Associate Director Rewards

Job Description - Associate Director Total Rewards (HUM)

Job Description

Associate Director Total Rewards - ( HUM )

Description

Salary Range:

Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications

About SMU

SMU’s more than 12,000 diverse, high-achieving students come from all 50 states and over 80 countries to take advantage of the University’s small classes, meaningful research opportunities, leadership development, community service, international study and innovative programs.

SMU is data driven, and its powerful supercomputing ecosystem – paired with entrepreneurial drive – creates an unrivaled environment for the University to deliver research excellence.

Now in its second century of achievement, SMU is recognized for the ways it supports students, faculty and alumni as they become ethical, enterprising leaders in their professions and communities. SMU’s relationship with Dallas – the dynamic center of one of the nation’s fastest-growing regions – offers unique learning, research, social and career opportunities that provide a launch pad for global impact.

SMU is nonsectarian in its teaching and committed to academic freedom and open inquiry.

About the Position:

The Associate Director of Total Rewards is responsible for the strategic management, administration, and continuous evaluation of the University's compensation, classification, benefits, retirement, wellness, and related Total Rewards programs. The role focuses on aligning employee rewards with the University's strategic objectives to attract, retain, and engage a high-performing workforce while ensuring market competitiveness, operational effectiveness, and fiscal responsibility.

The Associate Director contributes to the development and execution of the University's Total Rewards strategy by evaluating market trends, industry best practices, and budget considerations. This position leads the design and administration of competitive compensation programs and provides guidance on Total Rewards initiatives that support the University's talent and workforce objectives. .

Essential Functions:

Benefits: Oversee the design, administration, and ongoing management of health, dental, vision, retirement plans, and other employee benefits. Manage relationships with benefit vendors, insurance carriers, brokers, and third-party administrators. Oversee service delivery, performance standards, billing and reconciliation processes, and contract renewals or modifications. Identify opportunities for improved service, cost savings, and operational efficiencies. Oversee administration of leave programs (including FMLA and medical leave), retirement processes, retiree benefits, and benefits-related aspects of employee separations.

Ensure a smooth and compliant experience for employees navigating these transitions.

Compensation: Administer, manage and implement the University's compensation philosophy, salary structures, classification system, and compensation programs. Conduct job evaluations, market pricing analyses, and compensation studies to ensure internal equity and external competitiveness. Manage annual compensation programs, including merit increases, promotional increases, and other salary actions. Participate in and analyze external salary surveys and other market data sources. Provide guidance and recommendations regarding hiring salaries, promotions, reclassifications, organizational changes, and compensation practices.

Communication & Employee Support/Education - Execute Total Rewards communication strategies through various channels that are designed to announce changes, educate, and enhance employee satisfaction. Oversee Annual Open Enrollment process with a focus on educating employees about their benefit options, ensuring…