Vice President of Compensation and Benefits

Mission: The Vice President of Compensation and Benefits will provide the strategic vision and leadership of all aspects of compensation and benefits to position IDEA Public Schools as the employer of choice for educators. S/he designs, implements and oversees innovative initiatives that ensure our programs and performance management systems attract and retain top talent at all levels across our organization. S/he works under the supervision of the Chief Talent Officer and manages the functional department personnel, budget, and implementation of all related state and federal compliance requirements to deliver strong organizational results and the highest levels of customer service for our 10,000+ employees.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Manage a team of 20+ team members through layers of management.

Location: This is a full-time remote position based in Texas, with preference given to candidates who live in Austin, El Paso, Houston, Permian Basin (Midland/Odessa), Rio Grande Valley, San Antonio, and Dallas/Fort Worth, or who are willing to relocate.

Travel Expectations: Ability to travel up to 20% at the busiest times of the year

What You’ll Do – Accountabilities

• Provide strategic leadership for a cohesive, competitive, and compelling compensation and benefits program tied to performance: Plan, direct, and set the strategic direction for compensation and benefits programs to support organizational goals, achieve high staff retention, and manage compensation and benefits budgets within annual targets while maximizing resources and cost-savings to the organization
• Advise senior leaders and IDEA Public Schools Board of Directors on compensation and benefits strategy: Serve as a trusted thought partner to executive leadership by delivering data-driven insights and recommendations on innovative, competitive, and financially sustainable total rewards strategies across geographic regions.
• Design and implement enterprise and talent systems: Lead the design and execution of talent reviews, evaluations, recognition, and goal-setting frameworks that strengthen coaching, performance management, and long-term talent sustainability across the organization.
• Oversee all compensation, performance management, and benefits operations and systems: Provide oversight and direction to ensure consistent, timely, and accurate implementation of all policies, procedures, and systems; lead continuous improvement in efficiency, quality, data integrity, and customer service
• Lead policy design, evaluation, and compliance across regions: Monitor the effectiveness of compensation and benefits programs, evaluate external trends and internal equity, and recommend enhancements to ensure competitiveness and alignment with organizational objectives across multiple states.
• Develop and execute communication and change strategies: Design and deliver manager- and staff-focused communication, training, and recognition initiatives related to compensation systems, annual pay practices, and regional program differences that ensures a clear and compelling narrative that invests our staff in our approach and employs effective change management practices to support innovation and continuous improvement

Knowledge and Skills – Competencies

• Make Strategic Decisions: This team member uses data and trends to drive decisions that impact multiple teams, while anticipating risks and planning contingencies for key initiatives. They apply strategic frameworks to clarify challenges and guide coherent action, and they actively support others in strengthening their strategic thinking and decision-making capabilities.
• Manage Work and Teams: This team member leads cross-functional coordination to align efforts with strategic goals, optimizing resources, and minimizing silos. They build accountability frameworks, monitor key performance indicators to guide adjustments, and mentor emerging leaders, while implementing scalable systems that enhance efficiency and team effectiveness.
• Grow Self and Others: This team member identifies development needs across multiple groups and integrates them into broader strategic plans. They create structures that support ongoing growth, engage in succession planning, and continuously refine development strategies based on outcomes and data. Through this work, they foster a culture where continuous learning is a core part of daily work and leadership.
• Build a Culture of Trust: This team member builds trust and drives positive engagement across multiple groups, as reflected in strong feedback and survey results. They proactively address concerns, model transparency and authenticity, and foster collaboration through open, honest communication and shared ownership.
• Communicate Deliberately: This team member sets and upholds communication standards across the organization, ensuring clarity and trust, especially during times of change or crisis. They lead major initiatives with strategic, context-rich messaging, proactively shaping narratives that address challenges, foster resilience, and align stakeholder perception with organizational impact.

Additional Skills:

• Sound judgment and excellent decision-making
• Ability to analyze and interpret data and statistics to identify trends, draw conclusions, and develop strategies and tactics that yield results and achieve goals
• Ability to achieve quantifiable results through commitment, personal responsibility, and accountability in a fast-paced, demanding workplace
• Ability to self-reflect, along with providing, receiving, and implementing feedback that improves performance and achieves results
• Knowledge of federal and state regulations related to administration of compensation and benefits
• Ability to develop and implement policy and procedures
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office with advanced level skills in Microsoft Excel and Powerpoint

Required experience:

• Seven to ten years’ progressive experience in administrative management and innovative practices in compensation, benefits, and/or performance management systems or comparable relevant experience and education

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Certified Benefits Professional (CBP) & Certified Compensation Professional (CCP) or related graduate degree a plus

Physical Requirements:

• The ability to engage in virtual meetings and work remotely
• The ability to travel to and from campus and regional locations

What We Offer:

Salaries for people entering this role typically fall between $145,500 and $177,500, commensurate with relevant experience and qualifications and in alignment with internal equity. This role is also eligible for performance pay based on organizational performance and goal attainment.

Additionally, we offer medical, dental, and vision plans, disability, life insurance, parenting benefits, flexible spending account options, generous vacation time, referral bonuses, professional development, and a 403(b) plan. You can find more information about our benefits at

Relocation: IDEA may offer a relocation stipend to defray the cost of moving for this role, if applicable.

Learn more about IDEA

At IDEA the Staff Experience Team uses our Core Values to promote human connection and a culture of integrity, respect, and belonging for all Team and Family members. Learn more about our Commitment to Core Values here: