Director, Total Rewards

SHRM • Alexandria, VA

148d • $125,000 - $165,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Director of Total Rewards leads the development and execution of compensation, benefits, HRIS, payroll, and leave strategies that strengthen SHRM’s position as an employer of choice and drive competitive advantage. This role ensures total rewards programs are competitive, cost-effective, and aligned with SHRM’s business and talent strategies. With oversight of systems and operations across the U.S., India, and MENA regions, this leader ensures operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and a consistent employee experience. Reporting to the CHRO and partnering closely with the Director of Talent, the Director serves as a trusted advisor to the Executive Team and Retirement Benefits Committee, using a data-driven approach to guide workforce investments and long-term planning.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, business, finance, or related field required; Master’s or MBA preferred.
• At least 10 years of progressive HR experience, including 8 or more years in compensation, benefits, or total rewards leadership roles.
• Experience designing and managing executive, sales, and broad-based compensation programs, including job architecture.
• Strong track record in benefits strategy and retirement plan governance (e.g., ERISA, ACA).
• Experience leading HRIS/HCM systems (Dayforce strongly preferred), payroll, and leave programs across multiple regions.
• Familiarity with compensation and benefits regulations in the U.S.; experience with India and MENA is a plus.
• Demonstrated success managing large-scale budgets and vendor performance.
• Experience working with or supporting nonprofit Compensation and Board Committees preferred.

Nice To Haves

• SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP required within one year of hire; CCP, CEBS, or GRP preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and execution of compensation programs across base, variable, sales, and executive pay.
• Oversee job architecture, benchmarking, and compensation structure in alignment with SHRM's pay philosophy and job leveling framework.
• Deliver compensation analysis and reporting to support business decisions, workforce planning, and compliance.
• Ensure alignment with all applicable compensation regulations across U.S. and global jurisdictions.
• Develop and manage region-specific and enterprise-wide benefits programs including health, retirement, wellness, insurance, and leave offerings.
• Provide oversight for U.S. retirement plans (401(k), pension), ensuring compliance with ERISA and fiduciary standards; act as liaison to the Retirement Benefits Committee.
• Monitor trends and regulations in the U.S., India, and MENA to maintain competitive and compliant offerings.
• Lead vendor strategy, including evaluation, selection, negotiation, and performance management.
• Lead optimization and governance of SHRM's HCM platform (Dayforce preferred), ensuring integration, data integrity, and streamlined processes across payroll, benefits, ATS, and timekeeping.
• Oversee accurate and compliant payroll operations and tax reporting across regions.
• Manage leave programs in accordance with statutory and internal policies.
• Deliver actionable analytics, support audit readiness, and ensure compliance reporting across total rewards.
• Serve as escalation point for system and vendor performance issues.
• Serve as a strategic advisor to the Executive Team on total rewards, workforce cost trends, and talent planning.
• Provide insights and data to the Board and Retirement Benefits Committee on compensation and benefits strategies.
• Lead and develop a high-performing Total Rewards team, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Balance long-term strategic planning with day-to-day execution across all program areas.

Benefits

• Professional growth and development
• Health, dental, vision insurance
• Well-being programs
• Health savings and flexible spending accounts
• Retirement plans
• Open leave policy
• Annual discretionary bonus and incentives

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Industry: Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees