Compensation and Benefits Manager

The Compensation and Benefits Manager will manage the development and delivery of our organization's total rewards. As a $3.1B credit union, this position requires a professional who can design programs, manage them end-to-end, and partner effectively across the organization to ensure we remain competitive, compliant, and aligned with business strategy.

With direct accountability to the VP of Human Resources, the Compensation and Benefits Manager will own the design, execution, vendor partnerships, and continuous improvement of compensation, benefits, wellness, and leave programs. The position requires someone who is equally comfortable building new programs, enhancing existing ones, negotiating with external partners, and managing daily operations with precision and autonomy.

Location: This position's home base can either be South Burlington, VT or Montpelier, VT with occasional travel to both locations. This is a hybrid position.

Hours: Monday - Friday, between the hours of 8:00 am - 5:00 pm.

Description:

Compensation Program Development & Management

• Design, implement, and manage compensation programs including base pay structures, incentive plans, recognition programs, and long-term rewards.
• Manage annual compensation cycles, including benchmarking, pay equity reviews, performance calibration, and market analyses.
• Develop and maintain job architecture and career pathing frameworks to support growth and internal equity.
• Provide management reporting to the Chief People Officer, offering insights and recommendations that inform compensation strategy.

Benefits, Wellness & Vendor Partnerships

• Design and manage health, wellness, retirement, and voluntary benefit programs.
• Partner with insurance brokers, carriers, and vendors to evaluate, negotiate, and secure cost-effective, high-value benefit solutions.
• Monitor vendor performance and hold partners accountable for service delivery and compliance.
• Manage annual benefits renewal and open enrollment, including ADP system readiness, communications, and team member support.
• Develop and integrate wellness and wellbeing initiatives (mental health, financial wellness, lifestyle programs) into the benefits strategy.
• Use utilization data and team member feedback to measure program effectiveness and recommend improvements.

Leave Programs & Compliance

• Oversee the administration and improvement of leave programs, including FMLA, ADA, PTO, and other statutory or organizational leave programs.
• Partner with brokers, vendors, payroll, and our team in HR to ensure accurate tracking, documentation, and reporting in ADP.
• Ensure compliance with ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, COBRA, FMLA, IRS/DOL requirements, and other regulations.
• Create clear policies and communications to support people leaders and team members in navigating leave programs.

Team Member Engagement & Education

• Develop communication strategies that ensure team members clearly understand and value their compensation, benefits, and wellness offerings.
• Deliver toolkits, FAQs, trainings, and people leader guides to increase program engagement.
• Act as a trusted advisor to people leaders and team members, providing guidance on compensation and benefits decisions.
• Partner with HR Business Partners and Program Managers to align programs with organizational engagement, retention, and performance goals.

Program Governance & Continuous Improvement

• Regularly assess programs for competitiveness, alignment, and cost-effectiveness.
• Use benchmarking, analytics, and team member feedback to recommend enhancements.

• Manage or support organization-level initiatives (e.g., M&A due diligence, HRIS upgrades, workforce transitions) with full ownership of compensation and benefits strategy. • Ensure governance frameworks support long-term sustainability, transparency, and compliance.

Experience

Eight years to 10 years of similar or related experience, including preparatory experience.

Education/Certifications/Licenses

A college degree.

Interpersonal Skills

The ability to motivate or influence internal or external senior level professionals is a critical part of the job, requiring a significant level of influence and trust. Obtaining cooperation and agreement on important outcomes via frequently complex, senior level dialogues, as well as a professional level of written communication skills are essential to the position.

Other Skills

COMPETENCIES: . Must be at least 18 years of age. Favorable Background, Credit, Criminal, Bondability, and Reference Checks required. (Motor Vehicle check dependent on position.) Travel to other branches or locations as required. Embody EastRise’ s Purpose, Guiding Principles and Cultural Guideposts.

ADA Requirements

Physical Requirements

Perform primarily sedentary work with limited physical exertion and occasional lifting of up to 10 lbs. Must be capable of climbing / descending stairs in emergency situation. Must be able to operate routine office equipment including telephone, copier, facsimile, and calculator. Must be able to routinely perform work on computer for an average of 6-8 hours per day, when necessary. Must be able to work extended hours whenever required or requested by management. Must be capable of regular, reliable and timely attendance.

Working Conditions

Must be able to routinely perform work indoors in climate-controlled shared work area with minimal noise.

Mental and/or Emotional Requirements

Must be able to perform job functions independently or with limited supervision and work effectively either on own or as part of a team. Must be able to read and carry out various written instructions and follow oral instructions. Must be able to speak clearly and deliver information in a logical and understandable sequence. Must be capable of dealing calmly and professionally with numerous different personalities from diverse cultures at various levels within and outside of the organization and demonstrate highest levels of customer service and discretion when dealing with the public. Must be able to perform responsibilities with composure under the stress of deadlines / requirements for extreme accuracy and quality and/or fast pace. Must be able to effectively handle multiple, simultaneous, and changing priorities. Must be capable of exercising highest level of discretion on both internal and external confidential matters.