Director, Total Rewards

The Director of Total Rewards is responsible for the strategic design, development, implementation, and administration of the organization's compensation, benefits, wellness, recognition, and rewards programs. This role ensures that total rewards strategies attract, retain, engage, and motivate talent while supporting the organization's business objectives, culture, and employee value proposition.

The Director of Total Rewards serves as a strategic advisor to leadership, providing market insights, workforce analytics, and recommendations that enable competitive and equitable reward practices. This role oversees the governance, compliance, communication, and continuous improvement of all total rewards programs.

Total Rewards Strategy

• Develop and execute a comprehensive total rewards strategy aligned with organizational goals, talent priorities, and financial objectives.
• Lead the design and evolution of compensation, benefits, wellness, recognition, and incentive programs.
• Ensure total rewards programs support employee engagement, performance, retention, and overall business success.
• Monitor market trends and emerging practices to maintain a competitive rewards portfolio.

Compensation Management

• Design and administer base pay, short-term incentive, long-term incentive, and executive compensation programs.
• Conduct market pricing, benchmarking, and compensation analysis to ensure external competitiveness and internal equity.
• Oversee annual compensation planning processes, including merit increases, promotions, bonus allocations, and salary structure reviews.
• Partner with business and HR leaders on compensation recommendations and workforce planning initiatives.
• Develop compensation policies, guidelines, and governance processes.

Benefits and Well-Being

• Direct the administration and evaluation of health, welfare, retirement, and leave programs.
• Lead annual benefits strategy, vendor management, plan design reviews, and open enrollment processes.
• Evaluate opportunities to enhance employee well-being, financial wellness, and work-life balance initiatives.
• Ensure programs are cost-effective while meeting employee and organizational needs.

Recognition and Rewards Programs

• Develop recognition strategies that reinforce organizational values and desired behaviors.
• Evaluate and improve employee recognition and appreciation programs.
• Partner with HR and business leaders to build a culture of recognition and engagement.

Compliance and Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations related to compensation and benefits.
• Monitor pay equity, wage and hour, benefits, and retirement plan compliance requirements.
• Partner with Legal, Finance, and external advisors to manage risk and ensure appropriate governance.
• Oversee audits, regulatory reporting, and required disclosures.

Analytics and Reporting

• Utilize data and analytics to evaluate program effectiveness and provide actionable insights.
• Develop dashboards and executive reports on compensation, benefits utilization, employee participation, and market competitiveness.
• Lead pay equity analyses and support workforce planning initiatives.
• Present recommendations and business cases to senior leaders and executive committees.

Leadership and Collaboration

• Lead, coach, and develop the Total Rewards team.
• Partner with HR Business Partners, Talent Acquisition, Finance, Legal, and business leaders to align rewards programs with organizational priorities.
• Manage relationships with consultants, brokers, and service providers.
• Drive change management and communication strategies related to rewards programs.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience designing and administering compensation and benefits programs in a complex, multi-location organization.
• Experience supporting executive leadership and presenting to senior stakeholders.
• Deep expertise in compensation design, benefits administration, and total rewards strategy.
• Strong knowledge of compensation benchmarking methodologies and market pricing tools.
• Understanding of regulatory requirements, including FLSA, ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, and related employment laws.
• Advanced analytical and financial modeling skills.
• Strong business acumen and strategic thinking capabilities.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and influencing skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience with HRIS, compensation, and benefits technology platforms.
• Strong project management and vendor management capabilities.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Legal Age: 18 years
• Education or Equivalent Experience: Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience
• Preferred Certifications:
• Certified Compensation Professional (CCP)
• Certified Benefits Professional (CBP)
• SHRM-SCP or SPHR
• CEBS (Certified Employee Benefit Specialist)
• Supervisory/Managerial Experience: Minimum of 2–3 years in a lead or supervisory capacity
• Function-Specific Experience:
• 10+ years of progressive experience in compensation, benefits, or total rewards.
• 5+ years of leadership experience managing total rewards functions and teams.