Senior Director of Compensation Services

POSITION TITLE (Oracle title)

SENIOR DIRECTOR

WORKING TITLE

Senior Director-Compensation Services

SCHOOL/DEPARTMENT

Compensation Services

LOCATION

Crossroads III Cary NC

PAY GRADE

Senior Director Band 1

FLSA STATUS

Exempt

ELIGIBILITY FOR EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT

No

WORK WEEK SCHEDULE

Monday-Friday (occasional evenings and weekends) Position is available for a hybrid telework workweek

POSITION PURPOSE:

Provides strategic leadership and oversight for the Compensation Services department which includes Payroll Operations Employee Benefits Compliance and Tax Reporting. Leads a team to ensure the delivery of accurate timely and compliant services to over 26000 employees across the Wake County Public School System (WCPSS). Guides the development and implementation of integrated compensation strategies that align with organizational goals regulatory requirements and employee satisfaction. Fosters a culture of operational excellence innovation and high-performance service delivery.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs)

• Extensive knowledge of compensation benefits payroll and compliance practices in large complex organizations;

• Comprehensive understanding of federal state and local laws and regulations related to employment compensation benefits and tax reporting (e.g. FLSA FMLA ACA ERISA HIPAA IRS);

• Strong knowledge of enterprise HRIS and ERP systems (e.g. Oracle) including data integration reporting and system optimization;

• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage large-scale operations with a focus on continuous improvement and customer service;

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders;

• Skilled in strategic planning policy development and change management;

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret complex data and make informed decisions;

• Ability to manage multiple priorities meet deadlines and maintain attention to detail in a fast-paced environment;

• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely in both oral and written forms using a variety of communication techniques and tools to ensure the appropriate flow of information collaborative efforts and feedback;

• Ability to establish and maintain effective interpersonal and working relationships with school system staff students parents external agencies and the public.

EDUCATION TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelors degree in business administration human resources accounting or a related field; AND

• Five years of progressively responsible experience in compensation payroll or benefits administration including experience in filing taxation forms at the state and federal levels (W2 WNC5 NC3 NCUI101 etc.);

• Five years in a supervisor role; AND

• Evidence of successful administrative/leadership experience;

• Other combinations of applicable education training and experience which provide the knowledge skills and abilities necessary to perform effectively in the position may be considered.

CERTIFICATION AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

• Must hold and maintain a valid motor vehicle operators license according to the State of NC requirements.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Masters degree in business administration (MBA) Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS) Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) or other nationally recognized HR certification;

• Experience working with Oracle-based payroll and benefits systems;

• Knowledge of North Carolina Retirement Plans and employer reporting requirements;

• Experience in public sector or educational institutions.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Provides executive leadership and strategic direction for the Compensation Services department including Payroll Operations Benefits Administration and Compliance and Reporting.

2. Supervises and evaluates the performance of three directors ensuring alignment with departmental goals and fostering a culture of accountability innovation and service excellence.

3. Develops and implements integrated compensation strategies that support recruitment retention and employee engagement across the district.

4. Ensures compliance with all applicable federal state and local laws and regulations related to compensation benefits and payroll.

5. Oversees the development and implementation of policies procedures and systems to ensure efficient and accurate processing of payroll and benefits.

6. Collaborates with Finance Human Resources Legal and IT departments to ensure seamless integration of compensation-related systems and processes.

7. Leads the departments response to audits legal inquiries and regulatory reviews ensuring timely and accurate documentation and resolution.

8. Analyzes compensation and benefits data to inform decision-making and provide strategic recommendations to senior leadership.

9. Oversees vendor relationships and contract negotiations for benefits and payroll-related services ensuring performance standards and cost-effectiveness.

10. Leads initiatives to enhance employee understanding of compensation and benefits offerings through effective communication and education strategies.

11. Represents Compensation Services in cross-departmental initiatives and serves as a key advisor to executive leadership on compensation-related matters.

12. Performs other related duties as assigned to support the mission and strategic goals of WCPSS.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Must be able to use a variety of office equipment such as computers scanners and copiers. Must be able to communicate effectively. At times requires the ability to lift carry push pull or otherwise move objects up to ten pounds. The work occasionally requires driving automotive equipment. Due to the amount of time spent standing and/or walking physical requirements are consistent with those for sedentary work.

EFFECTIVE DATE: 10/2025

DISCLAIMER: The above statements are intended to describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this position. They are not intended to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties responsibilities and skills required by the employees assigned to this position. This description may be revised by HR and approved at any time.