Payroll and Leave Coordinator

Job Summary:

The Department of Surgery is seeking an experienced Human Resources professional to support faculty and staff across its eight divisions: Cardiothoracic, GI Trauma and Endocrine, Plastic and Reconstructive, Surgical Oncology, Transplant, Pediatric, Vascular, and Urology Surgery.

This full-time University Staff position provides direct support in human resources functions, including leave and payroll management, position management, credentialing, and compliance. The position operates with independence and judgment, while collaborating closely with the People & Operations Manager and other administrative leaders to ensure consistent HR operations across the department.

At the Principal level, this position also serves as a work leader, providing guidance to HR Specialists, overseeing transaction workflows, and functioning as a subject matter expert for HR practices and processes.

Key Responsibilities:

Leave Management (50%)

• Act as the primary Department contact for the Campus Family Medical Leave (FML) team, coordinating transactions and employee communications.
• Provide guidance to Department of Surgery employees on FAMLI, FMLA, and other protected leave programs.
• Accurately record all protected leave monthly to ensure compliance and consistency.
• Regularly audit timesheet reports for accuracy, process manual corrections when needed.
  
  

HR Operations (30%)

• The principal will function as the subject matter expert for HR transactions, position management, recruitment, and credentialing.
• The senior level will function independently for managing and coordinating HR transactions, position management, recruitment, and credentialing.
• Serve as the main HR resource for Surgery divisions, addressing inquiries and resolving issues.
• Generate and analyze monthly payroll reports to maintain accuracy and identify discrepancies.
• Collaborate with the People & Operations Manager and Director of Operations to enhance systems and streamline processes.
  
  

Faculty Affairs (20%)

• Coordinate with the Faculty Affairs team to align efforts for faculty appointments, reappointments, and new hire orientation.
• Provide support during the annual promotion and tenure review cycle, ensuring smooth execution of related processes.

Work Location:

Hybrid - this role is eligible for a hybrid schedule of 3 days per week on campus and as needed for in-person meetings

Why Join Us:

This role offers the opportunity to become a trusted HR leader within one of the most high-impact departments at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. As the go-to expert for leave management and HR operations, you'll play a vital part in supporting surgeons, researchers, and staff whose work advances patient care and medical innovation. The position blends meaningful employee interaction with analytical, detail-oriented work-perfect for someone who enjoys both problem-solving and process improvement. You'll partner closely with campus HR, payroll, and faculty affairs teams, gaining broad exposure to academic medicine operations while shaping efficient, people-centered systems. It's a chance to make a visible impact every day in a department that values professionalism, integrity, and collaboration.

Why work for the University?

We have AMAZING benefits and offer exceptional amounts of holiday, vacation and sick leave! The University of Colorado offers an excellent benefits package including:

• Medical: Multiple plan options
• Dental: Multiple plan options
• Additional Insurance: Disability, Life, Vision
• Retirement 401(a) Plan: Employer contributes 10% of your gross pay
• Paid Time Off: Accruals over the year
• Vacation Days: 22/year (maximum accrual 352 hours)
• Sick Days: 15/year (unlimited maximum accrual)
• Holiday Days: 10/year
• Tuition Benefit: Employees have access to this benefit on all CU campuses
• ECO Pass: Reduced rate RTD Bus and light rail service

There are many additional perks & programs with the CU Advantage.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

Senior Professional

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and 2 years of professional experience working in Human Resources or Operations.

Principal Professional

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and 3-5 years of professional experience working in Human Resources or Operations.

  • A combination of education and related technical/military/paraprofessional experience may be substituted for a bachelor's degree on a year for year basis.

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience supporting HR functions in an academic medical center or higher education environment.

• Demonstrated experience with complex HRIS systems (e.g., HCM/PeopleSoft, Smartsheet, DocuSign) and ability to manage data-heavy processes with accuracy.

• Experience administering or supporting employee leave programs, including FMLA, FAMLI, or similar protected leave policies.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to analyze, interpret, and evaluate a broad range of laws, rules, and regulations in order to exercise good judgment in applying them to human resource challenges.

• Knowledge of the professional standards, concepts, and practices of recruitment and selection, employee relations, or organizational development and human resource policy.

• Ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and orally, including public speaking.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees at all levels throughout the institution.

• Thorough knowledge of current management and leadership methods and best practices.

How to Apply:

For full consideration, please submit the following document(s):

1. A letter of interest describing relevant job experiences as they relate to listed job qualifications and interest in the position

2. Curriculum vitae / Resume

3. Three to five professional references, including name, address, phone number (mobile number if appropriate), and email address

Questions should be directed to: Libby McCarthy, elizabeth.mccarthy@cuanschutz.edu

Screening of Applications Begins:

Immediately and continues until position is filled. For best consideration, apply by October 17.

Anticipated Pay Range:

The starting salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established as:

Senior Professional

$51,367-$65,339

Principal Professional:

$59,073-$75,141

The above salary range (or hiring range) represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. This position may be eligible for overtime compensation, depending on the level.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Colorado provides generous leave, health plans and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.

Total Compensation Calculator

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

ADA Statement:

The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at hr.adacoordinator@cuanschutz.edu.

Background Check Statement:

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students and visitors. To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background investigations for all prospective employees.

Vaccination Statement:

CU Anschutz strongly encourages vaccination against the COVID-19 virus and other vaccine preventable diseases. If you work, visit, or volunteer in healthcare facilities or clinics operated by our affiliated hospital or clinical partners or by CU Anschutz, you will be required to comply with the vaccination and medical surveillance policies of the facilities or clinics where you work, visit, or volunteer, respectively. In addition, if you work in certain research areas or perform certain safety sensitive job duties, you must enroll in the occupational health medical surveillance program.