Deputy Head of Compensation and Benefits (Total Rewards)

Are you a dynamic and strategic Benefits and Compensation Senior Leader with a passion to drive organizational change and develop comprehensive Benefits and Compensation programs?

Are you a creative, big picture thinker who enjoys working with others on initiatives that build meaningful and long-lasting results?

If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) is seeking a Deputy Head of Total Rewards to support the strategy, design, and delivery of competitive compensation, benefits, retirement, and well-being programs. This senior leader partners closely with the Head of Total Rewards to translate strategy into execution, ensuring operational excellence, compliance, and an exceptional employee experience.

As a key member of the Talent Services leadership team, the Deputy Head provides day-to-day leadership across compensation and benefits functions, serves as a trusted advisor to HR and business leaders, and acts on behalf of the Head of Total Rewards as needed.

As the Deputy Head of Total Rewards, your key responsibilities will be...

Strategic Partnership

• Partner with the Head of Total Rewards to execute and evolve APL’s Total Rewards strategy and philosophy in alignment with organizational goals, workforce needs, and financial priorities.
• Provide data-driven counsel to HR and business leaders on compensation and benefits matters.
• Represent Total Rewards in leadership forums and cross-functional initiatives as a delegate of the Head of Total Rewards.

Compensation

• Lead and provide subject matter expertise for compensation programs including salary structures, market benchmarking, job architecture, classification frameworks, annual compensation cycles, and new-hire pay.
• Partner with the Compensation Manager to ensure consistent, equitable, and compliant pay practices.
• Leverage analytics and market data to assess competitiveness and inform decision-making.

Benefits, Retirement & Well-Being

• Oversee execution and administration of benefits programs including medical, dental, vision, pharmacy, disability, life insurance, leave programs, and well-being initiatives.
• Lead and develop the Benefits Manager and team to deliver high-quality service and positive employee experiences.
• Support oversight of retirement and savings plans, vendor relationships, and ongoing program improvements.
• Collaborate on cost management, vendor strategy, and plan design enhancements.

Operational Excellence & Governance

• Support Total Rewards budgeting, forecasting, cost modeling, and benefits billing.
• Ensure compliance with applicable regulations including ACA, COBRA, ERISA, FMLA, and FLSA.
• Partner with HRIS and analytics teams to improve systems, reporting, and operational efficiency.
• Contribute to governance frameworks, policies, and consistent operating practices.

People Leadership

• Lead, coach, and develop Total Rewards staff, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Promote strong customer service and clear communication to help employees understand and value their Total Rewards.

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...

• Possess a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Human Resources Management, or a related discipline; or equivalent professional experience.
• Have a minimum of 10 years of human resources experience with an emphasis in benefits planning, design, and administration with at least 5 years’ experience leading a benefits function in a corporate setting, including experience with self-funded health care programs
• Have compensation experience in broad-based design and implementation of compensation systems, compensation administration, and the regulatory landscape for exempt and non-exempt employees
• Can work with external partners, including benefits vendors and compensation consultants while retaining ownership of operations and strategy
• Possess excellent program management, leadership, persuasion and change-management skills including excellent written and verbal communications skills
• Can translate compensation and benefits data into clear, actionable insights for leadership decision-making
• Have a validated ability to mentor and develop staff, cultivate positive relationships across organizational boundaries, and contribute to building a strong workforce
• Can apply advanced practical knowledge of applicable regulatory and legal requirements and reporting including ACA, COBRA, FMLA, EEO, and FLSA. You will also have a broad familiarity with OFCCP, HIPAA, ERISA, and GINA
• Hold U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status, as required to access APL facilities and networks, subject to applicable laws

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...

• Master’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field
• Experience in research, technical, or mission-driven organizations
• Familiarity with Workday or similar HRIS platforms
• Professional certifications such as CEBS, CCP, CBP, SHRM-SCP/CP, or SPHR/PHR

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Why Work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation’s most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL’s campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at  .

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact  View email address on apply.j-vers.com .

The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL’s good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.