VP Total Rewards

Ascend Learning is a national leader in data driven, online educational solutions for learners, educators and employers in high-growth, licensure-driven professions spanning healthcare, fitness and wellness, skilled trades, insurance and financial services. We are passionate about accelerating learning while impacting job readiness, employment success and employee retention with the belief that our work changes lives.

Our culture is intentionally results-driven and selfless with a relentless focus on our customers. We believe in trust, transparency, freedom and responsibility with a commitment to meritocracy, inclusion and diversity of thought. Continual investment in our over 1500 employees is also a core principle realized through ongoing professional development and providing opportunities to grow, develop and lead. Ascend Learning is headquartered in Burlington, MA with additional office locations and remote workers in cities across the U.S.

The Vice President, Total Rewards is responsible for the development of a comprehensive total rewards strategy that aligns employee compensation, benefits and recognition in support of Ascend's business objectives. The total rewards strategy and programs will enable the company to attract, reward, and retain top talent and contribute to Ascend's employee brand as an employer-of-choice. The role will be responsible for establishinga strong compensation and rewards philosophy across Ascend and also lead the practical application for the benefit and in support of the business.

Responsibilities

• Work with CHRO, CFO, CEO and BOD compensation committee to craft a total rewards strategy to ensure a contemporary and competitive total rewards offering for the employees of Ascend Learning
• Manage strategic relationships with benefits providers and external vendors to ensure quality service levels
• Pursue external benchmarking to ensure competitiveness and cost effectiveness of total rewards offerings. Make actionable and quick course-correction as necessary.
• Evaluate systems capability and recommend solutions to ensure quality service levels
• Lead compensation strategy for the company by developing, recommending, implementing and maintaining compensation programs, sales incentive plans, variable compensation designs, bonus programs, and long-term incentive programs.
• Administer the company's health and welfare benefit programs and ensure that the company is in compliance with all compensation and benefits laws and regulations.
• Provide education and counsel to HR Business Partners, Line Managers, and Talent Acquisition regarding compensation & benefits issues.
• Partner with communications leaders to develop and sustain total rewards communication initiatives.
• Support M&A/partnership activities as related to benefits and compensation and establish a functional M&A framework for future acquisitions and integrations
• Lead the development of annual salary budgets including collecting market data (general, industry specific, geographic) and modeling budget proposals.
• Lead the annual salary planning process
• Determine overall philosophy and strategy for health & wellness, identify opportunities, create and/or source programs to meet the needs of employees.
• Ensure administration of all employee benefit programs, including, but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, EAP, FSA, life, disability, 401(k).
• Direct all Federal, state, and local compliance, filings, reports, and audits related to the administration of employee benefit programs

Skills and Abilities

• Strong & consistent track record of leading in accordance with Ascend's values
• Unwavering integrity & ethical behavior
• Knowledgeable in current and possible future policies, practices, trends, technology, and information affecting compensation, benefits, business and the organization.
• Dealing with Paradox: Can combine seeming opposites like being compassionately tough, or balancing the needs of the business with the needs of the employee base. Seen as balanced despite the conflict
• Proven ability to partner and negotiate with third parties and outside vendors to achieve quality service levels and successful business outcomes
• Excellent analytical capability
• Proven ability to serve as a strong employee advocate balancing the needs of the business with the needs of employees to uphold standards as an employer-of-choice
• Demonstrated ability to influence senior level stakeholders & provide recommendations in a business context
• Successful leadership and administration of compensation planning processes

Education and Experience

• BA/BS or equivalent degree
• 10-15 years of relevant Human Resources experience, with a minimum of 5-8 years in compensation, benefitsor total rewards.

Ascend Learning, LLC is proud to be an equal opportunity employer (M/F/Vets/Disabled). No agency or search firm submissions will be accepted. Applications for U.S. based positions with Ascend Learning, LLC must be legally authorized to work in the United States and verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.

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