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Inside Higher Ed · 3 weeks ago

Executive Director, Total Rewards

Hanover, NH

Full-time

Onsite

Director/Executive

$211K/yr - $264K/yr

12+ years exp

Inside Higher Ed is seeking an Executive Director of Total Rewards who will be a strategic leader responsible for designing and implementing a comprehensive total rewards strategy. This role focuses on overseeing compensation, benefits, and well-being programs while collaborating with campus leaders to ensure market competitiveness and compliance.

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Responsibilities

Define, implement, and evolve a multi-year total rewards strategy and roadmap encompassing health and well-being benefits, retirement benefits, compensation, rewards, and leave programs aligned to institutional goals and responsive to changing market conditions, budgetary realities, and Dartmouth’s competitive position

Manage and evaluate external consultants and vendors—working collaboratively with leadership to set expectations, negotiate competitive rates, and monitor performance—while retaining accountability for meeting deadlines, managing expenses, and ensuring quality outcomes

Advise HR and Dartmouth leadership and the College Benefits Council (CBC) and Retirement Plan Governance Committee (RPGC) on strategic Total Rewards initiatives and programs. Partner with senior leadership on plan designs, compensation strategy, compliance initiatives, and employee communications

Lead a high-performing, cross-functional team fostering a culture of accountability, inclusion, and continuous improvement. Provide direct mentoring and coaching, supporting professional development and cross-functional collaboration. Drive alignment between team goals and broader institutional priorities

Ensures compliance with all state and federal regulations governing benefit and retirement plans

Demonstrates professionalism and collegiality through actions, interactions, and communications with others appropriate to an environment that is welcoming to all

Performs other duties as assigned

Qualification

Compensation strategyBenefits managementStakeholder managementQuantitative skillsFinancial acumenLeadership skillsCoaching skillsExecutive presenceCompliance knowledgeRewards analyticsCertifications CEBSCertifications SHRM-SCPCertifications SPHRCommunication skillsTeam management

Required

Bachelors or equivalent combination of education and experience

Twelve plus (12+) years leading compensation and benefits teams, ideally, within large, decentralized institutions or academic/healthcare environments

Excellence in stakeholder management and executive presence

Exceptional leadership, coaching, and communication skills, with the ability to manage large teams through times of change and complexity