Total Rewards Specialist

Fanshawe Toronto@ILAC • London, ON

6d • Hybrid

About The Position

Reporting to the Senior Manager, Total Rewards, the Total Rewards Specialist provides organizational guidance in compensation, job evaluation, benefits, and pension administration. The Total Rewards team ensures roles are evaluated consistently and equitably using established evaluation tools while maintaining classification integrity and pay equity. The team manages benefits and pension, including retiree benefits, and non-medical leave programs, providing expert guidance. The incumbent is accountable for accurate data management, audit, reporting and compliance in alignment with college needs, policy and legislative requirements. The Total Rewards Specialist delivers analytical expertise, governance, and advisory support to ensure employees and leaders receive clear, consistent, and well‑managed total compensation programs across the college. The Specialist is regularly privy to confidential information and exercises sound judgement and discretion in all aspects of program administration. The incumbent contributes to the development, evaluation, and continuous improvement of benefits and pension processes to enhance efficiency and service quality. This includes supporting staff and program participants, building internal-client relationships, and maintaining effective relationships with external stakeholders such as the College Employer Council (CEC), and program sponsors. The Total Rewards Specialist may have an assigned portfolio based on their expertise, but is expected to be able to perform duties across all Total Rewards functions to ensure continuity of service and consistent application of policies and standards. The College is committed to the safety and well-being of all staff, students and visitors. In order to achieve this objective, employees are required to be active in health and safety and incident prevention and adhering to procedures and safe work practices as required by the corporate health and safety management system, and in accordance with relevant Health and Safety legislation and regulations.

Requirements

• Post-secondary 3 year diploma/degree in Human Resources or a related field
• Completion of any one of the following is required: C E.B.S (Certified Employee Benefits Specialist) designation, Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP or CHRL), Pension Plan Administrative Certificate (PPAC), WorldatWork Certified Compensation Professional (CCP), National Payroll Institute (NPI)
• Minimum of 5 years of practical experience of group benefit and defined benefit (DB) pension plan administration within a unionized environment
• Practical working experience with providing advice/coaching on compensation, pension and/or benefits
• Practical experience with compensation activities including communication of those activities – job design, job analysis, job documentation, job evaluation, and/or salary administration
• Experienced implementation of new or enhanced compensation programs
• Excellent knowledge of pension & benefits legislation, Employment Standards Act, understanding of data protection and privacy laws
• Proven ability to manage confidential and sensitive information with discretion
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills, with exceptional attention to detail
• Advanced proficiency in data management and Microsoft Office is essential
• Experience with cloud-based HR software (e.g., Workday)
• Demonstrated customer service excellence, with the ability to communicate clearly and resolve issues effectively
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment
• Successful candidates will be required to perform work within Ontario and must be available to work on campus, as required.

Responsibilities

• Administers and analyzes compensation programs, including base pay, pay equity, job evaluations, and classification decisions
• Leads the end‑to‑end job evaluation process, partnering with managers and HRBPs to ensure role alignment, consistency, and internal equity
• Provides defensible classification and salary placement recommendations, including support for grievances and unionized environments
• Develops and delivers guidance and training to promote standardized job descriptions and evaluation practices
• Conducts market research, supports compensation initiatives, and prepares regulatory and disclosure reporting (e.g., PSSD, SLG)
• Administers the College’s pension plan, retiree benefits, and non‑medical leave programs in compliance with legislation and collective agreements
• Manages Total Rewards components of employee offboarding, including pensions, service purchases, and retiree benefits
• Serves as a subject matter expert, advising employees and retirees on pension, benefits, retirement options, and leave implications
• Coordinates leave balance administration and communicates Total Rewards impacts of ESA‑related leaves
• Produces, validates, and reconciles pension, leave, and retiree data and year‑end reporting
• Conducts audits and reconciliations across Total Rewards programs, including payroll deductions, benefits, and pension remittances
• Ensures compliance with collective agreements, college policies, and legislation (including Pay Equity) through monitoring and controls
• Maintains and validates confidential employee data related to service, seniority, and compensation
• Prepares and distributes Total Rewards reports for internal and external stakeholders
• Supports negotiated settlements and compensation-related initiatives through accurate data and documentation
• Provides advisory support to employees, managers, and HR partners on compensation, pension, benefits, and leave programs
• Delivers cost analysis and confidential calculations to support workforce planning, restructuring, severance, and staffing decisions decisions
• Leads orientation sessions and workshops on Total Rewards programs
• Investigates and resolves Total Rewards issues, escalating complex matters as required
• Contributes to policy development, process improvements, and organizational objectives

Benefits

• Join a defined-benefit pension plan (through the CAAT Pension Plan) that delivers predictable lifetime retirement income, plus dental, disability, travel insurance and extended health coverage.
• Enjoy paid time off and benefit from a scheduled holiday closure that offers additional rest and time with family during the winter season
• Continue your learning journey — eligible employees and their dependents can take select Fanshawe programs or courses at a reduced cost
• Work alongside passionate colleagues in an inclusive culture that values diversity, drives student success, and connects you to the local community and campus life.
• Competitive compensation
• Comprehensive Benefits Package
• Defined benefit pension plan
• Generous vacation and holiday entitlements
• Full-time employees start at a minimum of 3 weeks of vacation per year in addition to our paid college closure from Dec. 25 – Jan. 1
• Prepaid leave/salary deferral plan
• Subsidized maternity and parental leave
• Family tuition program
• Flexible work policy
• Employee and Family Assistance Program
• Corporate Discounts through CAUBO
• Professional development and training opportunities
• Tuition reimbursement and subsidy programs
• Professional development leave
• LinkedIn Learning

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree