Managing Director of Total Rewards - Military veterans preferred

Managing Director of Total Rewards

ID: 68181BR
JOB FUNCTION: Human Resources
LOCATION: Cambridge
WORK FORMAT: Hybrid
JOB TYPE: Full-time
BRAND: Harvard University Central Administration

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Why join Harvard University Central Administration?

Harvard University's Central Administration (CADM) is a 5,000+ employee organization that supports the university's overall excellence by understanding and serving the needs of its schools, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and surrounding communities. Through dynamic and collaborative partnerships, CADM provides high-quality and efficient services to the schools to help them achieve their goals.

Job Summary: Harvard University invites qualified candidates to apply for the position of Managing Director of Total Rewards. Reporting directly to the Vice President of Harvard Human Resources, the Managing Director will play a pivotal role in shaping Harvard's strategic approach to health and welfare benefits, retirement programs, and compensation initiatives.

As a forward-thinking and service-oriented leader, the Managing Director will spearhead the development and execution of a comprehensive total rewards strategy that aligns with Harvard’s goals of attracting, engaging, and retaining world-class talent. Their proactive advocacy and strategic thinking will drive innovation in total rewards, as they engage with stakeholders to foster an inclusive and dynamic work environment. Additionally, they will manage complex discussions with senior leaders within Harvard's decentralized administration with exceptional diplomacy and tact, nurturing the growth and professional excellence of the existing staff of approximately 50 employees.

This position offers an unparalleled opportunity to drive transformative outcomes and significantly contribute to the well-being and satisfaction of Harvard's workforce. It is ideal for a leader who is eager to make a difference and advance the university's mission through strategic and innovative approaches to total rewards and employee satisfaction.

By joining our team, you become a part of a vibrant community that not only advances Harvard’s world-changing mission but also contributes to meaningful societal impact. Our dynamic environment fosters innovation and collaboration, offering ample opportunities for professional development. Here, you will build valuable skills and expertise while working alongside some of the brightest minds dedicated to making a difference in the world. At Harvard, your contributions will be instrumental in driving forward our mission and shaping the future of higher education.
Position Description:

• Lead the strategic direction, design, and management of health and welfare benefits, ensuring they effectively support the well-being of employees and their families.
• Articulate the value of total rewards in driving employee satisfaction and engagement.
• Oversee various programs, including retirement,leaves of absence, as well as the university’s benefits call center, operations, and reporting.
• Lead the Office of Work-Life, oversee and manage the childcare program, which includes seven centers, while navigating the complex relationships with faculty, staff, graduate students, and university administrators that shape childcare policy and financial investments at the University.
• Staff the University’s Benefits Committee and co-Staff the University’s Investment Committee in partnership with Finance stakeholders
• Demonstrate strong vendor management skills and confidently engage with major vendors and consulting firms.
• Navigate the complexities of a unionized environment with adaptability and efficacy; partner with the Office of Labor Relations in matters where benefits and compensation decisions intersect with union contracts.
• Direct the design, redesign (where applicable) and execution of a comprehensive total rewards program.
• Drive the evolution and education of innovative compensation programs, integrating leading practices and competitive, equitable packages tailored to the unique challenges of a higher education setting.
• Lead initiatives to improve and adapt compensation frameworks and policies by addressing emerging trends.
• Recognize and enhance the university's reputation in compensation work while proactively addressing potential challenges.
• Demonstrate fluency and expertise in compensation structures and methodologies.

Physical Requirements:
Working Conditions:

Basic Qualifications:

• A minimum of 15 years of Human Resources experience with at least 10 years of progressive experience in benefits management and compensation (including executive compensation).
• Prior experience in a leadership or management role within a large, decentralized, or complex organizational structure, such as a university or non-profit organization.
• A Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.

Additional Qualifications and Skills: The following qualifications are strongly preferred:

• An advanced degree (e.g., MBA or Master’s in Human Resources Management) or an active certification (e.g., Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS), Certified Benefits Professional (CBP), or Group Benefits Associate (GBA) is preferred but not required
• Proven expertise in leading comprehensive total rewards programs, preferably within a higher education or similarly complex environment.
• Experience in establishing and managing fringe rate pools, ensuring compliance, analyzing and integrating data, and providing proactive reporting and narrative development.
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships and partnerships at various organizational levels, with strong diplomacy, political savvy, and assertive, confident communication skills.
• Strategic leadership expertise with the ability to blend analytical thinking and financial stewardship with a personable approach to stakeholder engagement.
• Experience in managing large-scale compensation, benefits, and retirement portfolios with an emphasis on innovative and sustainable solutions.
• Patient and diplomatic temperament with strong emotional management skills.
• Ability to thrive in high stakes and ambiguous environments.

Certificates and Licenses:

• Standard Hours/Schedule:35 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening:Education,Identity
• Other Information:Please note that Harvard University cannot provide Visa Sponsorship or Work Authorization for this position.

Work Format Details

This is a position that is based at a Harvard campus location with some remote work options available. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. All remote work must be performed within one of the Harvard Registered Payroll States, which currently includes Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Washington, and California (CA for exempt positions only). Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 062. Please visit? Harvard's Salary Ranges? to view the corresponding salary range and related information.

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to:

• Generous paid time off including parental leave
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one
• Retirement plans with university contributions
• Wellbeing and mental health resources
• Support for families and caregivers
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page.

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard’s academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, sex, ethnicity, color, national origin, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university’s non-discrimination policy. Harvard’s equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.

Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

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