Compensation and Benefits Manager

Location : City Hall, 929 N. Front Street, Wilmington, NC
Job Type: Full Time-Regular
Job Number: FY26-00151
Department: Human Resources
Opening Date: 06/03/2026
Closing Date: 6/9/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Post-Offer Required Pre-Employment Screenings: Driving History Check

Criminal History Check

Background Investigation

Education Verification

Drug Screen
Approved Hiring Salary/Range: $72,817.42 - $97,020
Full Salary Range: $72,817.42 - $116,507.56
Working Hours: Monday - Friday 8am - 5pm.


The City of Wilmington is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Position Description
One City. One team. One mission

Do you have a passion for building equitable compensation programs, effective classification systems, and comprehensive employee benefits that support organizational success?
The City of Wilmington is seeking an experienced Compensation & Benefits Manager to lead and oversee the City's compensation, classification, and benefits programs. This key leadership role is responsible for ensuring our compensation and classification systems are competitive, equitable, and aligned with organizational goals while providing effective administration of employee benefits, retirement, and savings plans.

We are looking for a strategic and collaborative professional who can analyze compensation data, evaluate and classify positions, develop and implement policies and programs, and leverage technology to enhance compensation and benefits administration. The successful candidate will serve as a trusted advisor to City leadership, present recommendations and information to employees and stakeholders, coordinate with benefits brokers and plan carriers, and ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

In this role, you will also contribute to city-wide initiatives, lead special projects and cross-functional teams, and play a vital role in supporting the City's commitment to attracting, retaining, and rewarding a talented workforce. If you are an experienced HR professional with a strong background in compensation, classification, benefits administration, and strategic program management, we encourage you to apply.
This is a repost

Typical Tasks

• Compensation Administration: Manage the City's compensation programs, including salary administration, market studies, pay analyses, and compensation recommendations.
• Classification and Job Evaluation: Administer and maintain position classifications, job descriptions, occupational classifications, and salary schedules.
• Benefits Administration: Oversee the City's self-insured health plans, supplemental benefits programs, and relationships with brokers, carriers, and third-party vendors.
• Employee Wellness Programs: Lead wellness initiatives and evaluate program effectiveness to promote employee health, engagement, and risk reduction.
• Research and Strategic Planning: Conduct research and analysis on compensation, benefits utilization, market trends, vendor performance, and program costs; develop recommendations for program enhancements.
• Data Analysis and Reporting: Prepare and present quantitative and qualitative analyses, reports, and recommendations to support organizational decision-making.
• Leadership and Staff Development: Supervise and develop staff, establish work priorities, evaluate performance, ensure policy compliance, and foster professional growth.
• Collaboration and Partnership Management: Work closely with internal departments, consultants, brokers, and vendors to deliver effective and cost-efficient total rewards programs.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources Management, Public Administration, Business Administration or related field of study and five (5) years of increasingly progressive human resources experience, with a focus on compensation and benefits

Additional Requirements

• HR certification (SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR or SPHR) (must obtain within 1 year)
• Valid Driver's license

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Knowledge of principles, practices and techniques used in classification, compensation, benefits administration and wellness programs.
• Knowledge and ability to prepare budget for self-insured programs.
• Knowledge and ability to interpret and apply federal, state and local codes and regulations as well as City and personnel policies.
• Intermediate level skills in Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to provide administrative and professional leadership and direction for the benefits and compensation division of Human Resources.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships through communicating and fostering a cooperative and professional culture.

Supplemental Information

• Must be able to physically perform the basic life operational functions of stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, feeling, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions.
• Must be able to perform sedentary work, exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally, and/or a negligible amount of force frequently and constantly to carry or move objects in various lifting positions, such as overhead, chest height, etc.
• Must possess the visual acuity to work with data and figures, operate a computer and related equipment, and the ability to read to comprehend written material and make inferences from the contents.

Our Core Values:

INCLUSION | COLLABORATION | CREATIVITY | ACCOUNTABILITY
Our Mission Statement: Through forward-thinking policies and responsible stewardship, we are creating a better city every day with excellent core services and quality of life for all.
What we offer:

The City of Wilmington believes that employees are one of our most important resources. We offer an excellent salary and competitive benefits package to serve the needs of our employees and their families. Our benefits package includes:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance + many other insurance options
• Excellent retirement benefits, including a city provided 4.5% contribution each pay period into a 401(k) account and automatic enrollment into the North Carolina Local Government Employees' Retirement System
• Employer-paid health & wellness clinic
• Free on-site city gym access
• Paid sick and vacation leave + 13 paid holidays per year
• 6-weeks paid parental leave
• Paid volunteer & blood donation leave to give back to our community
• Flex schedule and telework availability, depending on your position
• Professional development trainings & leadership initiatives
• Tuition assistance benefits

Applicant Status Updates: After the closing date for this position, applications will be screened by Human Resources. Applicants who meet the minimum and/or preferred qualifications will be referred over to the hiring department. All updates regarding an application can be viewed through your applicant portal.
Health Benefits are offered to employees working at least 30 hours per week.

