Sr. Director of Compensation

Dartmouth College; Hanover (NH); Hybrid; USD 190,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Dartmouth College seeks a Sr. Director of Compensation to shape and execute the university’s workforce compensation and rewards strategy.

You will lead executive, broad-based, and incentive compensation programs, aligning rewards with Dartmouth’s objectives, culture, and regulatory standards. Responsibilities include directing program design, governance with the Compensation Committee, and ongoing leadership collaboration to attract, retain, and engage top talent across campus.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of progressively responsible experience in compensation and rewards.
• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Finance, or related field.
• Experience in design and administration of broad-based compensation programs and strategy.
• Experience leading compensation initiatives such as merit reviews, incentive plans, equity and executive plans.

Responsibilities

• Direct the design, development, implementation, administration, and communication of compensation and rewards programs.
• Lead compensation strategy for Executive, Professional, Management, and Support roles.
• Oversee salary reviews, incentive plans, equity, and other compensation programs.
• Provide expertise to senior leadership and Compensation Committees.
• Lead communications and change management related to compensation and rewards.

Skills

Excel

Analytical thinking

Stakeholder management

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR, Finance, or related field

Tools

HRIS systems

Job description

Dartmouth College has a Tobacco-Free Policy. Smoking and the use of tobacco-based products (including smokeless tobacco) are prohibited in all facilities, grounds, vehicles or other areas owned, operated or occupied by Dartmouth College with no exceptions. For details, please see our policy. https://policies.dartmouth.edu/policy/tobacco-free-policy

Position Information

Posting date 04/14/2025

Open Until Filled Yes

Position Number

Position Number 0025800

Position Title

Position Title Sr. Director of Compensation

Hiring Range Minimum

Hiring Range Minimum $190,000

Hiring Range Maximum

Hiring Range Maximum $210,000

Union Type

Union Type Not a Union Position

SEIU Level

SEIU Level Not an SEIU Position

FLSA Status

FLSA Status Exempt

Employment Category

Employment Category Regular Full Time

Scheduled Months per Year

Scheduled Months per Year 12

Scheduled Hours per Week

Scheduled Hours per Week 40

Schedule

The office schedule requires an on site office presence every week, with most of the team being in the office on Tuesdays.

Location of Position

Hanover, NH
7 Lebanon Street, 2nd Floor

Remote Work Eligibility? Hybrid

Is this a term position?

Is this a term position? No

If yes, length of term in months.

Is this a grant funded position?

Is this a grant funded position? No

Position Purpose

The Sr. Director of Compensation shapes and executes Dartmouth’s workforce compensation and rewards strategy. The Sr. Director leads executive, broad based, and incentive compensation as well as reward initiatives ensuring alignment with Dartmouth’s objectives, culture, and regulatory requirements.

Description

Required Qualifications - Education and Yrs Exp

Required Qualifications - Education and Yrs Exp Bachelors or equivalent combination of education and experience

Required Qualifications - Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

• 15+ years of progressively responsible experience in compensation and rewards.
• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Finance, or related field.
• Experience in the design and administration of broad-based compensation programs and strategy.
• Experience leading compensation initiatives such as merit reviews, incentive plans, equity and executive plans.
• Expertise in developing and presenting executive compensation content for Compensation Committees and Boards.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to synthesize complex data and present it in a clear, actionable manner.
• Excellent verbal and written communication to deliver the right message for the right audience.
• Strong interpersonal, project management, decision-making, and time management skills.
• Advanced knowledge of Excel is required.
• Proven ability to engage and influence senior leadership.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Compensation Professional certification.
• Ability to effectively assess and diagnose business needs and develop impactful solutions.
• Proven experience in leading and developing a team, with a strong ability to inspire and drive results.
• A strong understanding of HRIS systems.
• A broad understanding of the broader Human Resources discipline is helpful.

Department Contact for Recruitment Inquiries

Department Contact for Recruitment Inquiries [e-mail]

Department Contact Phone Number

Department Contact Phone Number [e-mail]

Department Contact for Cover Letter and Title

Department Contact's Phone Number

Equal Opportunity Employer

Dartmouth College is an equal opportunity employer under federal law. We prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, marital status, or any other legally protected status. Applications are welcome from all.

Employment in this position is contingent upon consent to and successful completion of a pre-employment background check, which may include a criminal background check, reference checks, verification of work history, conduct review, and verification of any required academic credentials, licenses, and/or certifications, with results acceptable to Dartmouth College. A criminal conviction will not automatically disqualify an applicant from employment. Background check information will be used in a confidential, non-discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law.

Is driving a vehicle (e.g. Dartmouth vehicle or off road vehicle, rental car, personal car) an essential function of this job?

Is driving a vehicle (e.g. Dartmouth vehicle or off road vehicle, rental car, personal car) an essential function of this job? Not an essential function

Additional Instructions

Dartmouth College has retained Human Capital Consultants to assist in the search for the Sr. Director of Compensation position. A representative from their team may contact candidates to discuss their application further.

• Direct the design, development, implementation, administration, and communication of compensation and rewards programs in alignment with the Total Rewards strategy, supporting organization objectives while also maintaining a competitive market position. Establishing a new compensation philosophy and framework.
• The scope of the role includes strategy development and implementation of compensation and rewards programs for Executive, Professional, Management, and Support roles campus wide.
• Define and manage business processes to ensure alignment with Total Rewards strategy as well as compensation philosophy and framework.
• Proactively stay up to date on industry and market trends that may impact our ability to attract and retain talent.
• Accountable to ensure the effective execution of executive compensation and rewards programs in collaboration with key stakeholders and consultants, including Finance, Legal, and HR.
• Provide subject matter expertise for training to educate managers on compensation strategies, practices, and assist in educating on compensation related legal and compliance issues.
• Lead communications and change management efforts related to compensation and rewards.
• Manage and oversee large scale initiatives involving cross-functional teams.
• Serve as the subject matter expert and trusted advisor to senior leadership.
• Complete special studies and recommendations on subjects such as incentive compensation, bonus plans, engagement, or pay equity.

Percentage Of Time

Percentage Of Time 60

Description

Management

• Lead the implementation of processes, systems and tools to improve compensation, rewards, and engagement administration, communication and analysis.
• Lead a compensation team with a proven ability to develop team members and drive results.
• Lead the execution of processes and initiatives such as annual salary review/merit, variable compensation/incentive plans, equity and other compensation, rewards, and engagement programs.
• Lead the participation in analysis and interpretation of market data to include participation in salary surveys, review of benchmark data and reports to ensure Dartmouth’s competitive position in the market.
• Oversee the development of new or refined job descriptions and maintain job description library.
• Ensure proper documentation and audit processes are developed, approved and followed.
• Serve as subject matter expert in determining FLSA classification status and ensure ongoing compliance with federal regulations.
• Serve as an escalation point, owning resolution with HR partners and business leaders

Percentage Of Time

Percentage Of Time 40

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-- Demonstrates a commitment to diversity, inclusion, and cultural awareness through actions, interactions, and communications with others.

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-- Performs other duties as assigned

Dartmouth College Office of Human Resources | 7 Lebanon Street Suite 203 | Hanover, NH 03755 | Ph 603.646.3411 | [e-mail]