Employee Relations Specialist

POSITION: Employee Relations Specialist

LOCATION: DSST: Home Office

SALARY RANGE: $70,000-$85,300 based on up to 10 years of aligned experience. We also offer a relocation stipend for anyone joining us from 75 miles or more from Denver! 

STATUS/CLASSIFICATION: Full time, benefits eligible, exempt, in-person position (Denver, CO) 

START: Immediate. View the current School Year Calendar here. 

Applications will be accepted until October 13th at 8am MST.

The Employee Relations Specialist serves as the lead people partner for a portfolio of DSST schools. In this role, you're the School Director's primary Human Capital partner, leading and owning employee relations and supporting staff HR matters. You'll manage employee relations from intake through resolution, coach school leaders to grow as people managers, and help build a fair, supportive workplace where transformational talent can thrive.

This position is ideal for an HR professional with deep Employee Relations experience who's a strong coach and relationship builder, highly organized, and committed to strengthening systems that support an equitable, healthy, mission aligned workplace culture.

KEY ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

School Partnership & Employee Relations (55%)

• Serve as the lead Human Capital partner for an assigned portfolio of schools and/or home office, leading the school's HC team in partnership with the HR Partner so each school has one team for everything from policy and leaves to performance and separations
• Build trusted relationships with School Directors and school leadership through a consistent partnership cadence, and bring in the right Human Capital expertise (benefits, compensation, talent acquisition, compliance) when needed
• Build trust with staff at every level, ensuring they feel heard, respected, and supported as they navigate employee relations matters
• Manage a high volume of employee relations cases from intake through resolution, including performance concerns, workplace conflict, and employee complaints; triage cases, escalate complex or high risk issues appropriately, and ensure timely follow up
• Lead and support workplace investigations, including documentation, interviews, coordination, and recommendations

Leader Coaching & Development (20%)

• Coach school leaders to build their capacity as people managers, including setting clear expectations, giving feedback, documenting, and leading difficult conversations
• Guide leaders through performance management, from early coaching conversations through Performance Improvement Plans, with staff success as the goal
• Help leaders spot and address people trends at their school before they escalate
• Support training and resources that build leader capacity in handling employee relations

Policy Guidance & Consistency (10%)

• Interpret and apply HR policies to support consistent, equitable decision making, partnering with Human Capital and school leadership to reinforce policies, procedures, and expectations
• Contribute to refining employee relations processes, templates, and tools that improve efficiency, transparency, and alignment with organizational values

Data Tracking & Reporting (10%)

• Maintain accurate case logs, metrics, and documentation
• Analyze data by school to identify trends, root causes, and opportunities for proactive support, and share insights with school leaders and HC leadership

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree required or current enrollment in a Bachelor’s degree
• You are mission-driven: You have a desire to change the way the public school system serves students, so that all kids – regardless of race, ethnicity, or income – have the opportunity to go to college
• 3–5 years of HR experience, with at least 2 years in employee relations, case management, or compliance
• Demonstrated experience coaching or advising managers on people issues
• Strong relationship building skills and the ability to influence leaders without direct authority
• Experience supporting employee relations work in a multi-site or complex organization
• Familiarity with workplace investigations processes
• Basic understanding of employment law principles (i.e. ADA, FMLA, EEO, Title VII, TIX)

Please note: The DSST Talent Team replies to every application. If you haven’t heard from us by the indicated timeline, please check your spam folder first. If you don’t see an email there, reach out to us at humancapital@scienceandtech.org. We’re committed to providing an exceptional candidate experience.

Application Timeline

This is an evergreen position, meaning DSST Public Schools recruits for this role on an ongoing basis to support current and anticipated hiring needs across our network. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and qualified candidates may be contacted for interviews as opportunities become available.

For positions with a defined hiring timeline, the anticipated application deadline will be listed at the top of the job posting.

Who We Are

At DSST Public Schools, we are proud to 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.

Our Impact

• 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 

Why Work at DSST?

At DSST, our Quantum 5 Culture defines how we help every team member grow, belong, and thrive.

• Comprehensive Compensation & Benefits: Competitive pay and a Total Rewards package that includes 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 such as Apprentice Teacher and Emerging Leader.
• Rewards & Recognition: Core Value and TOAST Awards, milestone celebrations, and the signature Flower Person Award honoring staff who help our community flourish.
• Whole Human Wellness: Access to the Therapist of Color Collaborative, Wellness Wednesdays, comprehensive health coverage, and six weeks of paid parental leave.
• Thriving in Colorado: Time to recharge with 11+ weeks off each year, relocation support for out of state applicants, and local discounts that help you enjoy life in our beautiful sunshine filled state.

Learn more about our Quantum 5 Culture and Compensation & Benefits.

Employment Classification & PERA Participation

DSST Public Schools participates in the Colorado Public Employees' Retirement Association (PERA). Unless otherwise stated in the position title or posting, all roles are full-time and are designated as PERA-covered positions. Candidates should review their individual circumstances and ensure they are able to accept employment in a PERA-covered role prior to applying.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY AND DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

DSST Public Schools is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not exclude participation in, deny benefits to, or discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and related conditions, sexual orientation, or gender identity), age (40 and older), disability, or genetic information. We also prohibit retaliation for filing a complaint, reasonably opposing discrimination, or participating in any investigation or proceeding.

DSST is committed to building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where all individuals are respected, valued, and empowered to thrive.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here represent those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing these duties, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear and may spend extended periods standing, walking, bending, or kneeling. The employee must occasionally lift or move up to 30 pounds and have sufficient hand and finger dexterity to operate a computer keyboard and other office equipment.