Director of Compensation & Benefits

WESTERN NEW ENGLAND UNIVERSITY•Springfield, MA

4d•$98,000 - $104,000•Onsite

About The Position

Reporting directly to the Associate Vice President of Human Resources, this position is responsible for the overall leadership and daily administration of the University’s Total Rewards program, with a primary focus on total compensation and benefits. The Director oversees salary structures, job evaluations, and market studies, and provides direct supervision for the Benefits Specialist. The role ensures that all compensation and benefit practices are managed accurately, fairly, and in support of the University’s goals.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, Operations, or a related field.
Five to seven years of experience in Compensation and Benefits, preferably in higher education and/or in an organization with 500 or more benefit-eligible employees.
Strong knowledge of compensation practices, job evaluation methods, and market analysis.
Experience with benefits administration and understanding of laws such as ERISA, COBRA, FLSA, STD/LTD, ADA, Workers Comp, Unemployment, ACA, and FMLA.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
High level of proficiency working with HRIS systems and strong technology skills required.
Ability to work effectively with employees, supervisors, and outside vendors.
Ability to interpret policies, laws, and regulations and apply them in daily practice.
Strong Negotiation Skills

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree preferred.
Paycom experience a plus.

Responsibilities

Oversees the design, maintenance, and administration of the University’s compensation programs, including salary structures, job classifications, and pay practices.
Conducts job evaluations and internal equity reviews and provides recommendations based on market data and institutional strategic goals and needs.
Coordinates compensation surveys and submissions (CUPA, IPEDS, Employer’s Association) and reviews results to inform decision-making.
Advises managers, supervisors, and senior leaders on compensation issues, ensuring consistency and compliance.
Ensures all compensation actions are processed accurately through the HRIS system.
Leads compensation-related projects such as salary structure updates, market and internal equity studies, and other initiatives.
Provides oversight for the administration of all University benefit programs, including health, dental, life, state disability and leave, tuition programs and retirement plans.
Serves as the primary contact for all benefit vendors, including the University’s benefits broker, retirement plan advisors, and third-party administrators.
Oversee the implementation of open enrollment, benefit information sessions, wellness efforts, and retirement education programs for employees.
Reviews and prepares annual Summary Annual Reports (SAR), Form 5500 filings, and all other required reporting for University benefit plans.
Ensures timely and accurate submission of census files, eligibility reports, and other required data to benefit vendors.
Participates as a member of the 403(b) Investment Committee, Benefits and Wellness Committee, and other ad hoc committees.
Provides strategic leadership and oversight of the University’s Total Rewards functions, focusing on compensation and benefits.
Ensures all compensation and benefits programs comply with federal and state laws.
Reviews and recommends updates to HR policy library related to compensation, PTO and benefits.
Advises managers and employees on questions related to compensation and benefits.
Handles matters that require sound judgment and timely problem-solving, including sensitive or urgent issues.
Supports investigations related to compensation or benefits concerns as assigned by the Associate Vice President.
Performs other related duties as assigned.