Director, Total Rewards

Summary
The Director, Total Rewards is responsible for developing and executing comprehensive benefits, wellness, and compensation strategies that attract, retain, and engage top talent. This role ensures programs are cost-effective, legally compliant, and aligned with the organization’s business priorities. The Director will collaborate closely with GEHA leadership, key stakeholders, and external partners to optimize healthcare and rewards programs, ensuring they support a diverse, high-performing workforce. Additionally, the Director will partner with People & Culture (P&C) teams and other internal stakeholders to ensure total rewards initiatives are integrated with the organization’s broader strategic objectives.
 
 
Duties
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
 
Leadership & Team Development

• Lead the Total Rewards team, overseeing two analysts—one focused on employee benefits and the other on employee compensation.
• Build strong relationships with internal business leaders and key stakeholders to address compensation and benefits needs.
• Mentor junior employees and foster a culture of collaboration, trust, and continuous learning.
   

• Oversee state compliance issues and ensure timely filings.
• Ensure accurate and timely administration of compensation and benefits programs, including payroll, tax, and regulatory compliance.
• Assist with systems management, including current operations and future changes or integrations (e.g., data warehousing, migration, and employee training).
• Conduct research and analysis on compensation and benefits trends, providing data-driven recommendations for program enhancements.
   

• Manage and execute the annual benefits open enrollment process.
• Stay attuned to employee needs and industry trends, making strategic recommendations to enhance total rewards offerings.
• Ensure compensation and benefits programs remain competitive and aligned with market trends and company objectives.
• Oversee the annual performance and salary review process, including budget planning, analysis, and execution.
• Lead the development and implementation of new compensation and benefits programs, policies, and procedures.
• Manage and administer the 401(k) plan, employee benefits, and other incentive programs.
• Provide strategic guidance to leadership on compensation and benefits-related matters.
   

• Lead negotiations and manage contracts related to benefit plan providers, vendors, premiums, and plan administration.
   

• Serve as the primary point of contact for total rewards inquiries, ensuring an excellent employee experience.
• Develop and execute a Total Rewards education and communication strategy, including training on compensation philosophy, benefits onboarding, and annual benefits reporting.
• Partner with vendors to highlight benefit offerings and drive employee engagement.

• 10+ years of experience in benefits and compensation, with at least 3 years in a leadership role and executive compensation experience.
• Ability to seamlessly shift between high-level strategic thinking and hands-on execution.
• Strong knowledge of federal and multi-state benefits and employment laws/regulations.
• Comfortable navigating ambiguity in a rapidly evolving company while also creating and maintaining structure.
• Deep understanding of the Total Rewards function and its alignment with People strategy, employee value proposition, and company mission.
• Strong leadership presence with the ability to influence, build trust, and drive collaboration across teams.
• Proven track record of successfully managing multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively engage senior leadership, managers, employees, and external vendors.