Job Summary

Travis County is seeking an experienced, forward-thinking Assistant Director of Total Rewards to provide strategic leadership and operational oversight of compensation, classification, and employee benefits programs serving approximately 5,000 employees. Reporting to the Chief Human Resources Officer, this position leads a team of two direct reports and ten indirect reports and plays a key role in strengthening market competitiveness, supporting equitable compensation practices, and ensuring sustainable, high-quality benefits.

The ideal candidate has hands-on experience leading market salary studies, classification initiatives, compensation strategy development, and self-funded benefits programs in a large, complex organization. As a member of the HR leadership team, the Assistant Director collaborates with the Planning & Budget Office, elected and appointed officials, and department leaders to advance County priorities.

For more information on Travis County, click HERE

Duties and Responsibilities

• Oversees and leads functional staff.
• Serves as backup in the absence of the Chief Human Resource Officer.
• Provides strategic direction to County leaders on the design, implementation, employee communication, and administration of compensation, classification, and benefits programs.
• Evaluates program effectiveness using market data, employee feedback, benefits utilization, financial performance, and service measures; recommends improvements aligned with County priorities.
• Develops and executes an equitable, competitive, and financially sustainable total rewards strategy encompassing compensation, classification, employee benefits, and work-life programs.
• Keeps abreast of market and legislative or regulatory trends.
• Coordinates with the Commissioners’ Court, division, departments, agencies, and organizations to accomplish organizational goals and objectives.
• Leads complex initiatives, including compensation and classification studies, pay equity and compression reviews, and benefits modernization, to improve employee experience and organizational outcomes.
• Advises, consults, and collaborates with Elected and Appointed Officials, Department Heads, department management, and employees on proposed, new and or existing HR programs, policies, and operational procedures.
• Partners across HR divisions and County departments to strengthen service delivery, share information, simplify processes, and implement sustainable improvements.
• Applies research, market surveys, cost-benefit analysis, and workforce data to develop salary structures, market positioning, and compensation recommendations.
• Oversees self-funded medical and pharmacy programs, plan design and cost containment, consultants, actuaries, third-party administrators, and clear employee communications during changes and open enrollment.
• Presents recommendations to Commissioners Court for policies, procedures, programs, and or actions for HR programs.
• Presents technical information clearly and logically in a manner that is easily understood by Commissioners Court, and other various and diverse audiences.
• Advises and serves on County committees as assigned.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements

Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree in Personnel Management, Human Resources Management, Public Administration, Business Administration, Organizational Development, or a directly related field AND seven (7) years of directly related demonstrated experience in Human Resources. Must have five (5) years of experience in a responsible position within Total Rewards, including three (3) years of mid to senior level supervisory or management experience.

Licenses, Registrations, Certifications, or Special Requirements: Valid Texas Driver’s License.

Preferred: Master's degree in Personnel Administration, Human Resources Management, Public Administration, or a directly related field. Certified Compensation Professional (CCP) or Certified Benefits Professional (CBP). Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR); or Professional in Human Resources Certification (PHR).

Work Environment & Other Information

Physical requirements include the ability to lift/carry up to 20-50 pounds occasionally, visual acuity, speech and hearing, hand and eye coordination and manual dexterity necessary to operate a computer and office equipment.

Travis County employees play an important role in business continuity. As such, employees can be assigned to business continuity efforts outside of normal job functions.

This job description is intended to be generic in nature. It is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The essential duties, functions and responsibilities and overtime eligibility may vary based on the specific tasks assigned to the position.

Work Hours: Monday - Friday 8 am - 5 pm

Department: Human Resources Management Department

Location: 700 Lavaca St., Austin, TX 78701

Criminal, Education, and Employment Background Checks Required.

For questions about this position, contact: careers@traviscountytx.gov