Executive Director, Rewards

Position: Executive Director, Total Rewards

Position Title

Executive Director, Total Rewards

Posting Date

12/19/2025

Open Until Filled

Yes

Position Number

1012382

Hiring Range

Minimum: $211,000 | Maximum: $263,700

Union Type

Not a Union Position

SEIU Level

Not an SEIU Position

FLSA Status

Exempt

Employment Category

Regular Full Time

Schedule

This is an on-site leadership role requiring presence in the office 3-4 days per week or more, as business needs dictate.

Scheduled Months Per Year

12

Scheduled Hours Per Week

40

Location

Hanover, NH 03755

Remote Work Eligibility

Onsite only

Term Position

No

Grant Funded

No

Position Purpose

The Executive Director of Total Rewards is a strategic leader responsible for designing, implementing, and supporting the governance of a comprehensive total rewards strategy that attracts, motivates, and retains top talent. This role oversees compensation, benefits, and well-being programs, aligning them with objectives, financial goals, and Dartmouth’s culture. The Executive Director partners closely with campus leaders to ensure market competitiveness, financial stability, and compliance.

Description

This role serves as a key collaborator and people leader, fostering excellence, transparency, and innovation across Human Resources.

Required Qualifications – Education and Years of Experience

Bachelor’s or equivalent combination of education and experience

Required Qualifications – Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong quantitative skills and financial acumen; mastery of rewards analytics and modeling.
• Relevant certifications preferred: CEBS, SHRM‑SCP, SPHR.

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. (30%)
• 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. (20%)
• 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. (10%)
• 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.

Department Contact for Recruitment Inquiries

Sarah Palmer

Email:

Department Contact for Cover Letter and Title

Sara Lester

Equal Opportunity Employer

Dartmouth College is an equal opportunity employer under federal law. We prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, marital status, or any other legally protected status. Applications are welcome from all.

Background Check

Employment in this position is contingent upon consent to and successful completion of a pre-employment background check, which may include a criminal background check, reference checks, verification of work history, conduct review, and verification…