Total Rewards Director - Lead Compensation & Benefits at a Premier Higher Education Institution

Are you a strategic Total Rewards leader passionate about creating equitable compensation structures that drive employee satisfaction, retention, and organizational success? Robert Half, through recruiter Charlie Gilmur, is excited to present an exceptional opportunity for a Total Rewards Director in Portland, Oregon. This pivotal role in the higher education sector demands a visionary professional to oversee comprehensive rewards programs, ensuring alignment with institutional goals while championing equity, compliance, and innovation. Job Order: 03600-0013368378. Join a forward-thinking team where your expertise can shape the future of employee well-being.

About the Role

In this high-impact position, you'll serve as the cornerstone of the organization's People Strategy, Equity, and Culture division. Based in the vibrant city of Portland, Oregon, United States, you'll partner directly with executive leadership to design and implement total rewards strategies that attract top talent, foster inclusivity, and support long-term retention. This isn't just a job—it's a chance to influence higher education's evolving landscape of compensation philosophy, benefits innovation, and employee-centric policies. With a focus on data-driven decision-making and transparent communication, you'll elevate the institution's reputation as an employer of choice in the Pacific Northwest.

Key Responsibilities

Your leadership will span a wide array of critical functions, demanding both strategic foresight and hands-on execution:

• Deliver expert consultation to C-suite executives and management on all facets of compensation programs, benefits policies, and total rewards optimization.
• Craft and manage sophisticated compensation and benefits models that prioritize pay equity, performance incentives, and seamless alignment with broader organizational objectives.
• Vigilantly ensure adherence to Oregon state laws, federal regulations like FLSA and ACA, while weaving in cutting-edge industry benchmarks from sources like CUPA-HR.
• Spearhead job evaluation, classification, and market benchmarking processes to guarantee fair, equitable pay structures across all faculty and staff positions.
• Develop and present compelling forecasts, financial analyses, and actionable recommendations on total rewards trends to inform budget planning and strategic initiatives.
• Foster transparency by communicating policies clearly and collaborating with HR partners, unions, and stakeholders to build trust and buy-in.
• Direct the end-to-end administration of benefits programs, from open enrollment to vendor management, while pioneering enhancements that boost employee satisfaction, health outcomes, and work-life balance.
• Tackle intricate challenges in compensation equity audits, market adjustments, and incentive design with creative, evidence-based solutions.
• Partner with the well-being committee to launch impactful initiatives promoting mental health, financial wellness, and holistic employee engagement.
• Actively participate in enterprise-wide strategic planning, contributing your rewards expertise to the evolution of the People Strategy division.

Required Qualifications

The ideal candidate brings a robust blend of experience and acumen tailored to higher education's unique demands:

• 10+ years of progressive leadership in total rewards, compensation, or benefits, with at least 5 years in a director-level role within higher education or public sector organizations.
• Deep knowledge of compensation benchmarking tools (e.g., Radford, Willis Towers Watson) and equity analysis methodologies.
• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field; Master's degree or relevant certifications (CCP, GRP, CEBS) strongly preferred.
• Proven track record navigating complex regulatory environments, including Oregon-specific wage laws and federal mandates.
• Advanced analytical prowess, with proficiency in Excel, HRIS systems (e.g., Workday, PeopleSoft), and data visualization tools.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills for influencing senior leaders, negotiating with vendors, and engaging diverse employee populations.
• Demonstrated commitment to DEI principles, with experience conducting pay equity studies and implementing corrective actions.
• Strategic mindset complemented by tactical execution, thriving in collaborative yet fast-paced academic settings.

Experience in unionized environments and familiarity with higher ed-specific rewards (e.g., faculty sabbaticals, tenure tracks) will set you apart.

Why Join Us

Step into a role where your innovations directly enhance the lives of educators and staff shaping tomorrow's leaders. Enjoy an estimated salary range of $180,000—$250,000 annually (market-adjusted for Portland, OR), plus comprehensive benefits including health coverage, retirement matching, professional growth opportunities, and flexible scheduling. Work in a supportive, equity-focused culture at a prestigious Portland institution, with Robert Half's backing for seamless placement. Contact Charlie Gilmur today to discuss how your Total Rewards expertise can make a lasting impact. Keywords: Total Rewards Director jobs Portland OR, compensation higher education careers, benefits strategy roles Oregon.

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