Sr. Executive Dir Benefits & Payroll

Location: Hattie Mae White


Department: Benefits - Administration


Area:District Wide


Contract Months:12


Salary Range: $190,000.00 - $235,000.00


Academic Year: 25-26


JOB SUMMARY

The Senior Executive Director of Benefits & Payroll leads the district's comprehensive payroll and employee benefits operations, ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant service delivery for all employees. This role is responsible for overseeing payroll processing, benefits administration, and employee support programs while maintaining strong financial stewardship and alignment with district priorities.

The position is part of the Finance and Accounting Services Division and reports to the Chief Finance and Operations Officer, contributing to the district's mission of supporting student success through operational excellence

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Provides strategic leadership and oversight for all Benefits & Payroll functions, ensuring alignment with district priorities and Finance Division goals.
2. Leads the planning, organization, and performance management of payroll and benefits teams, including staffing, structure, and professional development.
3. Oversees all payroll operations, ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant processing across all pay cycles, including regular and off-cycle payrolls.
4. Ensures compliance with all payroll-related regulations, including TRS reporting, payroll taxes, and applicable wage laws.
5. Oversees timekeeping systems, payroll calendars, reporting processes, and issue resolution to maintain accuracy and transparency.
6. Directs administration of employee benefits programs, including medical, voluntary, and retirement offerings.
7. Oversees the district's self-insured health plan, including vendor management, claims monitoring, and cost-containment strategies.
8. Ensures effective benefits enrollment, employee communication, and access to programs that support employee well-being.

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES CONTINUED

9. Oversees payroll expenditures and benefits-related financial activity, ensuring accurate funding, reporting, and fiscal accountability.
10. Maintains compliance with all federal, state, and local laws and ensures strong internal controls and audit readiness.
11. Partners with Budget, Treasury, and the Controller's Office to support financial reporting, forecasting, and reconciliation processes.
12. Oversees Workers' Compensation, Unemployment Compensation, and retirement-related services, ensuring effective administration and compliance.
13. Leads process improvements, system implementations, and operational enhancements to increase efficiency and service delivery.
14. Establishes and monitors key performance indicators (KPIs) to drive accountability, accuracy, and continuous improvement.
15. Serves as a liaison with internal departments, external vendors, auditors, and regulatory agencies, providing guidance, training, and support to stakeholders.
16. Other duties as assigned.


EDUCATION

Bachelor's Degree

WORK EXPERIENCE

5 to 7 years
TYPE OF SKILL AND/OR REQUIRED LICENSING/CERTIFICATION
Software
Oracle
TipWeb
Microsoft Office

SKILL AND/OR REQUIRED LICENSING/CERTIFICATION

Deep knowledge of payroll systems, benefits administration, and regulatory compliance
Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, forecasting, and cost management
Ability to manage complex operations with high volume and strict accuracy requirements
Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills
Data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement mindset
High level of integrity and commitment to public stewardship.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.

LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES

Level 5 -Directs two or more levels of management in the development, deployment and ongoing management of key initiatives covering multiple major disciplines with direct accountability for results in terms of effectiveness, costs, methods, and employees. Establishes operational objectives and assignments for multiple disciplines/functional areas and possibly departments. Evaluates recommendations of others, deciding on course of action in ambiguous situations, and oversee the deployment of innovative solutions. Collaborates with senior leadership to develop strategies and broad departmental objectives; establishes methods, techniques and evaluation criteria for projects, programs, and people in the achievement of strategic objectives.

WORK COMPLEXITY/INDEPENDENT JUDGMENT

Work is highly complex and broad in scope covering several departments/divisions across HISD. Policy, procedures, and precedents are created and approved by this position. Supervision received typically consists of providing periodic coaching, advice, and feedback.

BUDGET AUTHORITY

Participates in a group plan and/or budget development.

PROBLEM SOLVING

-Decisions are made with greater freedom and discretion, including recommendations that are subject to approval on matters that may affect multiple departments across HISD. Job is frequently expected to recommend new solutions to problems, to improve existing methods/procedures/services and generate new ideas. May also review decisions made by other individuals on more routine matters.

IMPACT OF DECISIONS

-Decisions have considerable impact to multiple divisions or the organization causing risks or improvements to relationships, significant efficiencies, or delays in operations, and/or significant financial gains or expenses. Errors are serious and difficult to discover, normally involve decisions not subject to detailed review and will result in excessive costs and/or significant project delays.

COMMUNICATION/INTERACTIONS

Oversee and direct - serves as one of the organization's senior level spokespersons in area of expertise, defines and champions change initiatives, organizational strategies, services, policies, and practices. Interactions are typically with Top Management, the Board, and community and business leaders.

CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIPS

-Leads others in the resolution of highly sensitive and confidential issues on behalf of the department. Acts as a trusted advisor and becomes involved in the customer's decision-making process including presenting alternatives and information and applying persuasion and negotiation skills in the resolution of problems. Monitors customer service standards.

WORKING/ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Primarily office-based with regular visits to warehouses, campuses, and operational sites.
Ability to carry and/or lift less than 45 pounds.

Houston Independent School District is an equal opportunity employer.