Director of Total Rewards

We are seeking a hands-on, highly analytical Director of Total Rewards who is equally data-driven and people-centered. This is a working director role requiring deep involvement in compensation and benefits analysis, program execution, and day-to-day decision-making, while serving as a trusted internal advisor to leaders and employees. 

This role plays a critical part in shaping the employee experience by delivering competitive, compliant, and financially sound total rewards programs with a strong emphasis on internal customer service, empathy, and clear communication. The ideal candidate combines advanced analytical skills and expert Excel capability with a genuine commitment to supporting people through thoughtful, responsive, and human-centered solutions. This role reports directly to the Chief People Officer. 

Total Rewards Strategy & Execution

• Develop, execute, and continuously optimize a comprehensive total rewards strategy aligned with business objectives and workforce needs 
• Personally lead the design, implementation, and administration of compensation programs, including salary structures, incentive plans, job architecture, and equity-based rewards 
• Conduct hands-on market pricing, benchmarking, and pay equity analyses to ensure competitiveness and internal alignment 
• Partner with HR Business Partners and leaders as a consultative, internal client-facing advisor, providing clear, data-backed guidance on offers, promotions, adjustments, and retention strategies 

Benefits Strategy, Administration & Employee Support

• Analyze, design, implement, and administer competitive benefits programs and policies  
• Manage the full benefits portfolio, including medical, dental, vision, HSA/FSA, life and disability insurance, retirement plans, wellness programs, paid time off, tuition reimbursement, employee referral programs, and leave policies 
• Own end-to-end benefits operations, including employee communications, policy interpretation, vendor management, carrier relationships, billing, and issue resolution 
• Serve as a primary escalation point for complex or sensitive employee situations, responding with empathy, clarity, and a strong service mindset 
• Prepare and manage the annual benefits budget; track and forecast spend, reconcile invoices, and analyze cost drivers in partnership with Finance 
• Review monthly plan performance and utilization reports; analyze trends and cost impact to recommend plan design or vendor changes that improve value while maintaining a positive employee experience 
• Retirement, Compliance & Risk Management 
• Administer the 401(k) program, including funding, vendor coordination, participant communications, and oversight of nondiscrimination testing and annual audits 
• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations (ERISA, ACA, FLSA, etc.) while balancing compliance with employee understanding and experience 
• Oversee leaves administration (FMLA, STD, LTD, WC), ensuring compliance with company policy and applicable laws and supporting employees through complex or life-impacting situations 

Analytics, Reporting & Decision Support

• Build and maintain advanced Excel models, dashboards, and analyses to support compensation decisions, benefits strategy, budgeting, and workforce planning 
• Analyze compensation and benefits trends, utilization, and cost impact; translate complex data into?clear, actionable insights?for leadership and internal stakeholders 
• Support annual compensation cycles (merit, bonus, market adjustments) through detailed modeling, scenario analysis, and execution 
• Ensure accuracy, consistency, and integrity of compensation and benefits data 

Leadership & Continuous Improvement

• Lead and develop total rewards team members while remaining directly involved in key deliverables 
• Set a high standard for?internal customer service, responsiveness, and professionalism across the Total Rewards function 
• Drive continuous improvement across programs, processes, and communications using data, feedback, and employee experience insights 
• Support mergers, acquisitions, and organizational changes through compensation and benefits analysis, integration planning, and cost modeling 
• Serve as a subject matter expert and trusted partner across HR and the business 
• Other duties as assigned 

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance, or related field; or equivalent practical experience 
• 8+ years of progressive experience in compensation and benefits / total rewards leadership (healthcare preferred) 
• Proven experience designing and implementing total rewards programs in complex or fast-growing organizations 
• Advanced to expert-level Excel skills, including complex modeling, scenario analysis, and data visualization 
• Strong analytical and financial acumen with the ability to balance data-driven decisions and human impact
• Deep understanding of compensation and benefits compliance requirements (ERISA, ACA, FLSA, etc.) 
• Demonstrated ability to serve as an?empathetic, trusted internal advisor?with strong communication and relationship-building skills 
• Ability to operate as a?hands-on, execution-focused leader?in a fast-paced environment