Director of Benefits and Wellness
Rochester Institute of Technology
Rochester, New York
THE SEARCH
Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) seeks an innovative, creative, experienced professional to serve as the next Director of Benefits and Wellness to lead the employee benefits and wellness function for approximately 4,000 faculty and staff. The Director of Benefits and Wellness is responsible for RIT’s employee benefits and wellness strategies, benefits administration, fiscal management of a $100M+ benefits budget, and ensuring legal and regulatory benefits compliance, as well as strategy and management of the employee wellness program. The individual will develop and maintain benefits programs, as well as provide direction and oversight for the implementation of related policies and procedures.
Founded in 1829, Rochester Institute of Technology has a long-standing history of innovation that blends the arts, technology, and experiential learning. In addition to its main campus in Rochester, New York, RIT maintains a strong international presence with over 100 active global partnerships and international campuses in Croatia, Dubai, and Kosovo. As of Fall 2024, total student enrollment across all campuses exceeded 21,000. Nationally recognized for its co-op and internship programs, RIT is supported by more than 4,000 dedicated faculty and staff members committed to student success. Its 1,300-acre suburban campus features cutting-edge facilities that reflect RIT’s strengths in applied research, design, and workforce development.
The successful candidate will report to the Associate Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer and will be a proven leader with deep expertise in developing and administering progressive human resources and employee benefits policies and programs. Success in this role requires a collaborative mindset, strong stakeholder engagement skills, and the ability to influence through subject matter expertise and thoughtful guidance. The Director must demonstrate sound judgment, political acumen, and a commitment to fostering a culture of trust, innovation, and continuous improvement.
A bachelor’s degree and a minimum of eight years of progressive HR experience, including at least four years in a supervisory or management role, are required. An advanced degree or professional certification (such as CEBS, SHRM, or HRCI) is strongly preferred, as is experience in a self-funded benefits environment.
Rochester Institute of Technology has retained Isaacson, Miller, a national executive search firm, to assist in the recruitment of its next Director of Benefits and Wellness. Please direct all applications, nominations, and inquiries to Isaacson, Miller, as indicated below.
COMPENSATION AND LOCATION
The Director of Benefits and Wellness is a full-time, permanent position based on-site in Rochester, NY, with the possibility of a hybrid work schedule. The University offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package. The expected salary range for this role begins at $150,000. The starting base salary will be commensurate with qualifications, experience, market, and organizational considerations.
APPLICATIONS, INQUIRIES, AND NOMINATIONS
Screening of complete applications will begin immediately and continue until the completion of the search process. Inquiries, nominations, referrals, and CVs with cover letters should be sent via the Isaacson, Miller website. Electronic submission of materials is strongly encouraged.
In compliance with NYS's Pay Transparency Act, the anticipated starting salary for this position is listed above. Rochester Institute of Technology considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as, market and organizational considerations when extending an offer. The hiring process for this position may require a criminal background check and/or motor vehicle records check. Any verbal or written offer made is contingent on satisfactory results, as determined by Human Resources. RIT does not discriminate. RIT provides equal opportunity to all qualified individuals and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, age, marital status, sex, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, veteran status or disability in its hiring, admissions, educational programs and activities. RIT provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities under the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the New York Human Rights Law, or similar applicable law.