DIRECTOR OF COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

Universities of Wisconsin•Madison, WI

3d•$130,000 - $150,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Reporting to the Associate Vice President for Human Resources, the Director of Compensation & Benefits is a key member of the Human Resources leadership team and serves as the Universities of Wisconsin's lead strategist and subject matter expert for compensation, workforce analytics, classification structures, and total rewards administration. The Universities of Wisconsin Administration Human Resources (UWSA HR) serves as a strategic partner to UW universities, providing leadership, consultation, and expertise across the employee lifecycle. UWSA HR supports talent acquisition, employee engagement, organizational effectiveness, learning and development, workforce planning, and total rewards programs (i.e., compensation, benefits, etc.) that advance the mission of the Universities of Wisconsin.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in human resources, business administration, public administration, finance, or a related field.
Experience utilizing workforce data, analytics or reporting tools to support organizational decision-making and strategic planning.
Demonstrated leadership experience in a complex organization, including responsibility for leading initiatives, influencing decision-making, building stakeholder relationships, and driving organizational outcomes
Experience presenting recommendations to stakeholders and engaging conversations to build consensus.
Strong knowledge of compensation strategy, i.e., salary administration, market benchmarking, classification systems, and pay equity principles.
Demonstrated ability to navigate ambiguity and make sound, data-informed decisions in a complex environment.
Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to interpret complex workforce and compensation data and translate findings into actionable recommendations.
Knowledge of workforce analytics, HR reporting methodologies, and HRIS systems.
Knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations related to compensation, benefits, leave administration, and employment practices.
Ability to communicate complex concepts clearly and effectively to a variety of audiences, including executive leadership.
Demonstrated ability to build collaborative relationships and influence stakeholders across a large and decentralized organization.
Strong leadership, project management, and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and strategic initiatives.
Commitment to continuous improvement, customer service excellence, and data-informed decision-making.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in human resources, business administration, public administration, finance, or a related field.
Experience in a higher education, public sector, healthcare, or other large, decentralized, and highly regulated environment.
Experience developing workforce dashboards, executive reports, or other data visualization tools.
Experience working with compensation structures, job architecture, title frameworks, or workforce planning initiatives.
Demonstrated ability to navigate ambiguity and make sound, data-informed decision in a complex or evolving environment.

Responsibilities

Lead the development, implementation, administration, and continuous improvement of compensation strategies, policies, and programs across the Universities of Wisconsin.
Oversee the maintenance and administration of compensation structures, salary schedules, title frameworks, and classification systems to support institutional needs and workforce objectives.
Direct compensation studies, market benchmarking initiatives, salary analyses, and labor market assessments to support recruitment, retention, and workforce competitiveness.
Lead pay equity reviews and compensation analyses to identify trends, inform decision-making, and support equitable compensation practices.
Partner with UW university leaders and human resources professionals to provide consultation and guidance on compensation, classification, organizational structure, and workforce planning matters.
Develop and maintain workforce analytics, dashboards, reports, and metrics that provide meaningful insights for executive leadership and support data-driven decision-making.
Analyze workforce trends related to recruitment, retention, turnover, compensation, and employee demographics and provide strategic recommendations based on findings.
Monitor emerging compensation and workforce trends, best practices, and regulatory developments and recommend appropriate actions.
Provide leadership, supervision, coaching, and professional development for staff responsible for compensation, analytics, benefits, and retirement administration.
Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, innovation, and customer service excellence.
Represent the Universities of Wisconsin in collaboration with the Wisconsin Department of Administration, Employee Trust Funds, and other state agencies on compensation, benefits, and workforce-related matters.
Convene and participate in committees, workgroups, and strategic initiatives related to compensation, classification, benefits, retirement, and workforce planning.
Provide strategic oversight and guidance on compensation and benefits matters related to collective bargaining agreements, ensuring compliance with negotiated contract provisions and applicable laws and policies.
Build and maintain strong relationships with university leaders, human resources professionals, governance groups, and external stakeholders.
Provide strategic leadership and oversight for benefits, retirement, leave, and well-being programs across the Universities of Wisconsin.
Oversee the administration of insurance programs, retirement programs, and leave structures for employees across all employment categories.
Lead the strategic oversight of the Universities of Wisconsin's centralized benefits counseling function to ensure exceptional customer service and support.
Evaluate benefits administration processes and service delivery models and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, consistency, and employee experience.
Oversee the development of resources, communication strategies, and educational programs that help employees understand and maximize the value of available benefits and retirement offerings.
Partner with UW universities to support effective administration and communication of benefits and total rewards programs.