Total Rewards Manager
The Austin Centers for Exceptional Students · Phoenix, AZ
The Austin Centers for Exceptional Students is a multifaceted special education program, designed specifically for students with emotional disabilities, autism, intellectual disabilities, specific learning disabilities or other educational challenges. Austin Centers currently serves over a thousand students per year from more than 100 school districts and charter schools on all our campuses. Our Vision: To ignite a brighter tomorrow for every child and youth, regardless of their struggles, by providing unwavering support, world-class education, and a nurturing environment.
Position Summary
The Manager of Total Rewards is responsible for the strategic design, administration, and communication of The Austin Centers for Exceptional Students’ comprehensive rewards programs, including benefits, compensation, and time off plans. This role ensures our total rewards offerings are competitive, compliant, cost-effective, and aligned with our mission to serve exceptional students. The Manager of Total Rewards will work closely with leadership, HR, and external partners to attract, retain, and motivate a high-performing workforce while supporting the organization’s values and goals.
Key Responsibilities
Benefits Management
- Oversee the design, implementation, and administration of health, dental, vision, life, disability, and supplemental benefit programs.
- Serve as the primary contact for benefits vendors, brokers, and carriers, ensuring excellent service delivery and contract compliance.
- Manage annual benefits renewal and open enrollment processes, including plan analysis, communication, and employee education.
- Ensure benefits offerings remain competitive and cost-effective through regular benchmarking and plan evaluations.
Compensation Management
- Create, administer and maintain the organization’s compensation structures, salary ranges, and pay policies.
- Conduct market analyses and recommend salary adjustments to executive leadership to ensure competitiveness and equity.
- Support annual pay review processes, merit increases, contract renewal and incentive programs.
- Provide compensation guidance to managers and partners to ensure consistent application of pay practices.
- Upload pay increases into the HRIS system timely and audit for accuracy.
Time Off & Leave Administration
- Oversee the development, administration, and compliance of paid time off (PTO), holiday schedules, and leave programs (including FMLA, ADA, and other statutory leaves).
- Monitor usage trends, recommend policy updates, and ensure alignment with legal requirements and organizational goals.
- Serve as a subject matter expert for managers and employees on time off policies.
Compliance & Reporting
- Ensure all total rewards programs comply with federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
- Maintain accurate records, prepare reports, and analyze metrics related to benefits, compensation, and time off.
- Support audits and reporting requirements for benefits and compensation plans.
Employee Communication & Education
- Develop and deliver communication strategies that clearly explain total rewards offerings and value to employees.
- Conduct presentations, one-on-one meetings, and resource development to help employees make informed decisions about their benefits and compensation.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
- 5+ years of progressively responsible experience in benefits, compensation, or total rewards administration.
- Strong knowledge of federal and state employment laws, including FLSA, FMLA, ADA, ERISA, ACA, COBRA, and HIPAA.
- Experience with HRIS systems and benefits administration platforms.
- Demonstrated ability to analyze data, create reports, and make recommendations based on findings.
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and project management skills.
Ability to find creative solutions that create equity and consistency while supporting school needs.
- High level of discretion and ability to handle sensitive/confidential information.
Core Competencies
- Strategic and analytical thinking
- Attention to detail and accuracy
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Customer service orientation
- Problem-solving and decision-making
- Commitment to the mission and values of The Austin Centers for Exceptional Students
#IND1
Joining our team means that you are part of a passionate team of professionals dedicated to meeting the needs of our exceptional students. Austin Centers is committed to diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We strive to create an environment where everyone feels valued and supported, regardless of their background or identity.
Come help us empower bright futures: transforming lives, one student at a time!