Employment Specialist

About the Role

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.

Employment Processing

• 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.
• Knowledge of human resources principles and the employment life cycle.
• 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.
• Knowledge of higher education culture, governance, structures and mission.
• Demonstrated focus on customer service and compliance.
• Experience with transfer knowledge to co-workers in a collaborative and engaging manner.
• Strong analytical skills and experience and an understanding of how metrics and measures can drive innovation and service level quality.
• Ability to work collaboratively and in partnership.
• Demonstrated ability to consider implications of complex problems and solutions and taking necessary actions to resolution.
• Experience with Workday preferred but not required.

Pay

$56,485 - $58,000 annual salary rate. 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.

Benefits

• 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
• Access to discount programs through the State of Colorado
• Free tickets for Mines Athletics home games
• 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
• On campus daycare center

About Mines & Golden, CO

When the world looks for answers, the world looks to Mines. Colorado School of Mines is a top-ranked public university solving the grand challenges facing our society, particularly those related to the Earth, energy and the environment. Founded in 1874 with specialties in mining and metallurgy, Mines' scope and mission have continually expanded to meet the needs of industry and society. Today, we are the No. 36 public university in the nation, recognized for our innovation and undergraduate teaching in science, technology engineering and math (U.S. News and World Report, 2025).

Mines graduates are change makers, boundary breakers and problem solvers. Since our earliest days, a Mines education has been and continues to be a transformational opportunity, with one of the strongest returns on investment out there for talented STEM students of all backgrounds. At the same time, Mines faculty members are pushing their fields in new directions, whether that's manufacturing, space resources, quantum engineering, carbon capture or more. Mines was recently classified as a R1 "Very High Activity" research institution by Carnegie, a notable feat for any university but particularly one of our size. That size – roughly 8,200 undergraduate and graduate students – also translates to a close-knit campus community, where employees have opportunities to get involved in multiple ways, continued professional learning is valued and everyone can make an impact.

Community Alliance groups bring together employees for professional development, networking, and community involvement, and all Mines employees also have access to the wealth of activities happening every day on campus – nationally-renowned speakers, special events and Mines traditions like Engineering Days, just to name a few. And don't get us started on our hometown. We are located in the heart of Golden, Colorado --with its charming historic downtown and nearby hiking trails – and in close proximity to all that Denver and the Rocky Mountains have to offer. That includes the sunny, high-altitude climate and outstanding outdoor recreation opportunities that make the Denver area an ideal place to live, work and play.

Are you looking for an inspiring, mission-driven workplace where you can contribute to solving the world's problems and educating the next generation of change makers? Are you an individual who values a community where our individual perspectives and experiences enrich the educational and work experience? Look to Mines.