Director, Compensation & Benefits

Description

Job Summary:

Sunward Federal Credit Union is seeking a highly skilled and detail-oriented professional for the position of Director of Compensation & Benefits. The Director of Compensation & Benefits will play a key role in supporting the design, implementation, and management of the organization's total rewards programs. This role requires a deep understanding of compensation, benefits, as well as strong analytical and project management skills. The successful candidate will work closely with the Chief People Officer (CPO) to ensure the successful delivery of total rewards initiatives and support the organization's talent attraction and retention strategies and Sunward’s Vision 2035 strategic plan.

Requirements

Essential Job Duties:

Total Rewards Strategy:

• Develop and lead a comprehensive total rewards strategy that aligns with Sunward’s purpose, values, rewards philosophy and talent strategy.
• Ensure compensation and benefits programs support Sunward’s goals for attracting, motivating, and retaining top talent in a competitive financial services market.
• Incorporate data-driven insights, regulatory awareness, and industry best practices into all compensation and benefits strategies.

Compensation Design and Administration

• Design and manage base pay structures, short- and long-term incentive plans, sales compensation, and performance-based rewards aligned with Sunward’s strategy and risk management practices in the financial industry.
• Conduct regular market analysis, salary benchmarking, ensuring compliance with policies and market competitiveness to attract and retain high-performing employees.
• Collaborate with HR Operations Team and payroll teams to ensure accurate and timely processing of compensation-related data.
• Collaborate with the VP of Human Resources and the broader HR team to align with performance management and other programs and processes.

Benefits Program Support:

• Manage the design, implementation, and administration of Sunward’s employee benefits programs, including health insurance, retirement plans, and wellness initiatives.
• Evaluate Sunward’s benefit offerings to ensure cost-effectiveness, compliance, alignment with employee needs and industry benchmarks.
• Drive wellness, financial literacy, and mental health initiatives that support employee well-being and productivity in a high-performance, regulated environment.

Team Leadership:

• Liaise with HR and OD to recruit, onboard, develop, and retain high-quality staff.
• Oversee the daily workflow of the department.
• Provide constructive and timely one-on-ones and performance evaluations.  
• Effectively coach, mentor, motivate, and manage the staff to ensure delivery of communications to employees in a timely and accurate manner while maintaining the Credit Union’s high standard of quality.
• Ensures that the department fosters a productive, rewarding work environment that provides for the development of employees; meets all established goals and metrics; and operates within the Credit Union’s core values

Data Analysis and Reporting:

• Collect, analyze, and interpret data related to compensation and benefits, pay equity, benefits utilization, cost projections, and ROI of Sunward’s programs.
• Prepare regular reports and presentations on total rewards metrics, trends, and analysis for senior leadership and HR stakeholders.
• Assist in the preparation of compliance reports and filings related to total rewards programs.

Compliance and Governance:

• Stay ahead of evolving regulatory expectations and audit readiness especially regarding pay equity, risk-aligned incentives, and total compensation disclosure.
• Ensure full compliance with federal, state, and industry-specific regulations (FLSA, ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, and financial sector compensation governance).
• Serve as internal expert on compensation-related compliance requirements, especially as they relate to executive and incentive compensation in financial institutions.

Change Management and Collaboration:

• Lead and manage total rewards projects and initiatives.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including HR, Finance, Payroll, and IT, to ensure seamless integration of total rewards programs with other HR and business processes.
• Lead the creation of clear, engaging communications that help employees understand and appreciate their total rewards.
• Equip managers with tools to navigate pay conversations confidently and equitably.
• Lead open enrollment planning, employee info sessions, and benefits onboarding.
• Assist in the implementation of technology solutions to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of compensation and benefits processes.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Core Leadership Competencies & Key Focus Areas:

Strategic Thinking:

• Ability to think long-term, anticipate trends, and integrate diverse information.
• Innovates and challenges the status quo to drive organizational growth.

Drives for Results:

• Strong execution and accountability, ensuring business objectives are achieved.
• Adapts to changing priorities and leads teams to success.

Leads & Influences:

• Collaborates effectively with stakeholders, building high-performing teams.
• Provides feedback and coaches for both short and long-term development.

Self-Leadership:

• Continuously develops skills and models resilience in high-pressure situations.
• Champions organizational values and culture.

Organizational Impact & Autonomy:

• Influences strategic decisions, driving key initiatives across the organization.
• Works autonomously while collaborating with leadership to shape future strategies.

Level of Interaction & Influence:

• Engages with senior leadership and drives alignment at the organizational level.
• Uses judgment and logic to influence stakeholders and implement strategic changes.

Judgment & Problem Resolution:

• Makes complex decisions and drives solutions to organizational challenges.
• Effectively manages conflict and fosters consensus.

Planning & Knowledge of Industry:

• Anticipates future challenges and trends, positioning the organization ahead of competitors.

Budget Responsibility & Exception Authority:

• Manages budgets and contributes to planning processes.
• Authorizes exceptions to ensure alignment with strategic goals.

Education and Experience:

• Minimum eight years’ experience in compensation, benefits, or total rewards analysis and administration with three years’ experience managing a team. 
• Minimum bachelor’s degree or certification in human resources, business administration, or related field, or more than eight years of related experience. 

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Frequent travel
• Must be able to lift 20 pounds at times.