Director of Compensation (Immediate Opening)

Director of Compensation

Role Mission: 

​​The Director of Compensation is responsible for assessing and maintaining the organization’s compensation functions, overseeing more than 700 position types and 11,000 employees from a Total Rewards perspective. Under the guidance of the Vice President of Compensation and Benefits, the Director collaborates with departmental and organizational leadership, utilizing their expertise and knowledge of compensation best practices both within and outside of educational settings. This role ensures that our compensation strategy is fair, competitive, and aligned with our goals to attract, motivate, and retain staff at IDEA Public Schools.​ 

Supervisory Responsibilities: 

​​• Oversees multiple members of the Compensation team in their areas of focus, including individual contributors and a Compensation Manager.​ 

Location: 

​​This is a full-time remote position based in Texas, with preference given to candidates who live in Austin, El Paso, Houston, Permian Basin (Midland/Odessa), Rio Grande Valley, San Antonio, and Tarrant County (Fort Worth), or who are willing to relocate.​  

Travel Expectations:      

​​• Travel to IDEA or external training events and team step-back retreats​ 

What You’ll Do – Accountabilities 

Essential Duties: 

1. Enhance Employee Value Proposition: Develop and maintain a compelling Employee Value Proposition that effectively attracts, retains, and motivates staff at IDEA Public Schools. Regularly assess employee preferences and simplify program offerings based on insights from exit surveys, Annual Employee Experience surveys, and other employee feedback. 

2. Competitive Compensation Management: Ensure competitive and equitable compensation for IDEA staff while maintaining Total Rewards costs within established budgets. Lead the external benchmarking process, monitor compensation data and market trends to inform decision-making, and collaborate with Finance and Talent Acquisition to maintain position control. 

3. Ensure Compensation Compliance and Risk Management: Monitor FLSA and other applicable federal, state, and local wage-and-hour laws and regulations across all states of operation, ensuring job classifications, exemption status, and pay practices remain compliant. Partner with Legal and HR on compensation-related audits and wage claims, and maintain documentation to support the defensibility of pay decisions. 

4. Lead Compensation Initiatives: Drive execution of organization-wide strategic compensation priorities, inclusive of the 2035 a Brighter IDEA strategic plan, the JD/JDQ audit and Workday migration, annual market analysis that is inclusive of all years, stipend structure reviews, recognition program alignment, and development of strategic compensation frameworks for school administration and teaching roles. 

5. Engage Leadership and Others: Serve as the organization's compensation subject-matter expert in strategic planning, presenting compensation analyses, market recommendations, and strategic proposals to Senior Leadership, the Executive Team, and, on occasion, the Board committees. Create and execute communication and change management strategies for compensation revisions, engaging senior leaders in strategic discussion. 

6. Streamline Compensation Processes: Design and implement efficient processes that guarantee all IDEA staff receive accurate and timely compensation. Lead and implement efficiencies by leveraging Workday functionality. Oversee all compensation functions including, but not limited to, the merit increase process, counteroffers, market analysis, job descriptions, and collaborating with Payroll, Employee Information Systems, and other cross-collaborative teams to achieve seamless execution. 

7. Team Leadership, Development, and Service Excellence: Foster a high-performing Compensation team by establishing clear goals and individual development plans. Provide coaching, regular feedback, and training to improve competencies, while ensuring strong evaluations of customer service and integrity from key stakeholders. 

Additional Duties and Responsibilities: 

- Provide access to compensation data, reports, and records as needed. 

- Contribute to and facilitate cross-functional task forces and committees related to compensation. 

- Support local and regional needs by offering guidance to teams and leadership on workforce planning and organizational design. 

- Perform additional duties as assigned. 

Knowledge and Skills – Competencies 

Make Strategic Decisions: 

This team member uses data, feedback, and insights to inform thoughtful decision-making, while considering the impact on their direct reports and team. They communicate decisions with clear rationale and begin to connect their choices to broader team objectives. 

Manage Work and Teams: 

This team member builds and maintains systems to track progress toward team goals, ensuring clarity through defined roles and responsibilities. They implement structured processes that support smooth team operations and strategically allocate time and resources to drive goal achievement. 

Grow Self and Others: 

This team member uses data to assess development needs and designs learning opportunities that align with team goals and individual career growth. They model a growth mindset by being open about their own development and ensure that both personal and team-led learning initiatives are impactful and well-aligned with organizational priorities. 

Build a Culture of Trust: 

This team member fosters a team culture where individuals genuinely care for one another both personally and professionally. They lead with transparency, encourage open communication, including healthy conflict—and promote reliability and consistency, while regularly seeking and responding to team feedback to enhance the collective experience. 

Communicate Deliberately: 

This team member communicates thoughtfully by anticipating potential misunderstandings and providing necessary context to ensure clarity. They leverage structured communication channels to address challenges, ask meaningful questions, and guide conversations toward solutions, while actively listening to the concerns of others. 

Additional Skills: 

​​• Strong computer literacy that includes proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (i.e., Word, Excel, PowerPoint). 
• Knowledge of or ability to learn evolving technology for automation and efficiency (i.e., Macros, PowerAutomate)​ 

Required Education and Experience: 

​​• Education: Bachelor’s Degree required 
• Experience: 3+ years of experience managing adults and system-wide projects or programs, 6+ years of experience in compensation administration.​ 

Preferred Education and Experience: 

Education: Masters Preferred 

Certified Compensation Professional (CCP) or Compensation Analyst Credential (CAS) preferred with at least 3 years of relevant experience 

Physical Requirements: 

​​• Must be able to sit for extended periods of time without being able to leave the work area. 
• Must be able to work independently with minimal supervision. 
• Must be able to lift and carry or otherwise move 15 pounds (occasionally).​ 

What We Offer: 

Compensation & Benefits: 

Salaries for people entering this role typically fall between $108,100 and $128,600, commensurate with relevant experience and qualifications and in alignment with internal equity. This role is also eligible for performance pay based on organizational performance and goal attainment. 

Additionally, we offer medical, dental, and vision plans, disability, life insurance, parenting benefits, flexible spending account options, generous vacation time, referral bonuses, professional development, and a 403(b) plan. You can find more information about our benefits at https://ideapublicschools.org/careers/benefits/. 

* IDEA may offer a relocation stipend to defray the cost of moving for this role, if applicable. 

Application process:  

Submit your application online through Jobvite. Please note that applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until the position is filled. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible. 

Learn more about IDEA  

At IDEA the Staff Experience Team uses our Core Values to promote human connection and a culture of integrity, respect, and belonging for all Team and Family members.  Learn more about our Commitment to Core Values here: https://ideapublicschools.org/our-story/#core-values