Director of Total Rewards

Sonida Senior Living•Addison, TX

About The Position

The Director of Total Rewards leads Sonida Senior Living’s compensation and benefits strategy, developing programs to attract and retain employees while keeping programs within budget and compliant with legal and company requirements. The role monitors market trends and recommends improvements. It partners with management and senior leaders on compensation philosophy, benefits, market benchmarking, job changes, and program design. The position oversees compensation programs and the strategy and day-to-day management of the self-funded medical plan, including vendors, claims, funding, renewals, cost containment, and open enrollment. It also supports compliance and plan governance and manages and develops the Benefits Coordinator.

Requirements

At least 7 years of experience in project management and/or executive support.
Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, human resources, communication, or a job-related area of study.
Familiarity with maintaining confidentiality and handling sensitive information with discretion.
Ability to foster teamwork; leadership skills; oral and written communication skills; analytical thinking skills; statistical knowledge; ability to meet deadlines; and mathematical skills.
Ability to recognize and communicate problems appropriately.
Proficient verbal and written communication in English.
Ability to travel within the United States by airplane and automobile as needed.
Ability to organize time, follow up, and perform job tasks efficiently.
Team-player approach and positive attitude.
Ability to maintain accurate records and provide information as requested and required.

Responsibilities

Partner with the management team to develop a compensation philosophy and benefits package that supports business goals.
Benchmark pay and benefits against the market, industry trends, and best practices, and recommend ways to remain competitive.
Advise senior leaders on compensation questions and role or job changes within teams.
Oversee market pricing, job leveling, and the annual salary review process.
Administer incentive plans and remuneration programs.
Lead the strategy, funding approach, and day-to-day oversight of the self-funded medical plan.
Manage the benefits broker relationship, including performance reviews, fee transparency, and requests for proposals.
Oversee third-party administrators and the pharmacy benefit manager, including contract terms, service levels, and claims audits.
Select and renew stop-loss coverage and track specific and aggregate attachment points.
Build and update claims projections, monitor claims experience and high-cost claimants, and report on trends and drivers.
Develop annual plan budgets and renewal forecasts, including reserve and funding rate recommendations.
Recommend plan design changes and cost-containment strategies that balance employee value with financial sustainability.
Oversee annual open enrollment and related employee communications.
Evaluate and select data vendors, consultants, brokers, and advisors, and negotiate contracts that balance competitiveness with cost control.
Keep compensation and benefits programs within budget.
Ensure programs meet regulatory standards and statutes, including ERISA, ACA, and HIPAA, as well as required filings and reporting.
Support benefits committee and plan governance activities.
Manage and develop the Benefits Coordinator by providing direction, regular feedback, and growth opportunities.
Partner with the Benefits Coordinator to deliver smooth open enrollment and a positive employee experience year-round.