Description

Scientific Applications & Research Associates, Inc. (SARA) is a world-class Defense Research and Development enterprise, with a charter to create new and emerging technology innovations in support of Commercial & Government organizations. We have expertise in RF, EMP, Pulsed Power, Acoustics and Threat Warning Systems, and we prioritize partnering with our customers to address real-world problems with cost-effective solutions… that work.

Position Summary

SARA is looking for a remarkably talented, motivated, and experienced Director of Human Resources, in Colorado Springs, CO. This role is responsible for leading the full HR function for a 100% employee-owned (ESOP) government contracting company operating under FAR and DCAA compliance requirements. This role requires deep expertise in defense contracting environments, ESOP administration and governance, regulatory compliance, and scalable HR infrastructure.

The Director will serve as a strategic partner to executive leadership while ensuring operational excellence across talent management, compliance, compensation, employee relations, ESOP communications, and workforce planning.

This role is both strategic and hands-on and is critical to maintaining our culture of ownership, regulatory compliance, and mission alignment.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic HR Leadership

• Develop and execute HR strategy aligned with company growth objectives and ESOP culture
• Serve as a trusted advisor to executive leadership on workforce planning, organizational design, succession planning, and leadership development
• Support M&A integration activities including workforce transition, benefits harmonization, and cultural alignment if and as needed

Government Contractor Compliance

• Partner with Contracts, Finance, and Legal to ensure workforce policies and employment practices align with applicable FAR, DFARS, DCAA, and federal labor regulatory requirements
• Lead HR's role in compliance with employment-related federal contractor obligations, including:
  • Affirmative Action Plans (AAP) and OFCCP requirements
  • EEO reporting and workforce data accuracy
  • Service Contract Act (SCA), where applicable
  • Executive Orders affecting federal contractors (e.g., minimum wage, paid sick leave)
  • Drug-Free Workplace and mandatory training requirements
• Ensure HR policies, compensation structures, and benefit programs are structured in a manner consistent with FAR Part 31 cost allowability principles in coordination with Finance
• Support DCAA audit readiness as it relates to timekeeping practices, labor charging controls, compensation documentation, and personnel records
• Maintain compliant employee onboarding, background check, and security clearance support processes
• Collaborate with Finance on indirect rate structures (e.g., fringe allocations) to ensure HR program costs are properly classified and defensible

ESOP Governance & Administration

• Actively participate as a member of the ESOP Committee and support the Committee in fulfilling its plan administration responsibilities
• With the support of an external administrator, maintain and drive the annual ESOP compliance calendar, and related administrative duties, including coordination of required testing, filings, notices, and participant communications
• Partner with Finance, the Trustee, and external advisors to support the annual valuation process and ensure accurate census and compensation data
• Support repurchase liability tracking, distribution processing, and share allocation administration
• Coordinate participant education efforts to reinforce ownership culture and understanding of ESOP benefits
• Ensure HR systems and payroll processes accurately support ESOP allocations and reporting requirements

Compensation & Benefits

• Design and manage compliant compensation programs aligned with:
  • Government contracting cost allowability standards
  • Executive compensation reasonableness requirements
  • Market competitiveness for cleared and technical talent
• Oversee benefits programs including health, welfare, retirement, and ESOP integration
• Ensure defensibility of compensation structures during audit review

Employee Relations & Culture

• Lead employee relations strategy ensuring fair, consistent, and legally compliant resolution of workplace matters
• Maintain policies and procedures that reflect both regulatory compliance and ownership culture
• Promote a high-engagement, high-accountability employee-owner mindset

Talent Management

• Oversee recruiting strategy for technical, cleared, and professional roles
• Build workforce pipelines aligned with contract growth
• Lead performance management and leadership development initiatives

HR Operations & Systems

• Oversee HRIS systems and reporting
• Ensure accurate employee data management for audit, valuation, and regulatory reporting purposes
• Maintain HR policies and employee handbook consistent with ESOP and GovCon requirements
• Lead or support additional strategic initiatives and compliance efforts as required to support company growth, regulatory obligations, and ESOP governance

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field
• 12+ years progressive HR leadership experience
• Minimum 5 years in a defense contracting or federal government contractor environment
• Direct experience supporting FAR, DCAA, and OFCCP compliance
• Demonstrated experience with ESOP administration and governance
• Experience partnering with Finance on indirect rate structures and audit preparation
• Strong working knowledge of California employment law
• Proven ability to operate strategically while remaining operationally hands-on
• May require light physical effort, involving standing, sitting and use of hands while performing duties, carrying or lifting up to 15 pounds
• Working environment is indoor, moderately quiet, reasonably clean, well-lighted and well-ventilated
• Ability to obtain and maintain security clearance, if requested
  • US Citizenship required

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related
• Experience in a 100% ESOP Company
• SHRM-SCP, SPHR, or similar certification
• Experience working with external ESOP trustees and valuation firms
• Background supporting companies with security-cleared employees

Key Competencies

• Executive presence and sound judgment
• High integrity and discretion
• Strong regulatory and compliance orientation
• Ability to balance ownership culture with accountability
• Analytical capability to partner with Finance on compensation and repurchase modeling
• Change management and communication excellence

SARA offers a competitive benefits package to include:

• Medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance; and other supplemental programs
• A generous PTO program
• Tuition & certification reimbursement
• Flexible work schedules
• Employee bonuses
• 401(k) match
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)

Pay Range

Salary at SARA is determined by various factors, including but not limited to location, the individual's particular combination of education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements. The projected compensation range for this position is $150,000 - $190,000 (annualized USD). The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position and is just one component of SARA's total compensation package for employees. Positions are on-site, unless indicated otherwise.

Application Deadline: March 19, 2026

SARA is an equal employment opportunity employer.

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