Health Insurance - The City offers two options for health coverage: a standard PPO plan and a High Deductible Health Plan with an associated Health Savings Account. Coverage becomes effective the first day of the month following hire for employees and their eligible dependents. Both you and the City contribute to the overall cost of coverage.


Dental Insurance - Coverage becomes effective the first day of the month following hire. Employees, their spouse and dependent children are eligible for coverage.

Life Insurance - The city pays to provide coverage valued at one times your annual salary. Supplemental insurance is available for employees to purchase. Optional coverage for dependents is also available for purchase.

Retirement:
- NC Local Government Retirement System -All benefits eligible employees make a mandatory 6% contribution every pay period.

- Deferred Compensation - The city contributes an amount equal to 4.5% of the annual salary to a 401(k) plan regardless of employee contribution. Employees may choose to contribute additional money to the 401(k) or 457 deferred compensation plans, without a match from the City, within the IRS guidelines.
Paid Leave (offered to employees working at least 1,000 hours annually*):
- Sick Leave - 12 days accrued each year

- Annual Leave - Accrual based on years of service and classification. Employees can earn from 10 to 24 days each year.

- Holidays - 13 paid holidays annually

- Paid Parental Leave - Six weeks of paid leave for the birth, adoption or placement of a child (must run concurrently with FMLA).

*Part-Time Employees will earn paid leave benefits on a pro-rated basis.

Miscellaneous:
- Tuition reimbursement
- Employee Assistance Program
- Short & Long Term Disability

- Cancer & Critical Illness

- Accident Insurance

- Whole Life Insurance
- Credit Union membership
Note: The City of Wilmington is on a bi-weekly pay cycle. New employees should expect to recieve their first paycheck approximately 3 weeks after their start date.
**This is intended to be a brief overview of the benefits offered. Please visit our website at for more information.**
01


Please acknowledge that you agree to fully completed all required sections of the application, including work experience, education, and the supplemental questionnaire; and that your responses are truthful and complete and can be verified within your application.Entering "N/A' or "See Resume/Application" does not qualify as an acceptable response.

• Yes

02


Do you have a valid Drivers License?

• Yes
• No

03


Which best describes your highest level of education in Human Resources Management, Public Administration, Business Administration

• High School Diploma or GED
• Vocational/Technical Training or Certificate
• Some College
• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree
• Doctorate Degree
• None - N/A

04


How many years of increasingly progressive human resources experience, with a focus on compensation do you have?

• I have no experience
• less than 1 year
• 1 year to less than 3 years
• 3 years to less than 5 years
• 5 years to less than 10 years
• 10 years or more

05


How many years of increasingly progressive human resources experience, with a focus on benefits, do you have?

• I have no experience
• less than 1 year
• 1 year to less than 3 years
• 3 years to less than 5 years
• 5 years to less than 10 years
• 10 years or more

06


Please identify the company/agency/organization where you gained the experience described in question #4 and #5 Note: These employers must be listed in the work history section on your employment application to receive credit. Entering "N/A' or "See Resume/Application" does not qualify as an acceptable response.
07


What is your level of experience and proficiency in benefits administration?

• No experience
• Basic
• Intermediate Proficiency
• Advanced Proficiency
• Subject Matter Expert

08


What is your level of experience and proficiency in position classification and compensation administration?

• No Experience
• Basic Knowledge
• Intermediate Proficiency
• Advanced Proficiency
• Subject Matter Expert

09


What is your experience level working with Microsoft Office applications?

• Basic
• Intermediate
• Advanced

10


Please check all that apply- please note, certification is required within 1 year of hire

• SPHR
• PHR
• SHRM-SCP/ SHRM-CP
• None

11


The hiring salary for the position is posted on the job posting. Salary determination is supported by budget availability and qualifications of the candidate to maintain internal equity. Please acknowledge that you understand this process.

• Yes
• No

Required Question