Carnegie Mellon University's Office of Human Resources is seeking a Director, Total Compensation to join their team. This is an exciting opportunity for those who are passionate about shaping compensation and benefits strategies that attract and retain top talent.
Reporting to the Assistant Vice President for Compensation and Benefits, the Director, Total Compensation is a key member of Carnegie Mellon University’s Office of Human Resources who helps manage and guide CMU’s compensation and benefits programs, structures, systems, and practices.
This position will be responsible for leading the day-to-day operations of the compensation function and will lead the strategy, design, implementation, and management of compensation programs. This role ensures that the organization’s compensation practices are competitive, equitable, and aligned with business objectives and regulatory requirements.
Additionally, this position will partner in the overall design, implementation, communication, and administration of CMU’s employee benefits (including but not limited to: medical, prescription, dental, vision, retiree medical, FSA, COBRA, life, disability, tuition reimbursement, and compensation programs.
Core responsibilities include:
- Designing, implementing, and maintaining compensation programs to meet objectives in regard to internal equity and external competitiveness. The position will plan, develop, and implement new and revised compensation programs, processes, and procedures to be responsive to CMU’s goals and competitive practices.
- Partnering with other HR Leaders to develop, review, and document procedures to streamline processes and ensure legal/regulatory and policy compliance.
- Ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local compensation regulations and labor laws.
- Providing daily supervision and direction to staff.
- Partnering with HR, legal, finance, and leadership teams to provide compensation insights and recommendations.
- Leading annual compensation review processes, including merit increases, etc.
- Developing and implementing job evaluation and salary grading methodologies.
- Analyzing compensation data and providing reports to senior management for decision-making.
- Partnering in the ongoing evaluation of all benefits plans, costs, and utilization, monitor parallel benefits provided by competitor institutions, and report trends and recommend changes aimed at balancing cost with positioning the university as an employer of choice. Evaluate health claims data for purposes of recommending cost-saving plan design changes, wellness initiatives, and disease management strategies.
- Designing, implementing, and maintaining compensation programs to meet objectives in regard to internal equity and external competitiveness. The position will plan, develop, and implement new and revised compensation programs, processes, and procedures to be responsive to CMU’s goals and competitive practices.
- Other duties as assigned.
Adaptability, excellence, and passion are vital qualities within the Office of Human Resources. We are in search of a team member who can effectively interact with a varied population of internal and external partners at a high level of integrity. We are looking for someone who shares our values and who will support the mission of the university through their work.
Qualifications:
Education:
- Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred.
- Professional certifications such as the CEBS (Certified Employee Benefits Specialist), CCP (Certified Compensation Professional, GRP (Global Remuneration Professional) are strongly preferred.
Experience:
- 8 to 10 years of relevant compensation/benefits leadership experience required.
- Previous experience working in higher education and/or a complex, matrixed organization with varied business units preferred.
- International compensation/benefits experience is a plus.
- Previous experience with Workday is a plus.
A combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired may be considered.
Requirements:
- Successful pre-employment background check
Additional Information:
- This is a full-time (37.5 hours), exempt position based in Pittsburgh, PA.
- Work Posture: This opportunity is operating on a hybrid work schedule, with an on-campus/in-office presence of 3 days a week, 2 days remote (Pittsburgh, PA-based)
- Sponsorship: Applicants for this position must be currently legally authorized to work for CMU in the United States. CMU will not sponsor or take over the sponsorship of an employment visa for this opportunity. Carnegie Mellon is not a qualifying employer for the STEM OPT benefit: only the 12-month OPT may be used to work at Carnegie Mellon.
Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits.
Benefits eligible employees enjoy a wide array of benefits including comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous retirement savings program with employer contributions. Unlock your potential with tuition benefits, take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays, and rest easy with life and accidental death and disability insurance.
Additional perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, access to our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access, and much more!
For a comprehensive overview of the benefits available, explore our Benefits page.
At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond credentials, we evaluate the role and responsibilities, your valuable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We appreciate your unique skills and the perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; it’s about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations.
Are you interested in an exciting opportunity with an exceptional organization?! Apply today!
Location
Pittsburgh, PAJob Function
BenefitsPosition Type
Staff – RegularFull Time/Part time
Full timePay Basis
SalaryMore Information:
Please visit “Why Carnegie Mellon” to learn more about becoming part of an institution inspiring innovations that change the world.
Click here to view a listing of employee benefits
Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran.
Statement of Assurance
Carnegie Mellon University Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Carnegie Mellon University and has not been reviewed or approved by Carnegie Mellon University.
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Retirement Support — Retirement support is positioned as a standout, with automatic employer contributions to a TIAA-administered plan at 8% of base salary (and 9.78% for 9‑month academic appointments), plus optional employee deferrals. Vesting after three years is clearly specified, which helps set expectations for long-term value.
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Parental & Family Support — Parental and family support is strengthened by 100% paid parental leave for six weeks and 100% paid maternity leave for 6–8 weeks (delivery-type dependent), effective July 1, 2024. Childcare support is also referenced through a Cyert Center subsidy up to $5,000 per family, alongside no-cost EAP access.
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Wellbeing & Lifestyle Benefits — Wellbeing and lifestyle benefits include free Pittsburgh Regional Transit access and access to fitness classes and facilities, adding recurring non-cash value to the overall package. Pittsburgh’s relatively affordable cost of living can further increase the perceived adequacy of a given salary compared with higher-cost coastal hubs.
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