Director of Total Rewards

Provide hands-on leadership of all Total Rewards programs and practices for Emler Swim and Gym Schools. Responsible for strategic design and day-to-day execution of company-wide compensation, incentive and benefits programs, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and compliance with all applicable regulations. Serve as trusted advisor to senior leadership and HR teams on all matters related to employee total rewards.

Compensation

• Lead the design, implementation, and ongoing management of the organization’s compensation strategy, including salary structures, pay bands & ranges, and incentive programs.
• Establish and maintain exempt and non-exempt salary frameworks through comprehensive market pricing and benchmarking analyses, balancing market-by-market competitiveness with cost effectiveness. 
• Conduct regular market studies to ensure competitive, equitable, and compliant pay practices across all locations and roles.
• Manage annual compensation review cycles, including merit, bonus, and promotional programs, ensuring timely execution and alignment with budget and performance outcomes.
• Chair the company’s Total Rewards Committee and collaborate cross-functionally to align compensation and benefits strategies with overall business objectives.
• Evaluate and approve off-cycle adjustments; provide strategic counsel to leadership on pay-related actions and equity considerations.
• Administer quarterly bonus and incentive programs, ensuring accurate calculations and transparent communication to participants.
• Participate in industry salary surveys and synthesize insights to guide compensation planning and future pay strategies.
• Prepare detailed job descriptions and maintain job classification systems, in partnership with managers and HR partners.

Benefits

• Negotiate benefits coverage, services, and costs with carriers, third-party administrators, and other vendors.
• Monitor and evaluate company benefits programs, including insurance, retirement, time-off, and wellness initiatives.
• Direct the development and implementation of new benefit policies and procedures; oversee communication of benefit information to employees and COBRA-eligible participants.
• Administer and review employee benefit programs, including integration of plans following mergers and acquisitions.
• Chair the 401(k) Committee, ensuring fiduciary responsibility and plan compliance with ERISA and tax laws; review investment funds quarterly to ensure competitive fees and returns.
• Serve as the organization’s HIPAA Compliance Officer.
• Review, edit, and file Form 5500s (Health/Welfare and 401(k)) with the federal government annually.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable state 401(k) and retirement plan requirements.

Total Rewards Strategy

• Develop and execute a comprehensive total rewards strategy that supports organizational goals and enhances talent acquisition, engagement, and retention.
• Partner with HR and business leaders to align compensation and benefits programs with workforce planning and performance objectives.
• Provide training and guidance to HR partners and leaders on pay structures, benefits, and total rewards philosophy.
• Establish and maintain policies, procedures, and programs related to compensation, benefits, classification, and employee relations.
• Ensure clear and consistent communication of total rewards programs, policies, and resources to employees.

Compliance & Reporting

• Ensure all compensation and benefits programs comply with federal, state, and local regulations, including FLSA, ACA, and pay transparency laws.
• Conduct and present analytical reports to senior leadership, including pay equity, market trends, and cost modeling.
• Partner with leaders to evaluate program effectiveness and adapt offerings based on workforce feedback and business needs.

Leadership & Vendor Oversight

• Manage external consultants, brokers, and vendors to ensure service quality, compliance, and cost efficiency.
• Oversee the Total Rewards budget, ensuring fiscal responsibility and alignment with strategic priorities.
• Serve as a liaison between employees and benefit providers, resolving issues and identifying opportunities to enhance the employee experience.

• 7+ years of progressive experience in Total Rewards leadership, with demonstrated expertise in compensation and benefits strategy, design, and execution.
• 5+ years of experience in a leadership or people management role.
• Certified Compensation Professional (CCP) certification or equivalent.
• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance or related field preferred.
• Background in multi-state hospitality or multi-unit operations strongly preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong project management, customer service, and communication skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate across all levels.
• Deep knowledge of U.S. compensation regulations, including pay equity and pay transparency.  
• Proven ability to partner with business and HR leaders to develop data-driven, people-focused rewards programs.
• Skilled in data analysis, problem solving, and translating insights into actionable strategies.
• Experience managing budgets, cost controls, vendors, and system implementations to improve efficiency and employee experience.
• Demonstrated success leading diverse teams and balancing strategic priorities with hands-on execution.
• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to thrive in a fast-paced, multi-priority environment.
• Excellent verbal, written, and presentation communication skills.

Employee Perks, Benefits & Engagement Programs

• Health, Dental & Vision Group Health Plans, and Life Insurance available for full-time team members. The Company pays a portion of the employee-only premiums for health and dental, and pays 100% of life insurance coverage.
• Short and Long-Term Disability Plans for salaried employees (employer-paid).
• Discounted Voluntary Policies (Life, Accident, Hospital, Disability)
• MYgroup 24/7 Employee Assistance & Work-Life Program
• ADP LifeMart Discounts
• Pet Insurance Group Discount
• Tuition Reimbursement Program
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Employer Matching
• Paid Time-Off - Full-Time employees have paid time off, defined by employee classification and region or state. Where state-required, part-time employees benefit from paid sick leave.
• Discounted Group Lessons, Annual Swim Party (available in some markets & locations)
• Milestone Anniversary Recognition
• Annual Bonus (performance based)

Best Places to Work Recognition! Our company competes, and wins, in annual contests to recognize employers who are a great place to work. We’re proud that you can show friends and family why you made the choice to pursue your work/career at our award winning company - a place with employee-focused core values, teamwork, resources and leadership.