People Operations Manager

People Operations Manager
Denver, CO

Rocky Mountain Public Media, Inc. (RMPM) is the parent company of Rocky Mountain PBS, KUVO Jazz, and The Drop. Over a million Coloradans turn to Rocky Mountain PBS, KUVO Jazz, and The Drop to discover provocative and inspiring local, national, and international programming; find diverse viewpoints; score front row center seats to world-class performances; and experience lifelong learning opportunities every month. The People Operations Manager translates strategic direction from the SVP of People & Change Management into clear systems, rhythms, and operational practices. The role owns operational excellence across the employee lifecycle, payroll and benefits administration oversight, compliance, documentation, and reporting, while leading the People Operations Specialist and Benefits & Payroll Specialist in the current state.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

People Operations Leadership & Execution

• Own and manage the daily operations of the People function, ensuring timely and consistent delivery of all HR services and shared services.
• Translate People strategy into clear workflows, SOPs, and execution plans
• Establish and maintain operational rhythms (weekly, monthly, annual) for all People processes
• Serve as escalation point for complex employee relations, compliance, and operational issues
• Ensure a consistent, high-quality employee experience across all touchpoints

Team Leadership & Talent Density

• Directly supervise and coach the People team
• Set priorities, workflows, and performance expectations for the People team
• Ensure cross-training, coverage, and redundancy across all key People functions
• Develop team capabilities and build depth to support organizational growth and continuity
• Partner with SVP of People to maintain strong talent density across the People function

Payroll, Benefits, and Leave Oversight (Operational oversight; direct execution sits with Benefits & Payroll Specialist)

• Oversee payroll cycles for accuracy, compliance, and timeliness
• Oversee benefits administration, renewals, audits, and vendor relationships
• Ensure compliance with FLSA, ERISA, HIPAA, COBRA, FAMLI, and other applicable laws
• Review and monitor leave administration, including FMLA, ADA, FAMLI, and workers' compensation
• Partner with Finance on reporting, budgeting inputs, and benefits cost management
• Ensure audit-ready documentation and processes are updated and readily available

Employee Lifecycle & Talent Operations

• Oversee recruiting operations, onboarding, internal moves, and offboarding processes
• Ensure consistent hiring practices and manager experience
• Oversee performance management processes, documentation, and manager support
• Review and approve employment documentation (offers, promotions, corrective actions, and separations
• Ensure accurate and compliant personnel records and documentation

Policies & Compliance

• Own the maintenance, rollout, and enforcement of HR policies and SOPs
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws
• Partner with SVP on employee relations investigations and sensitive matters
• Ensure readiness for audits (FCC, benefits, payroll, 403(b), etc.)
• Maintain compliance calendar and ensure timely completion of required filings and notices

People Systems, Data & Reporting

• Lead the implementation and ongoing optimization of RMPM's People tech stack
• Oversee HRIS data integrity, reporting, and workflows
• Produce regular People metrics dashboards (headcount, turnover, comp, etc.)
• Support data needs for FCC reporting and executive reporting
• Identify opportunities to automate and modernize People processes

Internal Communications & Engagement

• Oversee internal People communications cadence (announcements, changes, policies)
• Partner with internal/external stakeholders to ensure alignment and clarity
• Support engagement survey administration, analysis, and action planning
• Ensure strong onboarding and culture integration experiences across planning

Culture Stewardship

• Ensure People processes reflect inclusive and equitable practices
• Support inclusive training, policies, and culture initiatives
• Model RMPM's values in leadership, decision-making, and team management

Other Duties

• Support strategic People initiatives as assigned by SVP of People & Change
• Participate in leadership meeting and organizational planning efforts
• Lead or support cross-functional projects as needed

Minimum Qualifications of Position

• 5–7 years of progressive HR/People Operations experience
• 2+ years of direct people management experience
• Strong working knowledge of employment law, payroll, benefits, and employee relations
• Demonstrated experience managing HR operations in a small to mid-size organization
• Experience building and improving HR systems, SOPs, and workflows
• Strong organizational, communication, and judgment skills
• High discretion and professionalism in handling sensitive matters
• Strong systems orientation and comfort with HRIS platforms
• Experience with multi-state payroll and compliance preferred
• Demonstrated awareness of global and cultural issues; ability to understand multiple cultural and community perspectives. Utilizes these perspectives to ensure all staff feel valued and that inclusive and equitable practices are embedded in the organization's culture.
• Ability to work in-office a minimum of three days a week in our beautiful downtown Denver office.

Preferred Qualifications of Position

• Experience in nonprofit, media, or mission-driven organizations
• Experience with organizational integration, acquisition, or scaling environments
• PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, or SHRM-SCP certification
  
  

Don't meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and/or people of color are less likely to apply to a job unless they meet every qualification. We're committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workforce. If you're excited about this role, feel a passion for our mission, this feels like it could be your dream job, but your previous experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification, we encourage you to apply!

PROCEDURE FOR APPLICATION:

Persons interested in this position must apply at www.rmpbs.org/jobs. Please submit the following items:

1. A cover letter detailing how the applicant's qualifications fit the needs of RMPM and information on how the applicant found out about the job opening.
2. A resume detailing education, training, and employment experience.

Position will be posted at www.rmpbs.org/jobs until filled. No phone calls please. KRMA-TV/KTSC-TV/KRMJ-TV/KRMU-TV/KRMZ-TV and KUVO-FM/KVJZ-FM are licensed to and operated by Rocky Mountain Public Media, Inc. as non-commercial public television and radio.

Our Approach to Compensation

Our salary ranges are designed to be competitive for our size and industry and are one part of our overall compensation package, which includes benefits. Final compensation is based on qualifications, relevant experience, skillset, and internal equity. While we've shared the full salary range for transparency, most offers typically fall near the midpoint of the salary range.

Work Environment

This position works primarily in office and/or field environments. This position must be able to work a flexible schedule, including occasional long hours, some evenings, and weekends. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EEO Statement

Rocky Mountain Public Media embraces diversity and equal opportunity. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. As such, Rocky Mountain Public Media does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.