Associate Director of Total Rewards - M SEARCH

M SEARCH has been exclusively retained to search for our higher-education client’s next Associate Director of Total Rewards in Worcester, MA. This is a unique opportunity to take a hands-on role in shaping the total rewards strategy, including compensation, performance management, employee success, benefits, and wellness programs. A key priority for this role is leading the implementation of the university-wide compensation and classification system while partnering with various departments to support their HR needs.

Key Responsibilities:

Total Rewards & Compensation:

• Lead the development and management of innovative wellness programs
• Elevate our benefits programs, ensuring they are competitive, comprehensive, and compliant with all regulations
• Conduct in-depth benchmarking and market analysis to keep our benefits offerings top-notch.
• Drive our compensation strategy, ensuring fair, competitive, and performance-driven pay practices
• Conduct regular salary surveys and provide strategic compensation advice to leadership
• Lead the implementation of the university's compensation and classification system, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and market standards
• Develop a merit-based performance management infrastructure, ensuring the design, analysis, execution, and oversight of a newly developed process
• General knowledge of HRIS and ERP systems, preferably Banner

HR Operations:

• Be the go-to HR partner for your assigned departments, offering hands-on support in employee relations, performance management, and conflict resolution
• Administer HR policies and procedures, ensuring they are consistently applied and understood
• Conduct insightful exit interviews and use feedback to drive continuous improvement in HR practices
• Participate in HR projects and initiatives that enhance our workplace and employee experience
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date employee records in the HRIS and other systems

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field; Master's degree preferred
• A minimum of 7 years of HR experience, with a strong focus on benefits administration, compensation, and wellness programs
• Proven experience as an HR generalist with deep knowledge of employee relations, performance management, and talent development
• Strong operational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously
• Excellent problem-solving abilities and a practical approach to addressing HR challenges
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, capable of building strong relationships at all levels
• Proficiency in HRIS and other relevant software applications
• HR certification (PHR/SPHR, SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP) is highly desirable
• Experience with Banner HR desired, but not necessary
• Experience with Interview Exchange / Hirezon desired, but not necessary