Description

Travis County is seeking an experienced, forward-thinking Assistant Director of Total Rewards to provide strategic leadership and operational oversight of compensation, classification, and employee benefits programs serving approximately 5,000 employees. Reporting to the Chief Human Resources Officer, this position leads a team of two direct reports and ten indirect reports and plays a key role in strengthening market competitiveness, supporting equitable compensation practices, and ensuring sustainable, high-quality benefits. The ideal candidate has hands-on experience leading market salary studies, classification initiatives, compensation strategy development, and self-funded benefits programs in a large, complex organization. As a member of the HR leadership team, the Assistant Director collaborates with the Planning & Budget Office, elected and appointed officials, and department leaders to advance County priorities.

For more information on Travis County, click HERE

In alignment with the responsibilities of this position, the duties of the Assistant Director for Total Rewards span four main categories: 

• Provide strategic leadership and operational oversight of Benefits and Compensation & Classification, including development of managers and professional staff and clear performance expectations
• Lead compensation and classification strategy, including market studies, salary structures, internal equity, pay compression analysis, and recommendations that support recruitment and retention
• Oversee self-funded benefits strategy, plan performance, vendor accountability, employee communications, and annual enrollment planning; present recommendations to Commissioners Court and other stakeholders
• Manage operating budgets, contracts, procurement and RFPs, actuaries, consultants, and third-party administrators, ensuring fiscal stewardship and service quality

Help Travis County be a trusted, well-run County and an employer of choice through competitive total rewards, responsive service, and continuous improvement. We seek a collaborative, data-driven leader who combines strategic vision with practical execution, communicates complex issues clearly, develops high-performing teams, and uses technology and cross-functional partnerships to modernize HR services. 

Review the Assistant Director of Total Rewards Brochure HERE

Duties and Responsibilities
 

• Oversees and leads functional staff. Serves as backup in the absence of the Chief Human Resource Officer
• Provides strategic direction to County leaders on the design, implementation, employee communication, and administration of compensation, classification, and benefits programs
• Evaluates program effectiveness using market data, employee feedback, benefits utilization, financial performance, and service measures; recommends improvements aligned with County priorities
• Develops and executes an equitable, competitive, and financially sustainable total rewards strategy encompassing compensation, classification, employee benefits, and work-life programs
• Keeps abreast of market and legislative or regulatory trends
• Coordinates with the Commissioners’ Court, division, departments, agencies, and organizations to accomplish organizational goals and objectives
• Leads complex initiatives, including compensation and classification studies, pay equity and compression reviews, and benefits modernization, to improve employee experience and organizational outcomes
• Advises, consults, and collaborates with Elected and Appointed Officials, Department Heads, department management, and employees on proposed, new and or existing HR programs, policies, and operational procedures
• Partners across HR divisions and County departments to strengthen service delivery, share information, simplify processes, and implement sustainable improvements
• Applies research, market surveys, cost-benefit analysis, and workforce data to develop salary structures, market positioning, and compensation recommendations
• Oversees self-funded medical and pharmacy programs, plan design and cost containment, consultants, actuaries, third-party administrators, and clear employee communications during changes and open enrollment.
• Presents recommendations to Commissioners Court for policies, procedures, programs, and or actions for HR programs. Presents technical information clearly and logically in a manner that is easily understood by Commissioners Court, and other various and diverse audiences
• Advises and serves on County committees as assigned
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Requirements

Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in Personnel Management, Human Resources Management, Public Administration, Business Administration, Organizational Development, or a directly related field AND seven (7) years of directly related demonstrated experience in Human Resources. Must have five (5) years of experience in a responsible position within Total Rewards, including three (3) years of mid to senior level supervisory or management experience. Prefer candidates who demonstrate requisite job knowledge and additional competencies including organizational commitment, teamwork, negotiations, change management, adaptability, conflict resolution, initiative, and project management.  Experiences should include training delivery;

OR,

Any combination of education and experience that has been achieved and is equivalent to the stated education and experience and required knowledge, skills, and abilities sufficient to successfully perform the duties and responsibilities of this job.
 
Licenses, Registrations, Certifications, or Special Requirements:
Valid Texas Driver’s License.
 
Preferred:

• Master's degree in Personnel Administration, Human Resources Management, Public Administration, or a directly related field.
  Certified Compensation Professional (CCP) or Certified Benefits Professional (CBP).
• Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR); or Professional in Human Resources Certification (PHR).
• Experience leading compensation studies and administering or overseeing self-funded benefits in a large, complex organization.
• Systems, Applications and Products (SAP) experience preferred.