Associate Director of Total Rewards

M SEARCH has been exclusively retained to search for our higher-education client’s next Associate Director of Total Rewards in Worcester, MA. This is a unique opportunity to take a hands-on role in shaping the total rewards strategy, including compensation, performance management, employee success, benefits, and wellness programs. A key priority for this role is leading the implementation of the university-wide compensation and classification system while partnering with various departments to support their HR needs. Key Responsibilities: Total Rewards & Compensation: Lead the development and management of innovative wellness programs Elevate our benefits programs, ensuring they are competitive, comprehensive, and compliant with all regulations Conduct in-depth benchmarking and market analysis to keep our benefits offerings top-notch. Drive our compensation strategy, ensuring fair, competitive, and performance-driven pay practices Conduct regular salary surveys and provide strategic compensation advice to leadership Lead the implementation of the university's compensation and classification system, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and market standards Develop a merit-based performance management infrastructure, ensuring the design, analysis, execution, and oversight of a newly developed process General knowledge of HRIS and ERP systems, preferably Banner HR Operations: Be the go-to HR partner for your assigned departments, offering hands-on support in employee relations, performance management, and conflict resolution Administer HR policies and procedures, ensuring they are consistently applied and understood Conduct insightful exit interviews and use feedback to drive continuous improvement in HR practices Participate in HR projects and initiatives that enhance our workplace and employee experience Maintain accurate and up-to-date employee records in the HRIS and other systems Requirements: Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field; Master's degree preferred A minimum of 7 years of HR experience, with a strong focus on benefits administration, compensation, and wellness programs Proven experience as an HR generalist with deep knowledge of employee relations, performance management, and talent development Strong operational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously Excellent problem-solving abilities and a practical approach to addressing HR challenges Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, capable of building strong relationships at all levels Proficiency in HRIS and other relevant software applications HR certification (PHR/SPHR, SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP) is highly desirable Experience with Banner HR desired, but not necessary Experience with Interview Exchange / Hirezon desired, but not necessary