• Senior Director of Total Rewards
  • George Mason University

Position Information

  • Senior Director of Total Rewards
    Req # 10003056

    About the Department:
    George Mason Human Resources is dedicated to creating a people-centered environment where every employee feels valued, supported, and empowered to thrive. Our mission is to attract, engage, and retain talented faculty and staff through meaningful programs and practices that foster connection, growth, and well-being.

    As a trusted strategic partner, our team champions an all-inclusive and innovative culture that prioritizes community and belonging. We play a vital role in advancing the university’s goals by designing and delivering services that support each employee’s professional and personal journey.

    Serving close to 10,000 employees and retirees, our HR team continuously evolves to meet the needs of a dynamic and dedicated workforce, building a workplace where people can do their best work and feel a strong sense of purpose.

    About the Position:
    The Senior Director of Total Rewards serves as a strategic leader responsible for developing and executing George Mason University’s comprehensive total rewards philosophy and programs, including compensation, benefits, and retirement offerings. Reporting to the Assistant Vice President and Deputy Chief Human Resources Officer, this role sets the vision and framework for total rewards that support an engaged, inclusive, and high-performing workforce.

    This leader brings prior experience shaping and evolving institution-wide compensation and benefits strategies—ensuring competitive, equitable, and fiscally responsible programs. This role seeks to deliver a transparent, university-wide communications approach to promote understanding and trust in the university’s total rewards framework, reinforcing employee engagement, performance, and institutional alignment.

    The Senior Director ushers in new market-based compensation strategies that support the attraction and retention of top talent across the institution. Simultaneously, they lead a forward-looking benefits strategy that enhances the employee experience—promoting well-being and flexibility—while serving as a prudent fiduciary of the university’s financial resources and compliance obligations.

    Acting as the university’s senior subject matter expert in total rewards, this position guides the evaluation and design of salary structures, job architecture, and health and retirement benefit programs. The Senior Director leads cross-functional collaboration with senior leadership in Finance, Academic Affairs, Legal, Administration, and across HR Centers’ of Expertise (COEs) to operationalize strategic reward priorities. This includes directing the integration of pay equity principles, benefits program innovation, and compensation governance across faculty, staff, and senior leadership populations.

    As a key partner in institutional strategy and a member of the HR leadership team, the Senior Director provides consultation on workforce trends, compensation and benefits modernization, and employee value proposition enhancements. This position brings the judgment, presence, and credibility to navigate complex organizational dynamics, advise on sensitive matters including senior leadership compensation and compliance, and lead through institutional transformation.

    Instructions to Applicants:
    For full consideration, applicants must apply for Senior Director of Total Rewards at https://jobs.gmu.edu/. Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information, and provide Cover Letter and Resume for review.

    Mason Ad Statement
    Mason is currently the largest and most diverse university in Virginia with students and faculty from all 50 states and over 135 countries studying in over 200 degree programs at campuses in Arlington, Fairfax and Prince William, as well as at learning locations across the commonwealth. Rooted in Mason’s diversity is a campus culture that is both rewarding and exciting, work that is meaningful, and opportunities to both collaborate and create.

    If you are interested in joining the Mason family take a look at our current opportunities and catch some Mason spirit at jobs.gmu.edu/!

    George Mason University, Where Innovation is Tradition.

    George Mason University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, committed to promoting inclusion and equity in its community. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any characteristic protected by law.

     

Organization Information

  • https://www.gmu.edu/
  • https://listings.jobs.gmu.edu/jobs/6f222c2c-748...