Specialist, Total Compensation Design and Governance

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Job Summary
Reporting to the Associate Director, Total Compensation (“Associate Director”), the Specialist, Total Compensation Design and Governance (“Specialist”) contributes to the planning and implementation of strategic projects and initiatives to improve overall efficiency and results of university insured benefits programs. The incumbent provides consultative expertise in areas of benefits, data management and implications to the Total Compensation Design and Governance Manager (“Manager”), Associate Director and Sr. Director, Total Compensation (Sr. Director”).

**Job Description**:
**KEY RESPONSIBILITIES**:

- Contributes to the planning and implementation of strategic projects and initiatives to improve overall efficiency and results of university insured benefits programs. This may include, but is not limited to, conducting research, performing complex data analysis, preparing reports and presentations to stakeholders.
- Provides comprehensive information and advice on total insured benefits programs compliance standards, collective agreement provisions and university policies, as it pertains to the design, delivery and monitoring of insured benefits programs and the integration with other total compensation programs.
- Embeds data quality controls in business processes to support operational and analytical use of data.
- Provides data analysis and reporting to the HR department and stakeholders. Support university and departmental initiatives such as impacts of legislative changes, collective agreements and system implementations through advanced knowledge of HR data and business processes. Works with the Manager and Manager, HR Systems and Analysis accordingly.
- Manage the investigation and resolution of complex benefits issues and/or exceptions, including coordination with other units as required (e.g., Payroll, Employee/Labour Relations, Faculty Relations, Third Party Vendors).
- Works with the Manager to assess current data architecture and recommends changes to improve reporting and analysis practices to facilitate workforce and talent management planning practices.
- Contributes in the development of project plans and monitors progress toward desired outcomes. Recommends appropriate modifications to project plans, deliverables, interprets policy and recommends changes or clarifications, and increases support for projects through identification of barriers and mitigating solutions.
- Remains current on benefit trends, practices and costs in the current marketplace; participates in market surveys. Works with benefit carrier and external benefits consultants to monitor benefit costs, usage, and identifies areas of opportunity. Conducts cost analysis and negotiates annual premium rates.
- Develops and maintains a communications strategy. This may include drafting communications for employee groups, increasing awareness of our programs, solicitating input from other stakeholders and explaining program changes.
- Provides coaching and technical/functional guidance to HR team members.
- Undertake other duties or special projects as required in support of the department and senior leadership.

**REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS**:

- University degree in business administration, human resources management or equivalent, combined with several years of work experience in an analyst role.
- A minimum of three years of progressive benefits experience, preferable in both a unionized and non-unionized environment.
- Demonstrated ability to build relationships and gain credibility to lead change.
- Demonstrated experience in strategy development and implementation, program analysis, and meeting required objectives.
- Demonstrated ability to convey facts and information clearly both written and verbally.
- Financial acumen.
- Experience in analytical and reporting software (e.g., Excel, Power BI).
- Consideration may be given to an equivalent combination of education and experience.

**SPECIAL SKILLS**:

- Demonstrated analytical and research skills to support ongoing programs and to assist with the development of strategic directions.
- Strong communication (both verbal and written) and interpersonal skills, displays confidence and articulates a clear message when interacting with diverse audiences.
- Change champion with sound project management skills and the ability to plan and coordinate project/work initiatives effectively.
- Initiative and self-motivation; experience organizing and coordinating efforts with many stakeholders and multiple objectives.
- Advanced co