Director, Total Rewards

Director, Total Rewards The Director, Total Rewards leads the strategy, administration, and continuous improvement of compensation and benefits across Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD). This role balances strategic leadership with strong operational execution in a large, unionized, public-sector environment. The Director ensures that Total Rewards programs and practices are equitable, compliant, financially responsible, operationally sound, and aligned to district priorities, collective bargaining agreements, and workforce strategy goals. This leader partners closely with Finance, Legal, Executive Leadership Team, and school and department leaders to support workforce effectiveness and employee experience. As a member of the Talent leadership team, the Director contributes to broader workforce strategy and organizational priorities while ensuring the district's Total Rewards systems operate with consistency, accuracy, and strong customer service. Total Rewards Strategy and Leadership Lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of the District's Total Rewards philosophy and practices Ensure compensation and benefits programs align with workforce strategy, equity commitments, operational realities, and financial sustainability Monitor market trends, emerging practices, and regulatory changes to inform recommendations and continuous improvement Provide strategic guidance and operational leadership on compensation, benefits, and Total Rewards matters across all employee groups Partner with Talent leadership to support broader workforce planning, retention, and employee experience priorities Partner with Executive Leadership Team on contract negotiations Compensation Administration Lead administration of district compensation programs across unionized, civil service, and at-will employee groups Oversee salary placement, position classification, reclassification review, and compensation-related processes Review, provide recommendations and implement recommendations regarding additional compensation requests, promotions, and position changes Ensure compensation practices are equitable, compliant, operationally consistent, and responsive to differentiated workforce needs Partner closely with Finance and Executive Leadership Team on compensation implementation and budget alignment Coordinate salary band reviews and compensation analysis as needed Ensure timely and accurate execution of compensation actions, notices, and related communications Benefits Administration Oversee administration of employee benefits programs and wellness-related offerings Lead planning and execution of annual Open Enrollment processes and employee communications Manage vendor relationships and ensure effective delivery of benefit programs and services Monitor benefit utilization, reporting, trends, and expenditures to identify risks and opportunities Ensure employees receive clear, responsive, and accurate support related to benefits and leave administration Compliance and Risk Management Ensure Total Rewards practices comply with collective bargaining agreements, civil service requirements, district policy, and applicable federal and state laws Lead audits, reporting requirements, and documentation processes related to compensation and benefits administration Partner with OCI and Legal teams to support implementation and interpretation of policies, agreements, and workforce actions Support organizational restructures, staffing changes, reductions in force, and other workforce transitions as needed HR Systems, Data and Process Improvement Oversee Workday processes and system functionality related to compensation, benefits, and employee data Ensure integrity, accuracy, and reliability of Total Rewards-related employee data and reporting Identify and implement process improvements that increase operational efficiency, transparency, and customer experience Strengthen workflows, documentation, and service standards across Total Rewards operations Support development of reporting and analytics to inform district decision-making Support development of reporting for public records request Customer Service and Stakeholder Partnership Regularly address and resolve complex employee and leader concerns related to compensation and benefits Serve as a trusted partner to district leadership, Finance and Legal Support communication and presentation of Total Rewards recommendations, changes, and analysis to district leadership, unions, and the Board as needed Consult with and advise managers and leaders on compensation and benefits practices and operational implications Build strong relationships across the organization while maintaining high standards of confidentiality and professionalism Team Leadership Lead, coach, and develop the Total Rewards team Establish clear priorities, goals, service expectations, and accountability measures Foster a culture of responsiveness, operational excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement Build team capacity to effectively support employees and leaders in a fast-paced, complex environment Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance, Public Administration, or related field required Master's degree preferred Certified Compensation Professional (CCP), Certified Benefits Professional (CBP), or related certification preferred Significant experience leading compensation, benefits, or Total Rewards functions in a complex organization Experience in a unionized and/or public-sector environment strongly preferred Strong knowledge of compensation administration, benefits operations, compliance, and workforce systems Experience utilizing HRIS systems and data/reporting tools required; Workday experience preferred Strong analytical, operational, and project management skills Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities and lead through ambiguity and change Strong written communication and presentation skills, including the ability to communicate complex information clearly and effectively Ability to build strong partnerships across multiple stakeholder groups Strong customer service orientation and sound professional judgment Commitment to the mission, students, families, and staff of Cleveland Metropolitan School District Measures of Success Success in this role will be demonstrated through: Operational Excellence Compensation and benefits operate accurately, consistently, and within established service timelines Successful execution of Open Enrollment with high employee participation and minimal operational issues Increased responsiveness and customer satisfaction related to Total Rewards support Benchmarking aligned to similarly sized Districts Compliance and Risk Management Compensation and benefits practices remain compliant with applicable laws, collective bargaining agreements, and district policies Required audits, reporting, and filings are completed accurately and on time Reduction in operational and compliance risks related to Total Rewards administration Systems and Process Improvement Improved efficiency and clarity in salary placement, position classification, and compensation approval processes Strengthened HRIS data integrity and reporting capabilities Streamlined workflows and improved documentation for key Total Rewards functions Strategic Partnership Trusted partnership established with Finance, Legal, and district leadership Effective support provided for organizational changes, restructures, staffing transitions, and workforce planning efforts Leadership teams receive timely, accurate, and actionable Total Rewards guidance and insights Team Leadership and Employee Experience Total Rewards team demonstrates strong accountability, responsiveness, collaboration, and customer service orientation Employees have increased access to clear, accurate information regarding compensation, benefits, and leave Reduction in recurring employee confusion and escalation themes related to Total Rewards processes and practices Response time Working Conditions/Physical Demands Expected moving, walking and standing consistent with an office environment and occasionally lifting up to 15 pounds While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk and sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms The employee is frequently required to talk and/or hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus While performing the