Director of Total Rewards

Job Summary 
     
The Director of Total Rewards provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the university’s compensation and benefits programs. This role develops and executes a comprehensive total rewards strategy that supports workforce planning, financial sustainability, and the institution’s ability to attract and retain top talent. The Director serves as a senior advisor to executive leadership and ensures programs are competitive, equitable, transparent, and compliant.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

• Advanced knowledge of compensation strategy, job evaluation methodologies, salary structures, market pricing, and pay equity principles. 
• Knowledge of federal and state laws governing compensation and benefits, including FLSA, Equal Pay Act, Title VII, ADA, and related regulations. 
• Understanding of integrated total rewards programs, including compensation, benefits, incentives, and recognition. 
  Experience interpreting compensation survey data and labor market trends (e.g., CUPA-HR, Mercer, Salary.com). 
• Strong financial acumen to assess program costs, budget impact, and long-term sustainability. 
• Advanced analytical skills with the ability to evaluate complex datasets and develop actionable insights. 
• Demonstrated leadership skills, including team management, coaching, and development of HR professionals. 
• Exceptional communication and influencing skills, with the ability to present complex information to executive audiences. 
• Ability to guide organizational change related to pay structures, workforce planning, or program redesign. 
• Ability to address sensitive pay issues, resolve disputes, and recommend solutions that balance equity, compliance, and fiscal constraints. 
• Strong relationship-building skills and ability to collaborate across diverse stakeholder groups. 

Required Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field, and a minimum of five years of progressive HR experience, including significant experience in compensation, benefits, or total rewards.
  OR 

• Associate’s Degree/ Two years of College + Two (2) years of related work experience OR four (4) years of related work experience (plus any additional required experience)

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree or HR certification (e.g., CCP, PHR, SHRM-CP). 
• Experience working in higher education, the public sector, or other mission-driven organizations. 
• Familiarity with HRIS and compensation management systems (Oracle experience highly preferred). 

Compensation and Benefits

• Job Family - Human Resources Professional 5
• Salary – Market Range 11 (Salary Schedules)

For information on employee benefits, please visit  www.etsu.edu/human-resources/benefits/.

Application Instructions

• Exempt positions are only required to be posted for a minimum of fourteen (14) calendar days. The closing date for this posting is subject to change without notice to applicants.
• Employment is contingent on a satisfactory background check.

Documents required to apply:

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• Letters of Recommendation (Upon Request)
• Copy of any certifications (Upon Request)

ETSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer

University Overview

East Tennessee State University (ETSU) is an institution with over 14,000 diverse students, highly ranked graduate and undergraduate programs. Located in the Southern Appalachian Mountains of Northeast Tennessee, ETSU serves as a hub for community, discovery, and service. Aligned with the institution's mission, we value efforts to engage in teaching, scholarship, creative activities, and service that involve community partners and address significant societal needs in our region and beyond. Recognized in 2024 as a Great College to Work For, recent strategic initiatives prioritize the institution’s focus on community engagement.

Disclaimer: The Job Summary is intended to describe the general nature and level of work individuals perform in this classification. It is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Management reserves the right to revise the job or require different tasks to be performed as assigned to reflect changes in the position. Employees must be able to perform the position’s essential functions satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations.