Director of Rewards

Description PURPOSE OF THIS POSITION:

Western New England University is looking for someone with a builder’s mindset to lead its Total Rewards function. This role would be responsible for developing a redefined integrated Total Rewards program, including compensation, benefits and recognition strategies designed as a strategic lever to attract and retain top talent. Reporting directly to the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) and in partnership with senior leadership, constituent stakeholders, and the Board, the person who comes into this role will also effectively oversee day-to-day payroll and benefits operations – meaning they need to be as comfortable in the details as they are at the strategic level.

Essential Job Functions Reporting to the CHRO, the Director provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for WNE’s compensation and benefits programs, partnering closely with the Talent Acquisition and HR Business Partner colleagues and other institutional stakeholders to ensure programs are competitive, compliant, equitable and drive performance and culture.

Compensation Strategy and Program Development Lead the design and implementation of WNE's formal compensation philosophy, covering base pay, merit, COLA, stipends, bonuses, ensuring market-competitiveness and internal equity.

Build a comprehensive job grading and market pricing framework: developing and maintaining job families, grades, and salary bands across faculty and staff populations.

Lead compensation processes including merit or COLA increases, equity reviews, and ad hoc adjustment recommendations that align with market-competitiveness and University mission and strategy.

Provide expert guidance to hiring managers and HR colleagues on job description development, offer structuring, and compensation decision-making aligned with the compensation philosophy.

Partner with the CHRO on executive compensation, including support for Board Compensation Committee work and incentive plan evaluation process.

Benefits Strategy and Administration Lead the strategic benefits renewal process in partnership with the CHRO and broker team — evaluating carrier options, plan design, cost management strategies, and alternative funding models.

Oversee the Assistant Manager of Benefits Administration and day-to-day benefits administration, including eligibility, enrollment, vendor management, compliance filings, and employee communications.

Drive wellness strategy development and programming in partnership with benefit brokers and internal stakeholders.

Act as a lead facilitator and coordinator of the Human Resources-led Benefits and Wellness Committees, and as a liaison and primary point of contact for the Personnel Benefits and Administration Committee of the Faculty Senate and to Staff Council on benefits matters.

Ensure compliance with ACA, ERISA, PFML, FMLA, and all applicable federal and state regulations. Oversee annual benefits-related filings and audits.

Manage relationships with benefits brokers, carriers, and third-party administrators.

Payroll Oversight Oversee accurate and timely processing of all employee and student payroll, ensuring compliance with federal and state wage and hour laws.

Partner with HRIS and Finance on payroll system configuration, reporting, and process improvement.

Lead ongoing optimization of student employment payroll processes and supervisor accountability frameworks.

Ensure audit readiness by overseeing annual payroll-related regulatory obligations and internal payroll controls.

Team Development and Collaboration Coach and develop team members in benefits and payroll administration — building capability, accountability, and a culture of accuracy and service.

Collaborate closely with Talent Acquisition,…