Associate Director, Benefits & Total Rewards

Barnard College•New York City, NY

4d•$130,000 - $140,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Reporting to the Director of Human Resources, the Associate Director for Benefits and Total Rewards is responsible for the design, administration, and continuous improvement of the College’s comprehensive benefits, wellbeing, compensation, and total rewards programs. This role provides both strategic leadership and hands-on execution, ensuring that programs are competitive, compliant, financially sustainable, and responsive to the diverse needs of faculty and staff. The Associate Director is a highly detail-oriented, service-driven professional who works collaboratively across Human Resources, Finance, Labor Relations, and partner offices including the Office of General Counsel. The role requires a strong work ethic, sound judgment, and a supportive approach, particularly as it relates to compensation, classification, and salary administration within a complex higher education environment.

Requirements

Exceptional attention to detail with strong analytical, organizational, and problem solving skills
Ability to communicate complex benefits and compensation concepts clearly and compassionately to diverse audiences
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and work with urgency in a fast paced environment
Strong customer service orientation with a supportive, collaborative, and solutions focused approach
High level of professionalism, discretion, and sound judgment
Ability to build trust, influence stakeholders, and work effectively across functions
Advanced proficiency with HRIS systems and Microsoft Office applications
Significant progressive experience (minimum 5 years) working directly with complex employee benefits administration
Experience with compensation, classification, or total rewards programs strongly preferred
Demonstrated experience advancing complex programs through collaboration with multiple stakeholders

Nice To Haves

Professional certifications such as PHR, SPHR, SHRM CP, SHRM SCP, or CEBS
Experience in higher education or similarly complex organizations
Bachelor’s degree preferred but not required

Responsibilities

Oversee the design, administration, and ongoing evaluation of the College’s employee benefits programs, including retirement, medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, tuition benefits, flexible spending accounts, workers’ compensation, COBRA, unemployment, and related programs
Partner with Human Resources leadership and Finance to ensure benefits programs are cost effective, competitive, and aligned with institutional priorities
Manage all aspects of Open Enrollment, ensuring accurate plan setup, employee education, and a smooth transition from one plan year to the next
Research, analyze, and recommend benefit plan enhancements based on market trends, utilization data, regulatory changes, and employee needs
Modify and enhance benefit programs using higher education best practices and emerging benefit models
Manage vendor relationships, including brokers, carriers, and consultants, and negotiate plan coverage, services, and costs
Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations, including ERISA, HIPAA, FMLA, COBRA, ACA, and related requirements
Monitor legislative and regulatory developments impacting benefits and compensation and advise senior leadership on risks, impacts, and recommended actions
Oversee preparation and filing of required reports and documentation with regulatory agencies, including the IRS and Department of Labor
Prepare, update, and execute benefit plan documents, summary plan descriptions, and related materials in consultation with legal counsel
Ensure timely, accurate, and well documented implementation of compliance driven plan changes
Manage all employee leaves of absence, including FMLA, Paid Family Leave, workers’ compensation, short term disability, and long term disability
Oversee third party leave administrators, ensuring high quality, responsive, and compliant service delivery
Maintain appropriate communication with employees and managers during leaves to support clear expectations and successful return to work
Oversee return to work processes following extended leaves
Facilitate ADA and other accommodation requests in partnership with Human Resources colleagues and legal counsel
Provide subject matter expertise and support related to compensation, classification, and salary administration
Advise Human Resources on salary, classification, and job evaluation matters
Manage and administer compensation studies and compensation policies and procedures, including job evaluations, reclassifications, salary structures, and equity reviews
Support annual compensation planning, including merit, promotional, and structural adjustments
Partner with Labor & Employee Relations and leadership on compensation and benefits scenarios related to collective bargaining
Contribute to the development of a holistic total rewards strategy that integrates compensation, benefits, wellbeing, and employee experience
Serve as the benefits and total rewards lead on cross functional projects, including automation of benefits billing, reporting, and leave processes
Design and implement wellbeing initiatives that support physical, mental, and financial wellness and strengthen employee engagement alone and with campus partners, including, for example the LeFrak Center for Well-Being
Serve as subject matter expert on benefits and total rewards committees, including the Joint Faculty and Administrators Benefits Committee
Participate in the quarterly 403(b) Investment Committee in collaboration with Human Resources, Finance, faculty representatives, and investment advisors
Develop clear, accurate, and accessible communications related to benefits, compensation, and total rewards programs
Serve as lead content developer for benefits and total rewards communications, including Open Enrollment materials
Provide high quality, responsive customer service to faculty and staff on complex and sensitive issues
Continuously improve service delivery models with a focus on clarity, equity, and employee experience
Oversee and develop benefits and compensation staff
Delegate effectively, manage performance, and foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and excellence
Set clear expectations and support professional growth through coaching and feedback
Perform special projects and related duties as assigned by the Director of Human Resources