Job Description

At Backbone, we live by the mantra that passion drives results. We partner with leading lifestyle brands to drive growth through integrated marketing and strategic communications. We work with brands we believe in and pair our teammates with brands matching their interests and expertise. When you join our team of smart, driven marketers, you’ll become part of an extended work family, drawn together by a passion for the outdoors and doing great work for great brands. 

We are seeking candidates based in Carbondale, CO or Denver, CO

The Job

We are seeking a highly capable and strategic People (HR) Manager to lead HR/People Operations at our creative and fast-paced integrated marketing agency. The ideal candidate will be responsible for developing and executing HR strategies that align with our business objectives, support our vibrant team culture, and attract top talent.

This role will serve as a key resource for all staff, overseeing all aspects of HR operations including recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and employee relations. The HR Manager will be instrumental in shaping a positive employee experience, ensuring legal compliance (including state-specific employment laws and leave programs like CO FAMLI+), and driving HR initiatives that support our evolving team and business goals.

The Work

Talent Acquisition & Recruitment

• Collaborate with department leads to understand staffing needs and drive full-cycle recruitment efforts.
• Develop job descriptions and source candidates through creative outreach and advertising platforms.
• Manage interview scheduling, applicant tracking, and offer letters.

Onboarding & Offboarding

• Lead onboarding programs that promote agency culture and values.
• Ensure smooth integration of new hires through training, documentation, and benefits enrollment.
• Conduct exit interviews and track trends to improve employee retention.

Performance Management & Development

• Implement performance review processes, feedback mechanisms, and career development initiatives.
• Support managers in coaching and employee goal setting.
• Identify training and upskilling opportunities aligned with agency growth.

Employee Relations & Culture

• Act as a trusted resource for employees and leadership on workplace issues and conflict resolution.
• Drive initiatives to enhance employee engagement and maintain a diverse, inclusive environment.
• Plan team-building activities, DEI workshops, and wellness programs.

Compliance & HR Operations

• Maintain compliance with labor laws, workplace policies, and agency protocols.
• Manage employee records, HRIS systems, and benefits administration.
• Ensure documentation is up to date for audits, policy changes, and reporting.
• Coordinate with the finance department to ensure accurate and timely processing of payroll and compensation-related changes.

The Essentials

Note: we consider applicants of all backgrounds. If you are excited about what we’re doing but don’t meet some of the criteria below, please don’t let that discourage you from applying.

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field.
• HR certification (e.g., SHRM-CP, PHR) preferred.
• 5+ years of progressive HR experience, ideally in a creative or agency setting.
• Deep understanding of employment law, best practices, and HR trends.
• Exceptional interpersonal, leadership, and communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, HRIS platforms, and applicant tracking systems.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to adapt in a fast-paced, client-driven environment.

The Extra Mile

• Experience with team collaboration, time tracking, and project management tools.
• Basic understanding of digital media, public relations, community management and affiliate marketing.
• A love of the outdoors
• A sense of humor

Be you, on our team. We seek to build an inclusive team and culture that values diverse lived experiences, backgrounds and skill sets.

Salary : $70,000 – 85,000 annually, depending on experience

Comprehensive Benefits:

• Medical coverage with generous employer contribution (four plan options)
• Dental coverage
• Vision coverage
• 401(k) match
• Wellness benefit
• Home office stipend
• Professional development/education assistance
• Paid volunteer hours
• Parental leave
• Flexible schedule
• Company-wide offsites
• Remote/hybrid workplace

About Backbone Media: We are the country's leading active lifestyle media agency. For 28 years, Backbone has partnered with brands big and small to develop and execute effective, integrated media strategies. With offices in Carbondale and Denver, Colorado, Backbone has been consistently included on Outside Magazine’s “Best Places to Work” list.

Please no phone calls regarding job inquiries.

Backbone provides equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.

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