Assistant Total Rewards Director

Public Sector HR Association; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Durham seeks an Assistant Department Director for Total Rewards to lead the design, administration, and continuous improvement of compensation, classification, and employee benefits for about 2,800 staff across 26 departments. Reports to the CHRO and collaborates with Budget, Finance, and department leaders.

Responsibilities span benefits administration, compensation planning, regulatory compliance, budget management, and vendor negotiations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in HR, Public Administration, Business Administration, Finance, or closely related field.
• Nine (9) years of progressively responsible professional experience in compensation, benefits, or total rewards administration.
• At least five (5) years in a supervisory or management capacity.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight of Benefits and Compensation & Classification, including division managers and staff.
• Manage division budgets, vendor contracts, and RFP processes for benefits and compensation services.
• Present to City Council and represent HR in cross‑functional committees and task forces.
• Oversee vendor relationships, contracts, actuaries, consultants, and third‑party administrators.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in HR, Public Administration, Business Administration, Finance, or closely related field

Job description

The City of Durham seeks an Assistant Department Director for Total Rewards to lead the design, administration, and continuous improvement of compensation, classification, and employee benefits for about 2,800 staff across 26 departments. Reports to the CHRO and collaborates with Budget, Finance, and department leaders.

Responsibilities span benefits administration, compensation planning, regulatory compliance, budget management, and vendor negotiations.