brilliance, more courage, more possibility—to join us.

• 100% of DSST graduates have been admitted to college or a postsecondary program.
• 15 of 16 schools rated Green on the 2024–25 SPF.
• 9 out of 10 DSST families would recommend DSST to a friend.
• 95%+ of staff say their managers check in regularly and care about them as people.