Director of Compensation
Rochester Institute of Technology
Rochester, New York
THE SEARCH
Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) seeks a strategic and collaborative thought leader to serve as the next Director of Compensation. The Director of Compensation will lead a critical function at the intersection of workforce strategy and institutional transformation. This leader will drive the evolution of RIT’s staff compensation philosophy, steward the integration of a new staff architecture, and play a pivotal role in the upcoming Workday implementation and support executive and faculty compensation initiatives. They will lead a high-performing team, foster a culture of innovation and growth, and ensure alignment with RIT’s strategic goals through data-driven insights and forward-thinking practices. As a trusted advisor to the Associate Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer and other senior leaders, the Director will serve on the HR leadership team and will collaborate across HR and the broader university community to shape equitable, future-ready staff compensation solutions that support RIT’s mission and long-term success.
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 next Director will have a unique opportunity to make a significant impact by strengthening RIT’s staff compensation strategy through the evaluation and enhancement of systems, processes, and operations. Ideal candidates will bring proven experience in compensation and classification, along with a track record of leading high-performing teams. Success in this role will require a collaborative mindset, strong stakeholder engagement skills, and the ability to influence through expertise and thoughtful guidance. The Director must also 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 seven years of progressive experience in compensation management are required. An advanced degree or professional certification (i.e., CCP) is strongly preferred.
Rochester Institute of Technology has retained Isaacson, Miller, a national executive search firm, to assist in the recruitment of its next Director of Compensation. Please direct all applications, nominations, and inquiries to Isaacson, Miller, as indicated below.
COMPENSATION AND LOCATION
The Director of Compensation 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.
Rebecca Kennedy, Partner (she/her)
Lehman Robinson, Associate (he/him)
Cortnee Bollard, Senior Search Coordinator (they/them)
https://www.imsearch.com/open-searches/rochester-institute-technology/director-compensation
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.