AVP Rewards

Job Title

AVP Total Rewards

RE52950

Associate Vice President Total Rewards

3J510:

Human Resources Administration

Lexington, KY

00

Staff

Full-Time

BA

10 yrs

None

Report to meetings at different locations both on campus and off campus, primarily in Lexington but occasional travel, work effectively with individuals from various backgrounds, and learn complex HR processes and systems.

Primarily days

The University of Kentucky (UK) is seeking a strategic, forward-thinking, and collaborative leader to serve as the Associate Vice President (AVP) of Total Rewards. The AVP will serve as the strategic architect of the university’s total rewards philosophy, guiding the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of integrated compensation, executive compensation, benefits, health and wellness, HR Informatics and HR information systems (HRIS).

As Kentucky’s flagship, land‑grant institution, UK fosters a culture of innovation, empowering HR leaders to shape progressive total rewards strategies that support a multidisciplinary, mission‑driven workforce across the full breadth of its enterprise. This includes a wide array of academic units, a nationally recognized healthcare system (UK Health Care), and a network of community hospitals and clinics serving the Commonwealth.

Together, these entities comprise a growing workforce of more than 36,000 employees. The AVP will play a critical role in aligning total rewards programs with the distinct needs of staff, executive leadership, faculty, physicians, researchers, and clinicians, across these domains. The AVP will be responsible for ensuring total rewards strategies are closely aligned with UK’s institutional goals, market competitiveness, workforce segmentation, and the broader employee value proposition, balancing salary alignment, fiscal stewardship, and organizational performance.

This leader will bring deep subject matter expertise and strategic insight to navigate complex regulatory environments, public sector expectations, and the nuances of a large public university undergoing transformation. Leading a team of talented HR professionals, the AVP will champion a holistic and data‑informed approach to total rewards that enhances talent attraction, engagement, and retention, ultimately supporting the University of Kentucky’s mission to advance education, healthcare, research, and community impact across the state and beyond.

Reports to:

Vice President & Chief Human Resource Officer

The executive search firm of InTrust Partners has been selected to recruit for this position. To be considered, you must complete the UK application AND contact Amanda Hargrove of InTrust Partners at

Must have advanced expertise in total rewards strategy, including compensation and executive compensation design, benefits and wellness program stewardship. Experience in market pricing and pay equity analysis, executive and board‑level compensation governance, and strong knowledge of applicable employment and benefits regulations. Proficiency in HRIS platforms and workforce analytics to support data‑driven decision‑making and vendor management capabilities. Experience leading organizational change, management of complex programs, and strong stakeholder engagement is essential, as is a strong orientation toward compliance, risk mitigation, and ethical decision‑making in a complex institutional environment.

Yes

Minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership experience in total rewards, compensation, benefits, or HR strategy, with at least 5 years in a senior or enterprise‑level role. Certified Compensation Professional (CCP), Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS), SHRM‑SCP or SPHR is strongly preferred. Relevant certifications in HRIS platforms or data analytics tools (e.g., Workday, SAP, Oracle, Tableau).