Director, Total Rewards

LSSI • Des Plaines, IL

76d

About The Position

The Director, Total Rewards provides strategic direction and operational oversight for the organization's compensation, benefits, and payroll programs. This leader develops a unified Total Rewards strategy that strengthens the employee value proposition, ensures compliance, and supports talent attraction and retention. The Director will combine deep subject-matter expertise with leadership skills, guiding a team consisting of a Benefits Manager, a Compensation Manager, and a Sr. Payroll Specialist. This role reports to the Vice President, Human Resources, and partners closely with Finance, Legal, and organizational leadership.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in HR, Business, Finance, or related field (Master's degree is preferred).
• 10+ years of progressive HR/Total Rewards experience, including leadership.
• Proven expertise in compensation, benefits, and payroll administration.
• Experience in multi-state nonprofit or healthcare/human services environments strongly preferred.
• Certifications preferred: CCP (Certified Compensation Professional), CEBS (Certified Employee Benefits Specialist), CPP (Certified Payroll Professional).
• Strong financial acumen, analytical ability, and vendor negotiation skills.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills; ability to influence at executive and board levels.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain a Total Rewards philosophy aligned with mission, values, and budget.
• Serve as primary advisor to executives on compensation, benefits, and payroll matters.
• Lead integration of compensation, benefits, and well-being into a cohesive employee value proposition (EVP).
• Build and lead a team that ensures operational excellence across all Total Rewards functions.
• Oversee job architecture, salary structures, and classification systems.
• Conduct market analyses and ensure competitive, equitable pay practices.
• Lead annual merit and incentive processes, integrating with performance management.
• Ensure compliance with IL Equal Pay Act, FLSA, and pay transparency regulations.
• Support board/Compensation Committee with executive compensation reviews and reasonableness standards (IRS IRC 4958).
• Provide strategic oversight of health, dental, vision, life, disability, and EAP programs.
• Manage voluntary benefits (supplemental life, legal, commuter, wellness) and ensure competitive offerings.
• Direct retirement plan administration (403(b), 457(b)), including audits, compliance, and fiduciary oversight.
• Oversee annual renewals and open enrollment, including communication strategy.
• Monitor leave programs (FMLA, state/local leave laws, PTO) and ensure compliance.
• Ensure accurate and timely payroll for multi-state workforce (onsite, hybrid, remote).
• Maintain payroll compliance with federal, state, and local tax laws.
• Oversee Dayforce payroll systems and integration with HRIS/benefits.
• Ensure accuracy of deductions, garnishments, and retirement contributions.
• Establish strong internal controls and support audits.
• Develop integrated Total Rewards dashboards/reports for executive leadership.
• Partner on budget forecasting and cost analysis.
• Ensure alignment across payroll, benefits, and compensation for a seamless employee experience.
• Lead audits, compliance reviews, and maintain readiness for IRS, DOL, and external reviews.
• Directly supervise a team of program managers and specialists.
• Coach and develop team members to ensure expertise, growth, and operational reliability.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, service, and accountability aligned with organizational values.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Industry: Social Assistance
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees