Total Rewards Specialist

Details•Troy, NY

1d•$75,000 - $90,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Total Rewards Specialist is responsible for supporting the development, implementation, and administration of RPI’s total rewards programs, including compensation, benefits, and employee reward and recognition initiatives. The Total Rewards Specialist will play a key role in enhancing employee engagement, retention, and satisfaction by managing innovative recognition programs and ensuring alignment with our compensation and benefits strategy. Who we are: Founded in 1824, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) is the first technological research university in the United States. We bring creativity, science, and technology together to address society's greatest challenges. We cultivate exceptional problem-solvers by immersing them in a culture of rigorous inquiry, disciplined practice, and hands-on application. Our strategic plan, RPI Forward, charts a pioneering course for the next era of RPI. Explore the RPI Forward plan. ↗︎ Nestled on a beautiful 275-acre campus in upstate NY, RPI is home to five schools, 32 research centers, three makerspaces, an observatory, one of the world’s fastest supercomputers, and the IBM Quantum System One - the first university-based quantum computer in the world. With top notch employee health and retirement benefits, Rensselaer offers its full-time employees a generous paid time off program, tuition remission, and opportunities for career growth.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field.
5 or more years in related experience in total rewards, compensation, benefits or employee recognition program management.
Relevant combinations of education, training and experience may be considered.
Knowledge of compensation principles, benefits programs, and employee recognition best practices.
Knowledge of HRIS and reward management platforms.
Analytical mindset with proficiency in Excel and data visualization tools.
Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret and work with compensation and benefits data.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to interact with employees and stakeholders at all levels.
Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
Proficient in Microsoft Excel and other data analysis tools.
Detail-oriented with a strong focus on accuracy and compliance.
Customer-service oriented, with a focus on providing high-quality support to employees and managers.
Collaborative team player with the ability to work independently and take initiative.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage changing priorities.

Nice To Haves

Professional certification (e.g., CCP, CEBS, SHRM-CP, PHR).

Responsibilities

Assist in the administration and analysis of compensation, benefits and leave of absence programs, and support annual compensation and benefit planning activities.
Partner closely with payroll, HRIS, and external vendors to maintain accurate records, and drive process improvements.
Contribute to the development of communication materials related to rewards programs, ensuring employees understand their total rewards package.
Maintain compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and internal policies.
Manage the institute-wide employee recognition programs (e.g., service awards, peer-to-peer recognition, spot awards, and performance-based rewards).
Track program participation and effectiveness through KPIs and employee feedback.
Recommend and implement new reward and recognition opportunities within the RPI rewards and recognition program.
Evaluate and refresh recognition initiatives to ensure relevance and alignment with RPI culture and values.
Coordinate recognition events and communications, ensuring high visibility and engagement.
Compile and analyze data related to compensation, benefits, and employee recognition programs, providing insights to the Total Rewards team and HR leadership.
Generate reports and dashboards to track key performance indicators (KPIs) for total rewards initiatives.
Ensure data accuracy and integrity in compensation and benefits reporting systems.
Other duties as assigned.