Total Rewards Specialist

Job Summary: The Total Rewards Specialist is responsible for supporting the development, implementation, and administration of RPI's total rewards programs, including compensation, benefits, and employee reward and recognition initiatives. The Total Rewards Specialist will play a key role in enhancing employee engagement, retention, and satisfaction by managing innovative recognition programs and ensuring alignment with our compensation and benefits strategy. Who we are: Founded in 1824, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) is the first technological research university in the United States. We bring creativity, science, and technology together to address society's greatest challenges. We cultivate exceptional problem-solvers by immersing them in a culture of rigorous inquiry, disciplined practice, and hands-on application. Our strategic plan, RPI Forward, charts a pioneering course for the next era of RPI. Explore the RPI Forward plan. ︎ Nestled on a beautiful 275-acre campus in upstate NY, RPI is home to five schools, 32 research centers, three makerspaces, an observatory, one of the world's fastest supercomputers, and the IBM Quantum System One - the first university-based quantum computer in the world. With top notch employee health and retirement benefits, Rensselaer offers its full-time employees a generous paid time off program, tuition remission, and opportunities for career growth. Minimum Qualifications: * Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field. * 5 or more years in related experience in total rewards, compensation, benefits or employee recognition program management. Relevant combinations of education, training and experience may be considered. Preferred Qualifications: Professional certification (e.g., CCP, CEBS, SHRM-CP, PHR). Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: * Knowledge of compensation principles, benefits programs, and employee recognition best practices. * Knowledge of HRIS and reward management platforms. * Analytical mindset with proficiency in Excel and data visualization tools. * Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret and work with compensation and benefits data. * Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to interact with employees and stakeholders at all levels. * Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously. * Proficient in Microsoft Excel and other data analysis tools. * Detail-oriented with a strong focus on accuracy and compliance. * Customer-service oriented, with a focus on providing high-quality support to employees and managers. * Collaborative team player with the ability to work independently and take initiative. * Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage changing priorities. Representative Job Duties: * Assist in the administration and analysis of compensation, benefits and leave of absence programs, and support annual compensation and benefit planning activities. * Partner closely with payroll, HRIS, and external vendors to maintain accurate records, and drive process improvements. * Contribute to the development of communication materials related to rewards programs, ensuring employees understand their total rewards package. * Maintain compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and internal policies. * Manage the institute-wide employee recognition programs (e.g., service awards, peer-to-peer recognition, spot awards, and performance-based rewards). Track program participation and effectiveness through KPIs and employee feedback. * Recommend and implement new reward and recognition opportunities within the RPI rewards and recognition program. Evaluate and refresh recognition initiatives to ensure relevance and alignment with RPI culture and values. * Coordinate recognition events and communications, ensuring high visibility and engagement. * Compile and analyze data related to compensation, benefits, and employee recognition programs, providing insights to the Total Rewards team and HR leadership. Generate reports and dashboards to track key performance indicators (KPIs) for total rewards initiatives. * Ensure data accuracy and integrity in compensation and benefits reporting systems. * Other duties as assigned. Shift: Business Hours: Monday - Friday Normal Business Hours Work Arrangement: Primarily onsite in Troy, NY. Hybrid work may be available after 6 months, generally 1-2 days per week, subject to Institute policy, supervisor approval, and departmental/operational needs. Travel: Local travel between campus locations only Driving: Incidental driving possible, but not required Starting Salary/Rate: Expected hiring range: $75,000 - $90,000 Pay transparency disclosure: The selected candidate's salary will be determined based on factors that include the available budget, internal equity, and the final candidate's qualifications, experience, education and other job-related credentials. This hiring range is provided as Rensselaer's good faith estimate of the expected hiring range at the time of posting. Application instructions: Follow the on-screen prompts to create a brief online profile. Please be ready to upload your resume and cover letter. If you need assistance with the online application process, please contact View email address on click.appcast.io. Job Posted Date: Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Total Compensation and Benefits Information: Rensselaer's Total Compensation Program is designed to provide stable pay growth, a comprehensive and affordable benefits package, and a comprehensive and affordable retiree medical and prescription plan. Our goal is to provide you and your family with a comprehensive health and welfare program as an umbrella of financial security and protection during your employment. For more information, please visit Benefits | Human Resources (rpi.edu). Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is committed to the cultivation of a community that is welcoming, inclusive, and above all values learning. We welcome candidates who bring a variety of perspectives to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute's work and campus communities. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or other characteristic protected by law. Advertised: 10 Apr 2026 Eastern Daylight Time Applications close: