Description

University of Kentucky

Equal Employment Opportunity/M/F/disability/protected veteran status.

Posting Details Posting Details Job TitleAVP Total RewardsRequisition NumberRE52950Working TitleAssociate Vice President Total RewardsDepartment Name3J510:Human Resources AdministrationWork LocationLexington, KYGrade Level00Salary RangeType of PositionStaffPosition Time Status Full-TimeRequired EducationBAClick here for more information about equivalencies:https://hr.uky.edu/employment/working-uk/equivalenciesRequired Related Experience10 yrsRequired License/Registration/CertificationNonePhysical RequirementsReport to meetings at different locations both on campus and off campus, primarily in Lexington but occasional travel, work effectively with individuals from various backgrounds, and learn complex HR processes and systems.ShiftPrimarily daysJob SummaryABOUT THE OPPORTUNITYThe University of Kentucky (UK) is seeking a strategic, forward-thinking, and collaborative leader to serve as the Associate Vice President (AVP) of Total Rewards. Reporting to the Vice President for Human Resources, the AVP will serve as the strategic architect of the university's total rewards philosophy, guiding the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of integrated compensation, executive compensation, benefits, health and wellness, HR Informatics and HR information systems (HRIS).
As Kentucky's flagship, land-grant institution, UK fosters a culture of innovation, empowering HR leaders to shape progressive total rewards strategies that support a multidisciplinary, mission-driven workforce across the full breadth of its enterprise. This includes a wide array of academic units, a nationally recognized healthcare system (UK HealthCare), and a network of community hospitals and clinics serving the Commonwealth. Together, these entities comprise a growing workforce of more than 36,000 employees. The AVP will play a critical role in aligning total rewards programs with the distinct needs of staff, executive leadership, faculty, physicians, researchers, and clinicians, across these domains.
The AVP will be responsible for ensuring total rewards strategies are closely aligned with UK's institutional goals, market competitiveness, workforce segmentation, and the broader employee value proposition, balancing salary alignment, fiscal stewardship, and organizational performance. This leader will bring deep subject matter expertise and strategic insight to navigate complex regulatory environments, public sector expectations, and the nuances of a large public university undergoing transformation.
Leading a team of talented HR professionals, the AVP will champion a holistic and data-informed approach to total rewards that enhances talent attraction, engagement, and retention, ultimately supporting the University of Kentucky's mission to advance education, healthcare, research, and community impact across the state and beyond.
KEY RELATIONSHIPSReports to: Vice President & Chief Human Resource Officer

The executive search firm of InTrust Partners has been selected to recruit for this position. To be considered, you must complete the UK application AND contact Amanda Hargrove of InTrust Partners at ahargrove@Intrustpartners.com.Skills / Knowledge / AbilitiesMust have advanced expertise in total rewards strategy, including compensation and executive compensation design, benefits and wellness program stewardship. Experience in market pricing and pay equity analysis, executive and board-level compensation governance, and strong knowledge of applicable employment and benefits regulations. Proficiency in HRIS platforms and workforce analytics to support data-driven decision-making and vendor management capabilities. Experience leading organizational change, management of complex programs, and strong stakeholder engagement is essential, as is a strong orientation toward compliance, risk mitigation, and ethical decision-making in a complex institutional environment.Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? YesPreferred Education/ExperienceMinimum of 10 years of progressive leadership experience in total rewards, compensation, benefits, or HR strategy, with at least 5 years in a senior or enterprise-level role.
Certified Compensation Professional (CCP), Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS), SHRM-SCP or SPHR is strongly preferred. Relevant certifications in HRIS platforms or data analytics tools (e.g., Workday, SAP, Oracle, Tableau)Deadline to Apply02/28/2026Our University CommunityWe value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.

The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status or whether the person is a smoker or nonsmoker, as long as the person complies with University regulation concerning smoking.

Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. * Do you have experience in a complex, matrixed organization, preferably in healthcare, higher education, or public sector?
   • Yes
   • No
2. * Do you have experience in supporting organizational transformations, including mergers, acquisitions, or integrations?
   • Yes
   • No
3. * Please describe a major total rewards initiative you have led (e.g., compensation redesign, benefits strategy shift, job architecture implementation). What was the challenge, what actions did you take, and what was the impact?

   (Open Ended Question)

Applicant Documents
Required Documents

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter

Optional Documents

PI281660305