Deputy Head of Compensation and Benefits

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory•Laurel, MD

About The Position

Are you a dynamic and strategic Benefits and Compensation Senior Leader with a passion to drive organizational change and develop comprehensive Benefits and Compensation programs? Are you a creative, big picture thinker who enjoys working with others on initiatives that build meaningful and long-lasting results? If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL. The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) is seeking a Deputy Head of Total Rewards to support the strategy, design, and delivery of competitive compensation, benefits, retirement, and well-being programs. This senior leader partners closely with the Head of Total Rewards to translate strategy into execution, ensuring operational excellence, compliance, and an exceptional employee experience. As a key member of the Talent Services leadership team, the Deputy Head provides day-to-day leadership across compensation and benefits functions, serves as a trusted advisor to HR and business leaders, and acts on behalf of the Head of Total Rewards as needed. As the Deputy Head of Total Rewards, your key responsibilities will be... Strategic Partnership Partner with the Head of Total Rewards to execute and evolve APL’s Total Rewards strategy and philosophy in alignment with organizational goals, workforce needs, and financial priorities. Provide data-driven counsel to HR and business leaders on compensation and benefits matters. Represent Total Rewards in leadership forums and cross-functional initiatives as a delegate of the Head of Total Rewards. Compensation Lead and provide subject matter expertise for compensation programs including salary structures, market benchmarking, job architecture, classification frameworks, annual compensation cycles, and new-hire pay. Partner with the Compensation Manager to ensure consistent, equitable, and compliant pay practices. Leverage analytics and market data to assess competitiveness and inform decision-making. Benefits, Retirement & Well-Being Oversee execution and administration of benefits programs including medical, dental, vision, pharmacy, disability, life insurance, leave programs, and well-being initiatives. Lead and develop the Benefits Manager and team to deliver high-quality service and positive employee experiences. Support oversight of retirement and savings plans, vendor relationships, and ongoing program improvements. Collaborate on cost management, vendor strategy, and plan design enhancements. Operational Excellence & Governance Support Total Rewards budgeting, forecasting, cost modeling, and benefits billing. Ensure compliance with applicable regulations including ACA, COBRA, ERISA, FMLA, and FLSA. Partner with HRIS and analytics teams to improve systems, reporting, and operational efficiency. Contribute to governance frameworks, policies, and consistent operating practices. People Leadership Lead, coach, and develop Total Rewards staff, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Promote strong customer service and clear communication to help employees understand and value their Total Rewards.

Requirements

Possess a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Human Resources Management, or a related discipline; or equivalent professional experience.
Have a minimum of 10 years of human resources experience with an emphasis in benefits planning, design, and administration with at least 5 years’ experience leading a benefits function in a corporate setting, including experience with self-funded health care programs
Have compensation experience in broad-based design and implementation of compensation systems, compensation administration, and the regulatory landscape for exempt and non-exempt employees
Can work with external partners, including benefits vendors and compensation consultants while retaining ownership of operations and strategy
Possess excellent program management, leadership, persuasion and change-management skills including excellent written and verbal communications skills
Can translate compensation and benefits data into clear, actionable insights for leadership decision-making
Have a validated ability to mentor and develop staff, cultivate positive relationships across organizational boundaries, and contribute to building a strong workforce
Can apply advanced practical knowledge of applicable regulatory and legal requirements and reporting including ACA, COBRA, FMLA, EEO, and FLSA. You will also have a broad familiarity with OFCCP, HIPAA, ERISA, and GINA
Hold U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status, as required to access APL facilities and networks, subject to applicable laws

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field
Experience in research, technical, or mission-driven organizations
Familiarity with Workday or similar HRIS platforms
Professional certifications such as CEBS, CCP, CBP, SHRM-SCP/CP, or SPHR/PHR

Responsibilities

Partner with the Head of Total Rewards to execute and evolve APL’s Total Rewards strategy and philosophy in alignment with organizational goals, workforce needs, and financial priorities.
Provide data-driven counsel to HR and business leaders on compensation and benefits matters.
Represent Total Rewards in leadership forums and cross-functional initiatives as a delegate of the Head of Total Rewards.
Lead and provide subject matter expertise for compensation programs including salary structures, market benchmarking, job architecture, classification frameworks, annual compensation cycles, and new-hire pay.
Partner with the Compensation Manager to ensure consistent, equitable, and compliant pay practices.
Leverage analytics and market data to assess competitiveness and inform decision-making.
Oversee execution and administration of benefits programs including medical, dental, vision, pharmacy, disability, life insurance, leave programs, and well-being initiatives.
Lead and develop the Benefits Manager and team to deliver high-quality service and positive employee experiences.
Support oversight of retirement and savings plans, vendor relationships, and ongoing program improvements.
Collaborate on cost management, vendor strategy, and plan design enhancements.
Support Total Rewards budgeting, forecasting, cost modeling, and benefits billing.
Ensure compliance with applicable regulations including ACA, COBRA, ERISA, FMLA, and FLSA.
Partner with HRIS and analytics teams to improve systems, reporting, and operational efficiency.
Contribute to governance frameworks, policies, and consistent operating practices.
Lead, coach, and develop Total Rewards staff, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Promote strong customer service and clear communication to help employees understand and value their Total Rewards.