Title: Benefits and Compensation Manager
Department/Location: Human Resources / St. Louis, MO
Position Type: Full-time, 12-month

SUMMARY

The Benefits and Compensation Manager leads the administration of Principia’s staff and faculty total rewards programs, including health and well-being benefits, retirement plans, and our compensation program and practices. This hands-on role requires strong technical expertise, excellent communication skills, and a service mindset.
Reporting directly to the Chief Human Resources Officer, and in partnership with the HR Directors, the Manager oversees annual cycles such as open enrollment and salary reviews, maintains key components like the staff career framework and faculty pay systems, contributes to a seamless employee experience, and ensures compliance with applicable laws. This position plays a vital role in sustaining a competitive, mission-aligned total rewards program that supports Principia’s goal of being an exceptional place to work.

WHO WE ARE

At our award-winning Early Childhood through grade 12 Principia School in St. Louis, Missouri, and top-ranked Principia College in Elsah, Illinois, Principia faculty and staff make up a close-knit community of educators, coaches, and professionals taking a distinct approach to education—blending academic excellence with Christian Science-based character education. Principia’s team of over 500 employees supports not only Principia School and Principia College, but also a worldwide network of alumni and friends.
Principia employees are part of an engaging academic community preparing students to be tomorrow’s leaders, thinkers, and changemakers. We strive to create a collaborative and inclusive environment where everyone feels they belong and are valued.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Student of Christian Science preferred
• Supportive of Principia’s guiding statements as articulated here https://www.principia.edu/about/guiding-statements
• 5+ years of progressively responsible experience in HR, with a focus on benefits and/or compensation
• Experience in higher education or mission-driven organizations preferred
• Strong knowledge of benefit plan administration and U.S. employment regulations
• Familiarity with compensation strategy, salary structures, and benchmarking tools
• Proficiency in Excel and HRIS systems (ADP Workforce Now preferred)
• Excellent communication, organizational, and analytical skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and use discretion with sensitive information
• Demonstrated commitment to service, equity, and continuous improvement
  The statements above describe the general nature and level of work but are not a complete list of responsibilities and are subject to change at the discretion of Principia.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Maintains benefits compensation documentation and helps ensure policies, procedures, and communications are clear, accessible, and consistent
• Keeps current on industry trends, compliance updates, and best practices related to benefits and compensation. Ensures that Principia’s policies and Federal/state laws such as HIPAA, FMLA, ERISA, SECURE Act, and others, are reviewed and applied to Principia’s benefit practices.
• Leads identification and analysis of benefit and compensation metrics; measures and reports on the success of Principia’s programs
• Serves as an internal thought partner and resource to the HR team, helping to ensure all team members understand Principia’s compensation and benefits programs and are equipped to support employee needs and questions
• Supports cross-functional HR initiatives and special projects, including onboarding, employee communications, performance management, and process improvements, as needed
• Actively participates in building a positive, solutions-oriented HR culture that is collaborative, responsive, and aligned with institutional values
• Models service excellence, discretion, and a commitment to continuous learning

Core Competencies

• Communication: Provides regular, consistent, and meaningful information. Listens carefully to others and ensures message is understood. Ensures important matters are shared with all appropriate parties. Communicates in a clear and concise manner. Tailors communication style to needs of the recipient.
• Project Management: Monitors status of projects, thoroughly deals with project details, holds project owners and participants accountable, delivers clear, accurate depiction of status.
• Quality: Demonstrates attention to detail, accuracy, and thoroughness.
• Team Players: Ability to collaborate and partner with peers and senior leaders is critical, with an ability to listen, give and receive feedback, and be comfortable exchanging ideas and speaking candidly in a professional and collegial manner.
• Customer Service: Responds promptly and professionally to customer needs.
• Inclusion: Demonstrates awareness and respect for cultural differences, actively seeks to understand diverse perspectives, and supports cross-cultural interactions. Fosters an inclusive environment where individuals of all backgrounds feel valued and respected.