Welcome!

Thank you for your Power Learning Series registration.  We are so excited you have looked to PSHRA® to help you grow in your career.

The Power Learning Series offers you a new way to grow your skills without the time commitment of a full course. 

In this course learners will explore the foundational components of public sector compensation:  compensation elements and strategy, labor market assessment, and internal equity. Appropriate and fair compensation directly impacts employee attraction, retention, motivation, and productivity. A well-structured compensation system that aligns with the organization’s goals helps maintain fiscal responsibility and promotes fair and equitable pay.

The course will be delivered over 3 weeks with one-hour weekly online meetings.

Recertification Points:  PSHRA-5 and HRCI-Coming Soon!

Don’t hesitate to contact us - PSHRA – Debbie Tankersely-Snook, Associate Director, Member Programs, Membership - meetings@pshra.org.

Making public sector work better®.

Course Syllabus

Course Description

Learners will explore the foundational components of public sector compensation:  compensation elements and strategy, labor market assessment, and internal equity. Appropriate and fair compensation directly impacts employee attraction, retention, motivation, and productivity. A well-structured compensation system that aligns with the organization’s goals helps maintain fiscal responsibility and promotes fair and equitable pay.

Learning Objectives

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Understand the fundamentals of organizational change and HR’s role in leading it.
• Identify common challenges and resistance to change and strategies to address them.
• Apply practical frameworks and tools to support successful change initiatives in public sector organizations.
• Strengthen HR’s role as a trusted advisor and change champion.
• Develop actionable steps to apply change management strategies in their own workplace.

Student Expectations:

• Live attendance and full engagement at all 3 Zoom sessions.
• Respond to each of the instructor’s discussion posts within 3 days.
• Complete weekly readings and assignments.
• Contact instructor if questions arise, jlittle1104@gmail.com.

Instructor Expectations:

• Provide weekly assignments and regular discussion posts for student engagement and learning.
• Prepare for and present course content for live Zoom sessions.
• Respond to any student email inquiries within 3 days.

Module 1: Foundations of Change Management

• Key Topics:
  • What do you consider a change
  • Why change initiatives fail or succeed
  • HR’s role in change
  • Introduction to different change models
  • Unique challenges in the public sector
• Breakout Groups
  • What role has HR played in changing efforts in your organization (or not)? What worked and what didn’t?

Module 2: Understanding Resistance & Engagement

• Key Topics:
  • Common sources of resistance
  • Psychological impacts of change
  • Tools for diagnosing resistance
• Breakout Groups  
  • Case study: TBD
  • Groups identify root causes of resistance and propose strategies HR could take
  • Share solutions 

Module 3: Communicating & Leading Through Change

• Key Topics:
  • The importance of clear, transparent communication
  • Storytelling and framing change
  • Coaching leaders and other stakeholders to be change advocates
• Mini-Activity:
  • Participants draft a short communication message announcing a change
  • Share with partners and revise
  • Share out with larger group

Module 4: Action Planning & HR as Change Champions

• Key Topics:
  • Embedding change into culture and practice
  • Supporting managers, employees, and leadership alignment
  • Building a toolkit for future change initiatives
• Breakout Groups      

Wrap-Up & Commitments

• Key Takeaways Recap
• Reflection Activity: One action I will take to better support change in my role.
• Resources & Next Steps

Please let us know if you run into any problems or have questions as soon as possible.  We want to make sure you are to have the best possible learning experience.  

All your course materials will be found on your course dashboard.

Meetings:

• Course Meetings take place in Zoom Events – You will receive your Individual Zoom Link before the course starts.

Course Design:

The course will be delivered over three weeks with three one-hour sessions per week.  

Time Commitment:

Plan for 1 hour for each online lesson to read, complete activities, and prepare for course meetings. Individuals have varying learning paces, so it might take more or less time for each person. We recommend completing lessons a day or two before the course meeting to allow time for reflection on what you've learned and the development of your plans. All course materials are included on your course dashboard (no textbook is required).

Course Meeting Session Schedule (subject to change):

• Start Date: 12/3/2025
• Completion Date:12/15/2025
• Meeting 1:  12/3/2025 - 1:30 - 2:30 PM ET
• Meeting 1:  12/8/2025 - 1:30 - 2:30 PM ET
• Meeting 3:  12/15/2025 - 1:30 - 2:30 PM ET

Certificate of Attendance:  You will earn a Certificate of Completion upon completion of the course.

Cancellation Policy:  Professional Development Cancelation Policy

Recertification Points:  PSHRA-5 and HRCI-5

Making public sector work better®.

Dr. Jennifer Fairweather, PSHRA-SCP

Chief Human Capital Officer, Jefferson County Human Resources, CO

PSHRA Past President

(she/her/hers)

Dr. Jennifer Fairweather is the Chief Human Resources Officer for Jefferson County, Colorado, and a Founding Partner of Dwennimmen Leadership Consulting. She also serves as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Denver and an Affiliate Professor at Regis University. With over 25 years of experience in both the public and private sectors, Dr. Fairweather has held leadership roles in human resources, finance, and human services. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Colorado, a Master of Arts in Human Resources Development from Webster University, and a Doctorate in Business Administration from Johnson & Wales University. Dr. Fairweather holds multiple professional certifications, including PSHRA-SCP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, and a Certificate in Professional Training. She is also a Prosci Certified Change Practitioner and a Certified Executive Coach (CEC). A recognized expert in leadership, human resources, and diversity, equity, and inclusion, she has facilitated sessions at both local and national forums. She is a Past Nationa l President of PSHRA, serves on the board of the Second Chance Center, and is a working group member for the Society for Women's Health Research.