About The Role

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The Total Rewards Optimization Specialist supports the continuous improvement, operational effectiveness of Total Rewards programs, processes, and systems. This role analyzes processes to identify opportunities for standardization, efficiency, automation, and improved service delivery. The Total Rewards Optimization Specialist partners with Total Rewards leadership, and operational stakeholders to support process improvement initiatives, project coordination, process automation, and employee experience. This role serves as a key resource in helping the Total Rewards function strengthen governance, improve employee and stakeholder experience, and ensure processes are scalable, accurate, and aligned with organizational standards.

CORE JOB FUNCTIONS

Analyzes Total Rewards processes, workflows, and data to identify inefficiencies, gaps, inconsistencies, and opportunities for improvement across compensation, benefits, payroll-related requests, and other Total Rewards programs.
Supports process optimization initiatives by researching, documenting, and recommending changes that improve operational efficiency, service delivery, data quality, compliance, and stakeholder experience.
Reviews applicable data to identify trends, errors, and opportunities for automation, standardization, or process redesign.
Develops and maintains process documentation, including workflows, standard operating procedures, job aids, intake guides, project tracking tools, training materials, and communication templates.
Coordinates Total Rewards projects and initiatives by maintaining project plans, tracking deliverables, monitoring deadlines, preparing status updates, and supporting cross-functional working sessions.
Supports implementation of process changes by assisting with design, testing, documentation, communication, stakeholder coordination, and post-implementation follow-up.
Creates process maps, workflows, and operational guides to clearly define roles, responsibilities, handoffs, escalation paths, and service-level expectations.
Partners with Total Rewards leadership and team members to evaluate current-state processes and recommend future-state solutions that support improved governance and operational consistency.
Monitors assigned requests, issues, or project tasks to ensure timely completion, accurate documentation, appropriate follow-up, and alignment with established service standards.
Prepares reports, dashboards, and summary materials that provide insight into intake volume, turnaround times, issue trends, SLA performance, process bottlenecks, and improvement opportunities.
Assists with audit readiness and compliance support by maintaining accurate records, tracking approvals, documenting process decisions, and supporting internal review activities.
Facilitates communication with stakeholders by preparing updates, meeting materials, follow-up notes, and written summaries related to Total Rewards projects and process improvements.
Supports centralized intake and case management processes by helping categorize requests, track assignments, monitor aging items, and identify recurring issues requiring escalation or broader resolution.
Recommends practical solutions to improve accuracy, reduce manual work, eliminate duplicative processes, and enhance consistency across Total Rewards operations.
Adheres to University and unit-level policies and procedures and safeguards University assets.

This list of duties and responsibilities is not intended to be all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties or responsibilities as necessary.

CORE QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Bachelor’s degree in relevant field required

Certification and Licensing

Refer to department description for applicable certification requirements

Experience

Minimum 2 years of relevant experience required

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Learning Agility: Ability to learn new procedures, technologies, and protocols, and adapt to changing priorities and work demands.
Teamwork: Ability to work collaboratively with others and contribute to a team environment.
Technical Proficiency: Skilled in using office software, technology, and relevant computer applications.
Communication: Strong and clear written and verbal communication skills for interacting with colleagues and stakeholders.

This is a core job profile description and is not reflective of all duties that may be assigned to a specific position in each individual department. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and primary responsibilities of this core job profile. Specific duties and tasks may vary based upon departmental needs. Other duties may be assigned to the above consistent with the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for the job.

The University of Miami is recognized as one of the nation’s premier research institutions and academic health systems and is among the largest employers in South Florida.

With more than 20,000 faculty and staff, the University is committed to excellence and guided by a mission to positively impact the lives of students, patients, and communities locally and globally.

We are dedicated to fostering a culture where every individual feels valued and empowered to contribute meaningfully. United by shared values, the University community works together to build an environment defined by purpose, collaboration, and service.

The University of Miami is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants and employees are protected from discrimination based on certain categories protected by Federal law. Click here for additional information.