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Job Summary

The Director of Total Rewards is responsible for designing, implementing, and overseeing the organization's compensation, benefits and recognition strategies to attract, retain, and motivate employees. The Director will play a critical role in shaping the employee experience and fostering engagement and retention. The Director will provide consultative support to the Human Resources team on all compensation and benefit-related matters.

Duties and responsibilities include:
1. Oversee the design, implementation, and administration of the Rensselaer’s benefits programs, including health and wellness benefits, retirement plans, leave policies, and other employee perks. Evaluate benefits offerings regularly to ensure competitiveness and cost-effectiveness. Negotiate contracts, monitor service levels, and ensure vendors deliver value for the Institute.

2. Oversee the management of the qualified retirement plans. Recommend plan design changes, ensure compliance with all applicable laws related to retirement including reporting requirements, and serve as the primary liaison with the retirement plans’ actuary, third party administrators and attorneys for retirement related matters.

3. Lead all compensation initiatives, including the strategy and execution of job architecture, salary surveys, conducting overarching compensation analysis and updating compensation structure for all positions ensuring alignment with Institute goals.

4. Lead initiatives to create and sustain a culture of recognition and reward across the organization, including employee appreciation programs, spot awards, and long-term recognition. Work with leadership to design and implement engagement and reward initiatives that drive employee satisfaction, retention, and performance.

5. Utilize data analytics to assess the effectiveness of total rewards programs and identify areas for improvement. Prepare regular reports for senior management on key metrics, trends, and insights related to compensation and benefits.

6. Develop effective communication strategies to educate employees about the organization's total rewards offerings, including compensation, benefits, and other perks.

7. Evaluate escalated individual employees' issues that require special handling and recommend appropriate resolution including policy exceptions.

8. Provide leadership and guidance to the total rewards team, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement. Develop talent within the team and support their professional growth and development.

9. Ensure that all compensation and benefits programs comply with federal, state, and local regulations, including FLSA, ERISA, ACA, and other relevant laws. Identify and mitigate risks related to retirement programs, including compliance risks and financial risks.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in human resources, business or related discipline
• Seven (7) or more years in directly related experience in Total Rewards (including 
  • Compensation Administration as well as Benefits and/or Retirement
  • At least three (3) years of experience in a leadership role
  • Proven experience in designing and implementing compensation strategies and benefit programs for a large or complex organization
  • Experience in negotiating with and managing third-party vendors and service providers

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional Certifications such as Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS), Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF), or similar qualifications
• Experience managing retirement programs
• Experience in higher education 

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrated deep understanding of compensation strategies, benefits design, and market trends.
• Knowledge of trends in retirement planning, including auto-enrollment, target-date funds, and other emerging plan features.
• Ability to lead a team in delivering impactful total rewards solutions.
• A thorough understanding of relevant labor laws, regulations, and compliance requirements related to compensation and benefits including the administration of retirement plans.
• Ability to think strategically and align total rewards programs with business objectives.
• Proficiency in data analysis and interpretation to support data-driven decisions regarding compensation, benefits, and rewards programs.
• Ability to effectively negotiate and influence key stakeholders around compensation and benefit matters.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively with a diverse population, under pressure, and to meet established goals and objectives.
• Strong technical skills in Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS), specifically systems related to compensation tools and benefits administration.
• A proven ability to build and maintain strong relationships with customers and key external constituents.
• Ability to develop materials and present ideas/recommendations at all levels within the organization to gain approval of programs/process changes.

Starting Salary/Rate

Expected hiring range: $150,000 - $200,000

Pay transparency disclosure: The selected candidate’s salary will be determined based on factors that include the available budget, internal equity, and the final candidate’s qualifications, experience, education and other job-related credentials. This hiring range is provided as Rensselaer’s good faith estimate of the expected hiring range at the time of posting.

Application instructions

Follow the on-screen prompts to create a brief online profile. Please be ready to upload your resume and cover letter.

If you need assistance with the online application process, please contact careers@rpi.edu.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.  Candidates that apply on or before March 21 will receive first consideration.

Total Compensation and Benefits Information

Rensselaer’s Total Compensation Program is designed to provide stable pay growth, a comprehensive and affordable benefits package, and a comprehensive and affordable retiree medical and prescription plan. Our goal is to provide you and your family with a comprehensive health and welfare program as an umbrella of financial security and protection during your employment. For more information, please visit Benefits | Human Resources (rpi.edu).