Director of Total Rewards

Director of Total Rewards

At Rocketship Public Schools, we believe in the infinite possibility of human potential. We believe that every student deserves the right to dream, to discover, and to develop their unique potential and it is our responsibility and our privilege to unleash the potential inside every Rocketeer we serve. Our non-profit network of public elementary charter schools propels student achievement, develops exceptional educators, and partners with parents who enable high-quality public schools to thrive in their community. We are a collective of parents, teachers, leaders, and students working together to transform the future for underserved communities across our country. At Rocketship Public Schools, we are unleashing potential.

The Director of Total Rewards is a key leader within the Rocketship Human Resources Team, responsible for designing and executing a comprehensive total rewards strategy that attracts, motivates, and retains exceptional talent across our multi-state charter school network. Reporting to the Senior Director of Systems and Analytics, this role manages all aspects of compensation and benefitsincluding strategy, systems, and executionwhile ensuring alignment with our organizational mission, financial sustainability, and commitment to equity. The Director will also play a key role in shaping our employee value proposition and leading initiatives that enhance engagement and recognition across all levels of the organization.

Total Rewards Strategy & Leadership

Develop and implement a holistic total rewards strategyincluding compensation, benefits, and recognitionthat supports Rocketship's mission and goals and drives employee engagement.

Partner with senior leaders to define and communicate our employee value proposition (EVP) across diverse geographies and staff groups.

Lead the ongoing evaluation of total rewards programs to ensure market competitiveness, internal equity, and budget sustainability.

Serve as a thought leader on emerging trends in compensation, benefits, and employee engagement within the education and non-profit sectors.

Compensation Strategy & Systems

Oversee the administration and analysis of compensation programs, salary structures, and incentive plans for both school-based and central office roles.

Lead the annual compensation review cycle, ensuring data accuracy, consistency, and compliance across multiple states.

Conduct benchmarking, financial modeling, and make recommendations to inform decision-making on areas such as market competitiveness, financial feasibility and impact.

Partner with our HRIS team, Finance, senior leaders, and other collaborators to enhance compensation systems, SOPs and reporting capabilities.

Oversee and execute all aspects of Rocketship's performance-based pay structure, including compensation modeling of Rocketship teacher band system, administration of compensation adjustment letters, and data modeling where appropriate.

In partnership with the HRIS team, administer and execute compensation and job-related business tasks and processes in Rocketship's Workday system including one-time payments, stipends (period activity pay), and job changes.

Support Rocketship's talent architecture systems through the leveling and review of job descriptions for promotions and new role creation.

Benefits Strategy & Management

Oversee all Rocketship employee benefits programs, including health, retirement, wellness, and leaves administration.

Manage and coach benefits team members to ensure high-quality customer service, efficient operations, and proactive vendor management.

In partnership with HR Team and Finance Team leaders, lead Rocketship's annual benefits renewal strategy and negotiations to optimize value and employee experience.

Partner with the Marketing and Communications Team, regional leaders, and other collaborators to elevate employee understanding and utilization of Rocketship's benefits.

Lead the team to develop and enhance benefits-related standard operating procedures that support efficiency, compliance, and the employee experience.

Leadership & Collaboration

Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team responsible for benefits and total rewards projects.

Collaborate cross-functionally with Talent Team leaders, Regional Executive Directors, and Finance to align total rewards practices with broader people and budget strategies.

Advise senior leadership and the Board on total rewards trends, risks, and opportunities.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree, preferably in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field.

At least 7 years of progressive experience in Human Resources / Talent with a focus on total rewards, compensation, and benefits, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.

Demonstrated experience in using Workday to manage compensation and benefits systems, including compensation review, job changes, open enrollment systems, etc.

Proven experience managing compensation and benefits across multiple states and diverse employee groups.

Deep knowledge of federal and state employment laws related to pay and benefits.

Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills.

Strong Excel skills for modeling and data analysis, including advanced functions and modeling techniques.

Exceptional communication and influence skills, with the ability to translate complex concepts into clear, actionable insights.

Passion for equity, education, and advancing Rocketship's mission through people strategy, retention, and engagement.

Other duties as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in K-12 education and / or charter schools strongly preferred.

Strong understanding of health insurance models, plan design types, and benefits cost management strategies.

Experience managing benefits vendor selection, transition, implementation, and oversight.

$130,000 - $140,000 a year

Physical Demands : The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk, hear, and communicate with both adults and children. The employee frequently is required to use hands or fingers, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and / or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally climb ladders. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is moderate to high.

Compensation : Commensurate with qualifications and experience, plus excellent health and wellness benefits, 403b retirement plan, flexible spending account (FSA), and generous paid time off.

Rocketship Public Schools provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. Rocketship Public Schools complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.