Director, Total Rewards

Cleveland Metropolitan School District

1d•$86,417 - $116,663•Onsite

About The Position

The Director, Total Rewards leads the strategy, administration, and continuous improvement of compensation and benefits across Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD). This role balances strategic leadership with strong operational execution in a large, unionized, public-sector environment. The Director ensures that Total Rewards programs and practices are equitable, compliant, financially responsible, operationally sound, and aligned to district priorities, collective bargaining agreements, and workforce strategy goals. This leader partners closely with Finance, Legal, Executive Leadership Team, and school and department leaders to support workforce effectiveness and employee experience. As a member of the Talent leadership team, the Director contributes to broader workforce strategy and organizational priorities while ensuring the district’s Total Rewards systems operate with consistency, accuracy, and strong customer service.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance, Public Administration, or related field required
Master’s degree preferred
Certified Compensation Professional (CCP), Certified Benefits Professional (CBP), or related certification preferred
Significant experience leading compensation, benefits, or Total Rewards functions in a complex organization
Experience in a unionized and/or public-sector environment strongly preferred
Strong knowledge of compensation administration, benefits operations, compliance, and workforce systems
Experience utilizing HRIS systems and data/reporting tools required; Workday experience preferred
Strong analytical, operational, and project management skills
Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities and lead through ambiguity and change
Strong written communication and presentation skills, including the ability to communicate complex information clearly and effectively
Ability to build strong partnerships across multiple stakeholder groups
Strong customer service orientation and sound professional judgment
Commitment to the mission, students, families, and staff of Cleveland Metropolitan School District

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree preferred
Certified Compensation Professional (CCP), Certified Benefits Professional (CBP), or related certification preferred
Experience in a unionized and/or public-sector environment strongly preferred
Workday experience preferred

Responsibilities

Lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of the District’s Total Rewards philosophy and practices
Ensure compensation and benefits programs align with workforce strategy, equity commitments, operational realities, and financial sustainability
Monitor market trends, emerging practices, and regulatory changes to inform recommendations and continuous improvement
Provide strategic guidance and operational leadership on compensation, benefits, and Total Rewards matters across all employee groups
Partner with Talent leadership to support broader workforce planning, retention, and employee experience priorities
Partner with Executive Leadership Team on contract negotiations
Lead administration of district compensation programs across unionized, civil service, and at-will employee groups
Oversee salary placement, position classification, reclassification review, and compensation-related processes
Review, provide recommendations and implement recommendations regarding additional compensation requests, promotions, and position changes
Ensure compensation practices are equitable, compliant, operationally consistent, and responsive to differentiated workforce needs
Partner closely with Finance and Executive Leadership Team on compensation implementation and budget alignment
Coordinate salary band reviews and compensation analysis as needed
Ensure timely and accurate execution of compensation actions, notices, and related communications
Oversee administration of employee benefits programs and wellness-related offerings
Lead planning and execution of annual Open Enrollment processes and employee communications
Manage vendor relationships and ensure effective delivery of benefit programs and services
Monitor benefit utilization, reporting, trends, and expenditures to identify risks and opportunities
Ensure employees receive clear, responsive, and accurate support related to benefits and leave administration
Ensure Total Rewards practices comply with collective bargaining agreements, civil service requirements, district policy, and applicable federal and state laws
Lead audits, reporting requirements, and documentation processes related to compensation and benefits administration
Partner with OCI and Legal teams to support implementation and interpretation of policies, agreements, and workforce actions
Support organizational restructures, staffing changes, reductions in force, and other workforce transitions as needed
Oversee Workday processes and system functionality related to compensation, benefits, and employee data
Ensure integrity, accuracy, and reliability of Total Rewards-related employee data and reporting
Identify and implement process improvements that increase operational efficiency, transparency, and customer experience
Strengthen workflows, documentation, and service standards across Total Rewards operations
Support development of reporting and analytics to inform district decision-making
Support development of reporting for public records request
Regularly address and resolve complex employee and leader concerns related to compensation and benefits
Serve as a trusted partner to district leadership, Finance and Legal
Support communication and presentation of Total Rewards recommendations, changes, and analysis to district leadership, unions, and the Board as needed
Consult with and advise managers and leaders on compensation and benefits practices and operational implications
Build strong relationships across the organization while maintaining high standards of confidentiality and professionalism
Lead, coach, and develop the Total Rewards team
Establish clear priorities, goals, service expectations, and accountability measures
Foster a culture of responsiveness, operational excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement
Build team capacity to effectively support employees and leaders in a fast-paced, complex environment