Senior Director of Total Rewards

American University is a student-centered research institution located in Washington, DC, with highly-ranked schools and colleges, internationally-renowned faculty, and a reputation for creating meaningful change in the world. Learn more about American University

Department:

Human Resources

Time Type:

Full time

Job Type:

Regular

FLSA Status:

Exempt

Work Modality:

Hybrid 01 (On Campus 3-4 Days/Week)

Union:

Job Description:

Summary:
 

The Senior Director is responsible for the strategic development and management of comprehensive compensation and benefit programs for the university. The Senior Director will be  responsible for providing competitive compensation programs for the university’s 1,700 full-time staff, as well as manage and provide competitive benefits programs (health & welfare, retirement, and wellness) and support for 2,900 faculty, staff and retirees. The Senior Director will also ensure the effective communication of compensation and benefits program, and changes.

The Senior Director provides overall leadership and direction for benefits planning and administration for university faculty, staff and retirees, as well as compensation planning and administration for university staff. They recommend policy, oversees the compensation and benefits operations, and directly manages compensation and benefits administration. The Senior Director plans, negotiates and administers all University compensation and benefits programs and initiatives; develops long range and current planning proposals for budget; serves as contract liaison between insurance carriers, mutual fund companies, and consulting firms and university offices of procurement and finance; prepares and presents critical research and trend data and analyses on compensation and benefits; reviews and evaluates new and existing laws and regulations for compensation and benefits compliance; and, designs and implements ongoing initiatives to enhance compensation and benefits at American University.

Essential Functions:

• Oversee the development and management of competitive compensation structures, salary bands, and incentive programs, and compensation policies to support fair pay practices and legal compliance. Design and implement a comprehensive, data-driven compensation strategy that aligns with the organization’s mission, goals, and workforce needs. Ensure the strategy remains competitive within the higher education industry and relevant labor markets to attract and retain top talent. Regularly assess the effectiveness of compensation programs and market data, and recommend adjustments to address market trends, employee satisfaction, and budget considerations. Oversee the creation and maintenance of a job architecture framework, including job families, levels, and career paths. 

• Manage and provide competitive benefits (health and welfare, wellness, and retirement) programs and support systems for faculty, staff and retirees. Maintain effective communication with faculty and staff about benefits. Provide overall leadership, direction and oversight for all university benefits planning and administration. Recommend policy. Plan, negotiate and administer all University benefits programs and initiatives. Develop long range and current planning proposals, including budget impact. Serve as liaison between carriers and university offices of procurement and finance on contracts and coverage with insurance carriers, mutual fund companies, compensation vendors, and consulting firms. Prepare and present critical research and trend data and analyses on benefits. Review, evaluate and ensure programs remain in compliance with new and existing laws and regulations and align with university policies. Design and implement ongoing initiatives to enhance benefit offerings, ensure equity and effective manage costs.

• Manage, coach and develop subordinates for improved performance and job satisfaction. Clearly articulate performance expectations, develop realistic, time-bound and me