Compensation Director

Seeyourselfhere; Denver (CO); Hybrid; USD 131,000 - 225,000; Full time

Job summary

A government agency in Denver seeks a Director of HR Classification and Compensation to lead compensation strategy and programs. With over 10 years of progressive experience, you will influence policies and ensure compliance. The ideal candidate values diversity and possesses strong leadership and communication skills. The role offers a competitive salary within a hybrid work model.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in compensation management with leadership roles.
• Technical knowledge in job evaluation and compliance.
• Strong stakeholder influence and leadership presence.

Responsibilities

• Shape compensation strategy and programs for a large workforce.
• Lead compensation policy and influence high-level decisions.
• Ensure compliance with laws and conduct pay equity reviews.

Skills

Progressive compensation management experience

Leadership skills

Communication skills

Data-driven program design

Compliance knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration or related field

Job description

About Our Job

With competitive pay, great benefits, and opportunities to grow, the City and County of Denver (CCD) offers purpose-driven work in a diverse and inclusive environment. Join a workforce of more than 11,000 team members who contribute to Denver’s success.

What You’ll Do

• Play a vital role in shaping compensation strategy and programs for a large and complex workforce (11,000+ employees, 1,000+ job profiles across 25+ industries).
• Design and lead the City’s compensation strategy, including salary structures, pay policies, and incentive plans; position CCD as a competitive employer.
• Partner with City leadership, department heads, and HR colleagues to attract, motivate, and retain talent; influence compensation policy at high levels.
• Lead development and administration of classification and compensation programs, ensuring competitiveness, equity, and compliance; oversee ordinance processes and communications.
• Integrate compensation with performance management and talent retention goals; manage annual pay benchmarking, market analyses, and merit forecasting.
• Ensure compliance with laws and regulations; oversee pay equity reviews, job audits, and contractor prevailing wage requirements; align with EDI objectives.
• Communicate programs clearly to leadership, managers, and employees; provide training and guidance to HR staff and partners; manage budgeting in collaboration with Finance.
• Lead and mentor the compensation team; develop and deliver training on compensation programs; analyze data and prepare actionable leadership reports.

What You’ll Bring

We value diversity and strong relationship-building. The ideal candidate has several of the following:

• 10+ years of progressive compensation management experience in a large, complex organization (1,000+ employees), including at least 5 years in a leadership role. Public sector experience preferred.
• Technical knowledge of job evaluation, pay equity, compliance with laws, collective bargaining considerations, and prevailing wage requirements.
• Proven ability to design and execute data-driven compensation programs that attract and retain talent and align with organizational goals.
• Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder-influence skills; ability to explain complex concepts to non-technical audiences.
• Executive presence; ability to represent the City’s compensation philosophy with credibility at the highest levels.
• Adaptability and willingness to lead change in compensation strategy and practices.
• Innovation in compensation strategies, processes, policies, and technologies.
• Hands-on leadership style balancing strategic and tactical work.
• Commitment to equitable pay practices and alignment with EDI initiatives.
• Certified Compensation Professional (CCP) or equivalent certification strongly preferred.

Required Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Human Resources, Finance, or related field.
• Five (5) years of professional-level HR experience at the level of functional or operational management, including management of subordinate supervisors.
• Education/Experience Equivalency: Two (2) years of relevant experience may substitute for each year of post-high school education.

Application Deadline

Please submit your application by Sunday, November 9, 2025, at 11:59 PM to be considered. If the position remains unfilled, we will continue accepting applications on an ongoing basis with updates to the close date as needed.

Location & Schedule

This position is located at the Wellington Webb Building, 201 W Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80202. Denver supports a hybrid workplace model with in-office requirements of at least three days per week, subject to business needs and onboarding requirements.

About Everything Else

Job Profile: CH2995 HR Classification and Compensation Director. To view the full job profile including position specifications, physical demands, and probationary period, click here.

Position Type: Unlimited. Position Salary Range: $131,770.00 - $224,009.00. Target Pay: $170,000-195,000/year, based on education and experience. Agency: Office of Human Resources. Redeployment during Citywide Emergencies may occur to support core city functions.

The City and County of Denver provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, or any other protected status. Applicants may request language interpretation or disability accommodations at no cost. Applicants must have valid work authorization for employment in the U.S.

Seniority level

• Director

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Human Resources
• Industries: Government Administration