Senior Director of Compensation Services

Company: Wake County Public School System
Location: Cary
Posted on: February 11, 2026

Job Description:

Overview: POSITION TITLE (Oracle title) SENIOR DIRECTOR WORKING TITLE Senior Director-Compensation Services SCHOOL/DEPARTMENT Compensation Services LOCATION Crossroads III, Cary, NC PAY GRADE Senior Director Band 1 FLSA STATUS Exempt ELIGIBILITY FOR EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT No WORK WEEK SCHEDULE Monday-Friday (occasional evenings and weekends) Position is available for a hybrid telework workweek POSITION PURPOSE: Provides strategic leadership and oversight for the Compensation Services department, which includes Payroll Operations, Employee Benefits, Compliance and Tax Reporting. Leads a team to ensure the delivery of accurate, timely, and compliant services to over 26,000 employees across the Wake County Public School System (WCPSS). Guides the development and implementation of integrated compensation strategies that align with organizational goals, regulatory requirements, and employee satisfaction. Fosters a culture of operational excellence, innovation, and high-performance service delivery. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES (KSAs) - Extensive knowledge of compensation, benefits, payroll, and compliance practices in large, complex organizations; - Comprehensive understanding of federal, state, and local laws and regulations related to employment, compensation, benefits, and tax reporting (e.g., FLSA, FMLA, ACA, ERISA, HIPAA, IRS); - Strong knowledge of enterprise HRIS and ERP systems (e.g., Oracle), including data integration, reporting, and system optimization; - Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage large-scale operations with a focus on continuous improvement and customer service; - Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders; - Skilled in strategic planning, policy development, and change management; - Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret complex data and make informed decisions; - Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain attention to detail in a fast-paced environment; - Ability to communicate clearly and concisely in both oral and written forms using a variety of communication techniques and tools to ensure the appropriate flow of information, collaborative efforts and feedback; - Ability to establish and maintain effective interpersonal and working relationships with school system staff, students, parents, external agencies, and the public. EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE - Bachelor’s degree in business administration, human resources, accounting, or a related field; AND - Five years of progressively responsible experience in compensation, payroll, or benefits administration, including experience in filing taxation forms at the state and federal levels (W2, W3, 1095, 941, NC5, NC3, NCUI101, etc.); - Five years in a supervisor role; AND - Evidence of successful administrative/leadership experience; - Other combinations of applicable education, training, and experience which provide the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform effectively in the position may be considered. CERTIFICATION AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS - Must hold and maintain a valid motor vehicle operator’s license according to the State of NC requirements. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: - Master’s degree in business administration (MBA), Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS), Certified Payroll Professional (CPP), or Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR), or other nationally recognized HR certification; - Experience working with Oracle-based payroll and benefits systems; - Knowledge of North Carolina Retirement Plans and employer reporting requirements; - Experience in public sector or educational institutions. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 1. Provides executive leadership and strategic direction for the Compensation Services department, including Payroll Operations, Benefits Administration, and Compliance and Reporting. 2. Supervises and evaluates the performance of three directors, ensuring alignment with departmental goals and fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and service excellence. 3. Develops and implements integrated compensation strategies that support recruitment, retention, and employee engagement across the district. 4. Ensures compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations related to compensation, benefits, and payroll. 5. Oversees the development and implementation of policies, procedures, and systems to ensure efficient and accurate processing of payroll and benefits. 6. Collaborates with Finance, Human Resources, Legal, and IT departments to ensure seamless integration of compensation-related systems and processes. 7. Leads the department’s response to audits, legal inquiries, and regulatory reviews, ensuring timely and accurate documentation and resolution. 8. Analyzes compensation and benefits data to inform decision-making and provide strategic recommendations to senior leadership. 9. Oversees vendor relationships and contract negotiations for benefits and payroll-related services, ensuring performance standards and cost-effectiveness. 10. Leads initiatives to enhance employee understanding of compensation and benefits offerings through effective communication and education strategies. 11. Represents Compensation Services in cross-departmental initiatives and serves as a key advisor to executive leadership on compensation-related matters. 12. Performs other related duties, as assigned, to support the mission and strategic goals of WCPSS. WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Must be able to use a variety of office equipment such as computers, scanners, and copiers. Must be able to communicate effectively. At times requires the ability to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects up to ten pounds. The work occasionally requires driving automotive equipment. Due to the amount of time spent standing and/or walking, physical requirements are consistent with those for sedentary work. EFFECTIVE DATE: 10/2025 DISCLAIMER: The above statements are intended to describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this position. They are not intended to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required by the employees assigned to this position. This description may be revised by HR and approved at any time.

Keywords: Wake County Public School System, Wilson , Senior Director of Compensation Services, Human Resources , Cary, North Carolina