Director of Total Rewards - Utah Transit Authority : Job Details

At Utah Transit Authority (UTA), we share a passion for community in our work. We help keep Utah connected and understand that people are at the center of the UTA Way. We are looking for a Director of Total Rewards to lead UTA's Total Rewards department.Under the direction of the Chief People Officer, the Director of Total Rewards plays a pivotal role in designing and executing the strategic direction of UTA's Total Rewards programs to align with organizational objectives and enhance employee wellbeing.

As theDirector of Total Rewardsfor the Utah Transit Authority, you will:

• Oversees the design, strategy, and execution of comprehensive benefit programs. Leads efforts to boost employee engagement and satisfaction through innovative benefit offerings and wellness program initiatives.

• Manages Total Rewards program offerings, including self-funded and fully insured benefit plans, onsite health and wellness clinics, leave programs, educational assistance program, and compensation programs. Adheres to all federal and state regulations, compliance, ACA laws, corporate policies, and standard operating procedures.

• Supervises benefits, compensation, drug and alcohol, and HRIS staff by identifying strategic initiatives, setting annual targets, monitoring progress, and evaluating performance. Provides leadership, vision, and professional development for team members and exhibits living the UTA Way.

• Stays updated on industry trends, regulatory modifications, and emerging best practices in employee benefits to ensure organizational competitiveness and compliance.

• Cultivates strong relationships with key stakeholders, including Board of Trustees, executives, and senior leadership, to ensure benefits programs are aligned and supported. Establishes strategic partnerships with industry professionals, consultants, and vendors to enrich the range and quality of benefit offerings.

• Serves as a fiduciary and voting member of the Joint Insurance Committee (JIC). Work with CPO and the ATU Presidency to design, cost, and negotiate bargaining unit benefit offerings and rates.

• Conducts regular audits and evaluations of benefits programs to identify and rectify any areas of risk or non-compliance. Ensures alignment and consistency among insurance contracts, company policy, Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs), and federal/state regulations.

• Initiates and handles requests for proposals (RFPs) and negotiates contracts with benefit plan providers, vendors, and consultants for services, premium rates, and plan management.

• Manages health, disability, life, supplemental insurances and service provider contracts; onsite health and wellness center contract; occupational medicine program contract; drug and alcohol TPA services contract; pension administration, investment firm, actuarial services, and financials contracts; and 457 service vendor contracts.

• Develops and manages the budget for the Total Rewards department. Reconciles budget differentials and adjust expenditure priorities as necessary. Reviews and approves expenditures based on defined guidelines.

Pay Range:$115,800+/yr (or more depending on experience)

Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Human Resource Management, or related field.

• Subject matter expertise developed through ten or more years of related experience in Total Rewards program administration, including employee benefit programs, compensation, leaves of absence, and wellness programs.

• Five years of specific work experience leading end-to-end development and staff implementing Total Rewards programs.

• Minimum five years of supervisory/management experience in an office environment.

• Collaborative business style to work effectively with leadership and employees across all levels of the organization (including senior leaders, executives, and Board of Trustees) and with external partnerships with industry professionals, consultants, and vendors.

• Excellent decision-making, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.

• Strong planning, organizational, and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

• Experience in negotiating and managing vendor contracts.

• Experience in planning and administering annual benefit plan open enrollments.

• Experience planning and administering retirement plans.

• Must be familiar with federally mandated laws governing employee benefit programs including Cafeteria 125, FMLA, HIPAA, COBRA, ERISA, and ACA.

Benefits Offered:

• Health, dental, vision, life/AD&D, and more

• Onsite Health and Wellness Clinics for medical care at no cost to employees, spouses, domestic partners, and dependent children.

• 22 days of accrued paid time off

• 10 paid holidays and two paid floating holidays per year.

• Retirement options - Pension Plan

• Generous tuition reimbursement for higher education

• Training, development, and career advancement opportunities.

• Paid parental leave for birth, adoption, and child placement

• Free transit passes for employees, their spouses, and their dependent children.

• Employee assistance program

• UTA Wellness program

• Free on-site fitness facilities and discounted membership to VASA Fitness and EoS Fitness

• Discounted cell phone plans with T-Mobile and AT&T

• Pet insurance plan options

Our mission is to move Utah. We are proud to be powered by our diverse teams across departments, who work together to make that mission a reality. Their ingenuity and passion make better transportation accessible for our community. Our team has shaped our culture, making our work environment a place where people can build their careers for years to come. We hope you become one of them!