Divisional Overview

The Human Resources team at SHRM plays a critical role in shaping an inclusive, high-performing, and mission-driven workplace. We are strategic partners and trusted advisors who support SHRM’s business goals through innovative, people-centered practices across talent acquisition, total rewards, employee relations, organizational development, performance management, and HR operations. Our team embraces agility and data-driven decision-making to deliver scalable, high-impact solutions that evolve with the needs of our workforce. We cultivate a culture of collaboration, continuous growth, and excellence across all regions where SHRM operates.

Summary

The Director of Total Rewards leads the development and execution of compensation, benefits, HRIS, payroll, and leave strategies that strengthen SHRM’s position as an employer of choice and drive competitive advantage. This role ensures total rewards programs are competitive, cost-effective, and aligned with SHRM’s business and talent strategies.

With oversight of systems and operations across the U.S., India, and MENA regions, this leader ensures operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and a consistent employee experience. Reporting to the CHRO and partnering closely with the Director of Talent, the Director serves as a trusted advisor to the Executive Team and Retirement Benefits Committee, using a data-driven approach to guide workforce investments and long-term planning.

Responsibilities

Compensation Design & Administration

• Lead the design and execution of compensation programs across base, variable, sales, and executive pay.
• Oversee job architecture, benchmarking, and compensation structure in alignment with SHRM’s pay philosophy and job leveling framework.
• Deliver compensation analysis and reporting to support business decisions, workforce planning, and compliance.
• Ensure alignment with all applicable compensation regulations across U.S. and global jurisdictions.

Benefits Program Oversight

• Develop and manage region-specific and enterprise-wide benefits programs including health, retirement, wellness, insurance, and leave offerings.
• Provide oversight for U.S. retirement plans (401(k), pension), ensuring compliance with ERISA and fiduciary standards; act as liaison to the Retirement Benefits Committee.
• Monitor trends and regulations in the U.S., India, and MENA to maintain competitive and compliant offerings.
• Lead vendor strategy, including evaluation, selection, negotiation, and performance management.

HRIS/HCM, Payroll & Leave Management

• Lead optimization and governance of SHRM’s HCM platform (Dayforce preferred), ensuring integration, data integrity, and streamlined processes across payroll, benefits, ATS, and timekeeping.
• Oversee accurate and compliant payroll operations and tax reporting across regions.
• Manage leave programs in accordance with statutory and internal policies.
• Deliver actionable analytics, support audit readiness, and ensure compliance reporting across total rewards.
• Serve as escalation point for system and vendor performance issues.

Strategic Advisory & Governance

• Serve as a strategic advisor to the Executive Team on total rewards, workforce cost trends, and talent planning.
• Provide insights and data to the Board and Retirement Benefits Committee on compensation and benefits strategies.
• Lead and develop a high-performing Total Rewards team, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Balance long-term strategic planning with day-to-day execution across all program areas.

Education & Experience Requirements

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, business, finance, or related field required; Master’s or MBA preferred.

Experience:

• At least 10 years of progressive HR experience, including 8 or more years in compensation, benefits, or total rewards leadership roles.
• Experience designing and managing executive, sales, and broad-based compensation programs, including job architecture.
• Strong track record in benefits strategy and retirement plan governance (e.g., ERISA, ACA).
• Experience leading HRIS/HCM systems (Dayforce strongly preferred), payroll, and leave programs across multiple regions.
• Familiarity with compensation and benefits regulations in the U.S.; experience with India and MENA is a plus.
• Demonstrated success managing large-scale budgets and vendor performance.
• Experience working with or supporting nonprofit Compensation and Board Committees preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong critical thinking, numerical reasoning, and executive communication skills.
• HR Leadership & Expertise: Strong grounding in total rewards, HRIS, and compliance. Skilled in team development and operational oversight.
• Strategic & Analytical Thinking: Demonstrated critical thinking and numerical reasoning; able to turn data into strategic insights.
• Operational Excellence: Track record of driving efficiency, scalability, and compliance across HR functions.
• Change Leadership & Influence: Navigates ambiguity and leads transformation with clear communication and stakeholder alignment.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Builds strong partnerships across HR, Finance, Legal, and vendors to deliver integrated solutions.
• Global & Cultural Acumen: Adapts programs for diverse workforces and local requirements across regions.
• Integrity & Judgment: Known for professionalism, discretion, and sound decision-making.
• Technical Proficiency: Skilled in Dayforce and Microsoft Office Suite; comfortable navigating HR technology and systems. Ability to effectively leverage artificial intelligence (AI) tools and technologies to streamline workflows, enhance productivity, and improve overall work quality.
• Regulatory Knowledge: Deep understanding of labor laws and compliance requirements across compensation, benefits, and payroll.

Certifications

• SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP required within one year of hire; CCP, CEBS, or GRP preferred.

Physical Requirements

This position operates in a typical office environment and requires the ability to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation. Physical requirements may include:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Frequent use of hands and fingers for typing, handling documents, and using office equipment.
• Occasional standing, walking, bending, and reaching.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 30 pounds as needed.
• Clear verbal and written communication skills for effective interaction with colleagues and stakeholders.

Work Environment

Hybrid Position (3 Days In-Office, 2 Days Remote):

• This position follows a hybrid work schedule, with Tuesday through Thursday in office and Monday and Friday remote. Employees must be available during standard business hours, with core hours beginning between 8:00AM – 9:00AM and concluding between 5:00PM – 6:00PM.

Travel: 0 – 10%

#LI-Hybrid

The hiring range for this position is $125,000 to $165,000 per year. This range is an estimate, and the actual salary may vary based on the candidate's experience, skills, and qualifications. SHRM offers a competitive and comprehensive total rewards package. The benefits for this position include professional growth and development, health, dental, vision, well-being, health savings, flexible spending, retirement, open leave, and annual discretionary bonus and incentives.