MANAGER, TOTAL REWARDS

About Us

Scripps Research is a nonprofit biomedical institute ranked as one of the most influential in the world for its impact on innovation. We celebrated our 100-year legacy in 2024. This significant milestone marks a century of seminal discoveries in immunology, infectious diseases (such as COVID-19, flu, HIV), neuroscience, heart disease, cancer, and more. Located in La Jolla, California, the institute houses six research departments, multiple Nobel laureates, a top-ranked graduate school and a leading postdoctoral training program. Scripps Research encompasses two elite and highly innovative institutes, the Calibr-Skaggs Institute for Innovative Medicines and Scripps Research Translational Institute, which merge foundational studies in biology, chemistry and computer science with translational science to produce pioneering drugs and advances in digital and precision medicine. Together, we cultivate new scientific leaders and expand the frontiers of knowledge to deliver medical breakthroughs impacting human health around the globe.

Position Summary

The Total Rewards Manager is responsible for the administration and oversight of employee health and welfare benefits and compensation programs, providing knowledge and expertise to support the goals, strategies, and directives of the department. Provides highly responsive and complex professional support to Scripps Research staff. Maintains, develops, leads and implements benefit policies and procedures to ensure legal compliance. Supervises the Benefits team to ensure effective administration of all benefit programs.

Responsibilities And Duties

• Administers employee fringe and mandated benefit programs including health, dental, vision and life/disability, flexible spending and health spending accounts, Employee Assistance Program, and retirement plans.
• Provides professional and confidential level of assistance to resolve healthcare benefit issues in an efficient and cost-effective manner.
• Manages and develops direct reports; responsible for employment related actions such as hiring, terminating, training, performance appraisals, and salary reviews of assigned staff; responds proactively to employee issues and concerns with empathy, confidentiality, and integrity.
• Efficiently communicates a variety of benefit information to employees both orally and in writing; composes timely benefit communication documents including brochures, booklets, and other media.
• Works with benefit carriers and brokers to ensure proper administration of benefits contracts, correct payment of premiums and resolution of any service delivery issues.
• Oversee worker’s compensation program and COBRA, FMLA, ADA, and HIPAA policies ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Maintains accurate record-keeping and ensures timely submission of required form(s) (OSHA Logs, 5500 reporting, non-discrimination testing, etc.) with the IRS, DOL and/or related agencies.
• Manages annual healthcare benefits renewal programs, manages carriers and broker participation.
• Develops and maintains procedures for benefits related records in HR systems.
• Audits and troubleshooting of HCM and vendor issues.
• Compensation Program
• Responsible for the effective deployment of salary administration and the day-to-day productivity of systems and existing processes.
• Oversee participation in published surveys and perform analysis of wage and salary reports, surveys, data and other compensation tools.
• Administers compensation plans and salary administration to ensure compliance and equity both internally and externally.
• Reviews proposed salary adjustments for conformation to guidelines, policies, and practices, and make recommendations to managers for resolution of issues.
• Conducts job analysis and draft/update job descriptions for new and existing positions, as necessary.
• Performs routine audits/reviews for accuracy, and to keep abreast of market trends.
• Initiates and prepares annual salary planning data and coordinates the merit increase process including preparing related documentation and communication maintaining accurate records and preparation of summary reports for management.
• Responds proactively to employee and management compensation issues and concerns with empathy, confidentiality, and integrity.
• Coaches and counsels’ managers regarding policy interpretation and application of wage and hour and other related labor laws.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in related field preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in Health and Welfare plan administration including vendor management.
• 2+ years of successful supervisory experience.
• 5+ years of progressive compensation experience.
• Strong experience with HCM and benefits administration software systems; UKG or Workday experience highly preferred.
• Professional etiquette and demonstrated superior oral/written communication and presentation skills required.
• Ability to utilize a resourceful and proactive approach to seek resolutions.
• Must exhibit excellent organizational and project management skills and demonstrate efficient and accurate work products.
• Solid experience with and understanding applicable HR-related laws and regulations (ERISA, ADA, FMLA, DOL, IRS, AAP/EEO reporting, Pay Equity, etc.).
• Proficient with all Microsoft Office applications.

Details of established essential functions for this position will be addressed/discussed during the interview process.

Compensation

The expected hiring range for this position is $130,000 to $150,000/annually, commensurate with experience. Consideration will be given to experience that exceeds the listed requirements.

Comprehensive Benefits

• Employer Contributed Retirement Plan – Depending on eligibility, employees receive an employer contributed retirement plan (no employee contribution required) and the option to contribute to a 403(b) (which is similar to a 401(k) using your own pre or post-tax dollars).
• Full Suite of Health and Welfare plans including three medical plan options (including an HSA available option), dental, vision, life insurance, disability, EAP and more.
• Competitive vacation and sick leave policies.
• Free, on-site parking.