Director, Total Rewards

Lutheran Social Services of Illinois (LSSI), is a leading not-for-profit organization providing healing, justice and wholeness to people and communities. For over 150 years, LSSI has made a difference in the lives of children and families, and we're still a strong, viable presence in the State of Illinois, continuing that commitment to making a difference.

Benefits and Perks: LSSI is growing! Come be a part of this rewarding environment, and enjoy the knowledge that you’re helping make a positive difference in the lives of others, as well as these career advantages:

• On Demand Flexible Paydays for earned wages through an app called Dayforce Wallet.
• Competitive salary based upon relevant education, experience and licensure.
• Salary $/Hourly or Annually.
• Opportunity for advancement.
• Comprehensive benefits package for Full-Time employees includes healthcare insurance, up to 26 days of paid time off per calendar year, 11 paid holidays, sick time, 403(b) plan, Employee Assistance Program, and flexible hours.
• The paid training you need to learn, grow, and succeed!

Position Summary

The Director, Total Rewards provides strategic direction and operational oversight for the organization’s compensation, benefits, and payroll programs. This leader develops a unified Total Rewards strategy that strengthens the employee value proposition, ensures compliance, and supports talent attraction and retention. The Director will combine deep subject-matter expertise with leadership skills, guiding a team consisting of a Benefits Manager, a Compensation Manager, and a Sr. Payroll Specialist.

This role reports to the Vice President, Human Resources, and partners closely with Finance, Legal, and organizational leadership.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and maintain a Total Rewards philosophy aligned with mission, values, and budget.
• Serve as primary advisor to executives on compensation, benefits, and payroll matters.
• Lead integration of compensation, benefits, and well-being into a cohesive employee value proposition (EVP).
• Build and lead a team that ensures operational excellence across all Total Rewards functions.

Compensation Management

• Oversee job architecture, salary structures, and classification systems.
• Conduct market analyses and ensure competitive, equitable pay practices.
• Lead annual merit and incentive processes, integrating with performance management.
• Ensure compliance with IL Equal Pay Act, FLSA, and pay transparency regulations.
• Support board/Compensation Committee with executive compensation reviews and reasonableness standards (IRS IRC 4958).

Benefits Administration

• Provide strategic oversight of health, dental, vision, life, disability, and EAP programs.
• Manage voluntary benefits (supplemental life, legal, commuter, wellness) and ensure competitive offerings.
• Direct retirement plan administration (403(b), 457(b)), including audits, compliance, and fiduciary oversight.
• Oversee annual renewals and open enrollment, including communication strategy.
• Monitor leave programs (FMLA, state/local leave laws, PTO) and ensure compliance.

Payroll Oversight

• Ensure accurate and timely payroll for multi-state workforce (onsite, hybrid, remote).
• Maintain payroll compliance with federal, state, and local tax laws.
• Oversee Dayforce payroll systems and integration with HRIS/benefits.
• Ensure accuracy of deductions, garnishments, and retirement contributions.
• Establish strong internal controls and support audits.

Integration & Governance

• Develop integrated Total Rewards dashboards/reports for executive leadership.
• Partner on budget forecasting and cost analysis.
• Ensure alignment across payroll, benefits, and compensation for a seamless employee experience.
• Lead audits, compliance reviews, and maintain readiness for IRS, DOL, and external reviews.

Team Leadership

• Directly supervise a team of program managers and specialists.
• Coach and develop team members to ensure expertise, growth, and operational reliability.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, service, and accountability aligned with organizational values.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in HR, Business, Finance, or related field (Master’s degree is preferred).
• 10+ years of progressive HR/Total Rewards experience, including leadership.
• Proven expertise in compensation, benefits, and payroll administration.
• Experience in multi-state nonprofit or healthcare/human services environments strongly preferred.
• Certifications preferred: CCP (Certified Compensation Professional), CEBS (Certified Employee Benefits Specialist), CPP (Certified Payroll Professional).
• Strong financial acumen, analytical ability, and vendor negotiation skills.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills; ability to influence at executive and board levels.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, pregnancy, any other characteristic protected by law.