Director Total Rewards

Company: Utah Transit Authority
Location: Salt Lake City
Posted on: May 1, 2025

Job Description:

Utah Transit Authority

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 UTAs 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 UTAs Total Rewards programs to align with organizational objectives and enhance employee wellbeing.The Director of Total Rewards is responsible for the following functions:

• 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 (medical, dental, vision, life, disability, FSA, HSA, supplemental insurances, discount plans, employee assistance program), 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.EDUCATION/TRAINING:
  • Bachelors degree in Business Administration, Human Resource Management, or related field.EXPERIENCE:
    • 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.
    • Familiarity with Microsoft Office including proficiency in Word and Excel at the intermediate level.ABILITIES (UTA Competencies)
      • Strategic Mindset Looking toward the broadest possible view of an issue/challenge; cultivating innovation; anticipating future trends and implications accurately.
      • Business Acumen Maintaining an up-to-date understanding of the broader issues affecting field of expertise and organization.
      • Managerial Courage Standing strong in the face of adversity and taking necessary risk to achieve results.
      • Change Management Dealing comfortably with the uncertainty of change. Dealing constructively with problems that do not have clear solutions or outcomes.
      • Communicates Effectively Creating an open environment in which thoughts are expressed freely and information flows easily.
      • Decision Making Making sound decisions that consider multiple options, seeking input from others; reaching good decisions in a timely manner.
      • Drives Results Fostering a strong bottom-line orientation; accomplishing objectives despite obstacles and setbacks; exceeding goals successfully; pushing self and others to achieve results.This position requires regular and predictable in office attendance- OR -An equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.[UTA reserves the right to determine the equivalencies of education and experience.]As a full-time Administrative Employee, your Total Rewards Benefits Package will include:
        • Health, dental, vision, life/AD&D, short-term and long-term disability insurance (eligible after 30 days of employment), with Flexible Spending and Dependent Care accounts. Choice between Traditional Co-Pay or High Deductible Health Plans for medical coverage. HSA with company match available to employees enrolled in the HDHP. Benefit plans include coverage for domestic partners (eligibility affidavit required for coverage).
        • 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 (13 vacation days and 9 sick days), which increases with tenure at UTA.
        • 10 paid holidays and two paid (2) floating holidays per year.
        • Retirement options - Pension Plan with 5-year vesting schedule and 457 Contribution Plan, available for immediate contributions and company matching.
        • Generous tuition reimbursement for higher education, available for any higher education degree (bachelor, master, or PHD). Course of study must be approved prior to enrollment.
        • Training, development, and career advancement opportunities.
        • Paid parental leave for birth, adoption, and child placement (after 12 months of employment).
        • Free transit passes for employees, their spouses, and their dependent children.
        • Employee assistance program includes counseling, legal services, financial planning, etc.
        • UTA Well a comprehensive wellness program designed to support employees and dependents in their health and wellness goals.
        • 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 (tailored plan coverage based on pets health and needs).For more information on UTAs Total Rewards benefits package, please visit: https://jobs.jobvite.com/rideuta/#benefits Pay Range: $115,800.00 or more depending on experienceIf interested, apply before: Friday, May 1, 2025 @ 5:59 PM MST* UTA promotes equal employment opportunities through its employment practices to current employees as well as internal and external applicants without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, disability, age, pregnancy, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, status as a parent, or genetic information. Applicants needing an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act for any part of the application process should contact UTA Human Resources at 801-287-2324. A minimum of two workdays notice prior to the need for the accommodation is required.*Utah Transit Authority is a drug-free workplace, subject to federal drug and alcohol testing regulations under 49 CFR Part 40, 655, and 219. All offers for employment are contingent upon a successful pre-employment drug test. If a pre-employment test returns a non-negative result, an application for employment may be rejected. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion and post-accident testing for drug and alcohol use. All safety sensitive employees are subject to random testing for drug and alcohol use. PM21
          
          
          
          
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Keywords: Utah Transit Authority, Provo , Director Total Rewards, Executive , Salt Lake City, Utah