Role Description

The Director of Total Rewards is a strategic and hands-on leader responsible for designing, implementing, and managing the organization’s compensation, benefits, recognition, leave administration, and wellbeing programs. This role will ensure our total rewards offerings support the company’s business objectives, promote employee engagement, and remain competitive, cost-effective, and compliant. The Director will also lead the total rewards team and collaborate across departments to deliver a positive and consistent employee experience. This position can be located in Kansas City (Parkville), MO, Boulder, CO, Goshen/Visalia, CA, or remote for the right candidate.

Responsibilities

• Leadership, Collaboration & Strategy
  • Lead and develop a high-performing Total Rewards team, providing coaching, direction, and performance feedback.
  • Collaborate with senior leadership, Finance, Legal, and HR Business Partners to align rewards programs with strategic business goals and employee needs.
  • Analyze data and trends to provide strategic insights and influence organizational decision-making.
  • Stay current on market trends, emerging practices, and regulatory changes related to total rewards.
  • Participate in HR departmental planning, goal-setting, and budgeting processes.
• Benefits Strategy & Oversight
  • Lead the strategy, design, and execution of employee benefit programs, including health, dental, vision, life, disability, wellbeing, and voluntary offerings.
  • Ensure programs are cost-effective, competitive, aligned with organizational goals, and enhance employee satisfaction.
  • Manage vendor and broker relationships, contracts, and renewals.
  • Partner with brokers, carriers, and internal teams (e.g., Accounting, Legal, HRIS) to ensure accurate data, funding, and compliance.
  • Guide annual open enrollment strategy, communications, and implementation.
  • Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws (e.g., ERISA, HIPAA, ACA, COBRA).
  • Monitor benefit trends and regulations to recommend program enhancements and mitigate risks.
  • Review and ensure maintenance of benefit-related policies and documentation.
  • Oversee our leave of absence programs, including FMLA, ADA, and state-specific leaves.
• Compensation Strategy & Compliance
  • Develop and maintain company-wide compensation philosophy, policies, and practices.
  • Oversee job evaluations, market pricing, and pay structure design to ensure internal equity and external competitiveness.
  • Lead the annual compensation planning process, including salary budgeting, merit increases, and incentive program administration.
  • Manage short- and long-term incentive plans, including eligibility, design, and communication.
  • Ensure compliance with wage and hour laws, 409A, ERISA, compensation-related reporting, and audit requirements.
  • Partner with internal stakeholders to produce data and insights for leadership decision-making.
  • Provide clear, consistent messaging to employees and leaders about compensation programs.
• Employee Recognition & Engagement
  • Design and oversee enterprise-wide recognition programs that promote employee engagement and reinforce company values.
  • Develop scalable approaches to rewards and recognition that include both monetary and non-monetary strategies.
  • Evaluate program participation, employee feedback, and impact on culture and performance.
  • Partner with internal stakeholders to effectively brand and communicate recognition initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, business administration, or a related field.
• 8+ years of progressive experience in total rewards, including compensation and benefits; experience with recognition and wellness is a plus.
• 3+ years of experience providing leadership through people management, mentoring, training, or project/team oversight.
• Strong understanding of U.S. benefits compliance and compensation regulations.
• Experience with compensation benchmarking tools and job architecture frameworks.
• Proficiency with HRIS systems, data analysis tools, and vendor platforms.
• Proven ability to build positive relationships and influence at all levels and manage cross-functional initiatives.