What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director, Total Rewards position at GEHA?
GEHA (Government Employees Health Association, Inc., pronounced G.E.H.A.) is a nonprofit member association that provides medical and dental benefits to more than two million federal employees and retirees, military retirees and their families. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
GEHA has one mission: To empower federal workers to be healthy and well.
Offering one of the largest medical and dental benefit provider networks available to federal employees in the United States, GEHA empowers health and wellness by meeting its members where they are, when they need care. We serve our members with products they value and a personalized customer experience, sustained by a nimble and efficient organization.
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.
SKILLS
Responsibilities
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.
Operational Excellence & Compliance
- 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.
Total Rewards Strategy
- 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.
Vendor Management
- Lead negotiations and manage contracts related to benefit plan providers, vendors, premiums, and plan administration.
Employee Experience & Communication
- 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.
Minimum Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree or a combination of post-high school education and related experience required.
- 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.
Work-at-home requirements
- Must have the ability to provide a non-cellular High Speed Internet Service such as Fiber, DSL, or cable Modems for a home office.
- A minimum standard speed for optimal performance of 30x5 (30mpbs download x 5mpbs upload) is required.
- Latency (ping) response time lower than 80 ms
- Hotspots, satellite and wireless internet service is NOT allowed for this role.
- A dedicated space lacking ongoing interruptions to protect member PHI / HIPAA information
How we value you
- Competitive pay/salary ranges
- Incentive plan
- Health/Vision/Dental benefits effective day one
- 401(k) retirement plan: company match – dollar for dollar up to 4% employee contribution (pretax or Roth options) plus a 6% annual company contribution
- Robust employee well-being program
- Paid Time Off
- Personal Community Enrichment Time
- Company-provided Basic Life and AD&D
- Company-provided Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
- Tuition Assistance Program
Please note that the salary information is a general guideline only. GEHA considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as, market and business considerations when extending an offer.
The annual base salary range for this position is $158,211 - $223,021 USD.
GEHA is an Equal Opportunity Employer, which means we will not discriminate against any individual based on sex, race, color, national origin, disability, religion, age, military status, genetic information, veteran status, pregnancy, marital status, gender identity, and sexual orientation, as well as all other characteristics and qualities protected by federal, state, or local law. GEHA will not discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their compensation or the compensation of another employee or applicant. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Our diversity drives innovation deepens connections and strengthens our organization.
GEHA is headquartered in Lee's Summit, Missouri, in the Kansas City area. We recognize the importance of balance and flexibility and offer hybrid and work-from-home options for many of our roles.
Salary : $158,211 - $223,021
