HR Director, Benefits and Compliance

HR Director, Benefits and Compliance 

POSITION OVERVIEW 

• Office/Division: Division of Finance and Administration
• Department: Human Resources
• Classification: Full-time, Exempt, Non-Represented Staff Position
• Work Arrangement: In-person, on campus (Valencia, CA)
• Salary Range: Grade 12: $136,377-$155,277 annually
• Schedule: Regular business hours; on-campus presence required
• Benefits Eligibility: This position is eligible for a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, retirement, paid time off, holidays, and other applicable benefits, subject to applicable policies and eligibility requirements.

Reporting directly to the Executive Director of Human Resources, the HR Director, Benefits and Compliance will oversee two significant aspects of HR. The Director will oversee the strategy, administration, and compliance on the college’s self-funded benefits plan, annual open enrollment, leave programs, and the retirement plan. Additionally, the Director will oversee all aspects of the HRIS system and HR compliance, including workers compensation and CalOSHA compliance. The Director supervises both the HR Manager and HR Coordinator for Benefits and Compliance. Additionally, the Director will partner closely with Labor Relations to collaborate with union leadership and ensure benefit strategies, renewals, and compensation adjustments align with collective bargaining agreements. 

The Director will update processes, implement promising practices, provide expert guidance, exhibit high customer service and care, and serve as a trusted member of the human resources leadership team. As an internal consultant to college leaders, the Director will advise the Executive Director of Human Resources, the CFO, and other senior management on effective strategies that ensure CalArts remains an employer of choice.  

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES 

Benefits & Compensation Administration 

• Collaborate with senior management and the HR team to maintain a market-competitive compensation program and maintain internal equity. 
• Manage job descriptions, FLSA classifications, and salary grade assignments in partnership with the Talent Team. 
• Engage with external consultants as needed to assist in maintaining competitive compensation programs.  
• Develop, facilitate, and ensure compliance with compensation policies, including oversight of annual salary letters and information system updates. 
• Oversee all benefit programs at the institute. Collaborate with benefit brokers to manage programs and costs, negotiate with carriers on annual renewals, and design programs to attract and retain a diverse workforce. 
• Manage TransAmerica 403b retirement plan. 
• Ensure the institute’s compliance with relevant laws. 
• Maintain updated compensation plan documents, oversee annual audits working with independent auditors, and ensure the plan is administered properly according to plan design and requirements. 
• Coordinate the work of the retirement committee and its oversight of the retirement plan. 
• Consult with faculty and staff on retirement matters. 
• Lead the preparation of all 5500 Form filings with the Department of Labor, and other government reporting such as 1095C Forms, PCORI fees, Fee Disclosures, and related filings and requirements. 
• Collaborate with the HR team to oversee the administration of workers' compensation and family/medical leave programs. 

• Provide strategic oversight of the institution’s Human Resources Information System (HRIS), ensuring system functionality supports compensation, benefits administration, reporting, compliance, and institutional decision-making.
• Partner with Information Technology and HR leadership to evaluate, implement, and optimize HRIS modules and integrations related to payroll, benefits, talent management, and employee data management.
• Establish and maintain HRIS data governance standards, including data integrity, system security, user access protocols, and documentation of system processes.
• Oversee HR data reporting and analytics to support institutional planning, workforce analysis, and regulatory reporting requirements.
• Lead HRIS system enhancements, upgrades, testing, and process improvements to ensure operational efficiency and compliance.

• Provide strategic leadership in ensuring the institution’s compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, including but not limited to wage and hour laws, ACA requirements, ERISA, and leave regulations.
• Oversee HR compliance processes including policy implementation, regulatory reporting, internal audits, and documentation standards.
• Partner with HR leadership and legal counsel to interpret regulatory changes and implement compliant HR policies and practices.
• Monitor emerging employment legislation and regulatory updates and advise senior leadership on institutional risk and compliance strategies.
• Ensure accurate and timely completion of required government reporting, including EEO-1 reporting, ACA reporting, benefits compliance filings, and other regulatory submissions.
• Support institutional compliance initiatives including HR policy review, documentation standards, and audit readiness.
• Collaboration with Facilities Development and Management Division:
  • Oversee institutional compliance with federal, state, and local Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) regulations, including OSHA and Cal/OSHA standards 
  • Manage and maintain Institute’s Injury and Illness Prevention Program, Workplace Violence Policy, and emergency action plans
  • Serve as the primary HR point of contact for regulatory safety audits, inspections, or consultations with Cal/OSHA and other government agencies. 
  • Manage Cal/OSHA recordkeeping and compliance reporting
  • Partner on required workplace safety training programs

Key Qualifications and Competencies :  

• Extensive experience in human resources with demonstrated expertise in benefits and compliance. 
• OSHA/Cal-OSHA Expertise: In-depth working knowledge of federal OSHA and California-specific (Cal/OSHA) regulations, compliance mandates, and workplace safety frameworks. OSHA certification preferred.
• Proficiency in Excel and data analysis. 
• Experience with human capital management systems, Paycom experience is preferable
• Facility for independently analyzing and presenting data and information. 
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal employment regulations and laws. 
• Proven ability to plan, organize, and manage multiple projects. 
• Excellent presentation/public speaking skills. 
• Ability to communicate with a wide diversity of key stakeholders effectively and respectfully. 
• Zeal for collaborating and thriving in a diverse workforce. 
• Bachelor’s degree required, HR professional certification preferred (e.g. SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR)
• 8 - 10 years of progressive experience in Human Resources

Critical Attributes: 

• Exceptional customer service orientation with a passion for helping others 

• Skilled relationship builder and listener 

• Strategic, big-picture thinker who remains attentive to details 

• Collaborative and trusted advisor 

• Innovative practitioner 

• Confident communicator 

• Critical thinker  

• Dedicated sense of accountability 

• Appreciation for a higher education environment

Application Process: Applicants must complete and submit a full employment application through the job posting.

Equal Opportunity Employer

CalArts is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

If you need a reasonable accommodation to apply for a position, please contact Human Resources at [email protected].