Associate Director Total Rewards

Salary Range: 

Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications

About SMU

SMU’s more than 12,000 diverse, high-achieving students come from all 50 states and over 80 countries to take advantage of the University’s small classes, meaningful research opportunities, leadership development, community service, international study and innovative programs.

SMU serves approximately 7,000 undergraduates and 5,000 graduate students through eight degree-granting schools: Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences, Cox School of Business, Lyle School of Engineering, Meadows School of the Arts, Simmons School of Education and Human Development, Dedman School of Law, Perkins School of Theology and Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies.

SMU is data driven, and its powerful supercomputing ecosystem – paired with entrepreneurial drive – creates an unrivaled environment for the University to deliver research excellence.

Now in its second century of achievement, SMU is recognized for the ways it supports students, faculty and alumni as they become ethical, enterprising leaders in their professions and communities. SMU’s relationship with Dallas – the dynamic center of one of the nation’s fastest-growing regions – offers unique learning, research, social and career opportunities that provide a launch pad for global impact.

SMU is nonsectarian in its teaching and committed to academic freedom and open inquiry.

About the Position:

The Associate Director of Total Rewards is responsible for the strategic management, administration, and continuous evaluation of the University's compensation, classification, benefits, retirement, wellness, and related Total Rewards programs. The role focuses on aligning employee rewards with the University's strategic objectives to attract, retain, and engage a high-performing workforce while ensuring market competitiveness, operational effectiveness, and fiscal responsibility. 

The Associate Director contributes to the development and execution of the University's Total Rewards strategy by evaluating market trends, industry best practices, and budget considerations. This position leads the design and administration of competitive compensation programs and provides guidance on Total Rewards initiatives that support the University's talent and workforce objectives. .

Essential Functions:

• Benefits: Oversee the design, administration, and ongoing management of health, dental, vision, retirement plans, and other employee benefits. Manage relationships with benefit vendors, insurance carriers, brokers, and third-party administrators. Oversee service delivery, performance standards, billing and reconciliation processes, and contract renewals or modifications. Identify opportunities for improved service, cost savings, and operational efficiencies. Oversee administration of leave programs (including FMLA and medical leave), retirement processes, retiree benefits, and benefits-related aspects of employee separations. Ensure a smooth and compliant experience for employees navigating these transitions.
   

• Compensation: Administer, manage and implement the University's compensation philosophy, salary structures, classification system, and compensation programs. Conduct job evaluations, market pricing analyses, and compensation studies to ensure internal equity and external competitiveness. Manage annual compensation programs, including merit increases, promotional increases, and other salary actions. Participate in and analyze external salary surveys and other market data sources. Provide guidance and recommendations regarding hiring salaries, promotions, reclassifications, organizational changes, and compensation practices.
   

• Communication & Employee Support/Education - Execute Total Rewards communication strategies through various channels that are designed to announce changes, educate, and enhance employee satisfaction. Oversee Annual Open Enrollment process with a focus on educating employees about their benefit options, ensuring easy-to-understand communication, and providing resources to help them make informed decisions. Lead the planning and execution of the University’s annual Benefits Fair, coordinating with internal partners and external vendors to deliver a high-impact, campus-wide event that promotes employee engagement and education. Collaborate with benefits administration staff to evaluate and enhance health, welfare, retirement, and wellbeing programs.
  
   

• Compliance & Regulatory Oversight - Ensure compliance with all relevant labor laws and regulations related to compensation and benefits (e.g., ACA, ERISA, HIPAA, FMLA. Maintain and update plan documents, summary plan descriptions, and related materials. Partner with internal and external stakeholders to monitor regulatory changes and implement required updates. Prepare, collect, and organize data for auditors assessment. 
   

• Data Management, Reporting & Analytics - Analyze employee data to identify trends and make informed recommendations regarding compensation and benefits programs. Oversee data accuracy and integrity for HRIS and vendor systems. Produce regular reports on enrollment, utilization, cost trends, and leave activity. 
   

• Strategic Planning & Program Design Support - Partner with CHRO and Sr. VP of Business and Finance to evaluate and enhance Total Rewards strategy. Assess market trends, industry practices, and emerging compensation and benefits strategies to identify opportunities for program enhancement, including plan design, benchmarking against peer institutions, compensation studies, and cost-benefit analysis. Lead and manage Total Rewards projects and initiatives, ensuring effective planning, implementation
   

• Management - Manage and develop benefits and compensation staff, ensuring high performance, accountability, and professional growth. Assign and prioritize work, establish quality standards, and provide training and guidance. Ensure service expectations are met, and support a collaborative and service-oriented team environment.