Total Rewards Program Manager

Van Andel Institute (VAI), a world-class biomedical research institute, located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is dedicated to improving human health. We are pioneers in the fight against cancer, Parkinson's, and other diseases. We are committed to inspiring the next generation of scientists and educators.

Shape a Total Rewards Strategy That Supports Discovery, Innovation, and People.

At Van Andel Institute (VAI) we believe exceptional people deserve exceptional support. Our Total Rewards team helps create a workplace where employees feel valued, recognized, and empowered to do their best work in service of our mission.

VAI is seeking a Total Rewards Program Manager to lead our Total Rewards space, guiding the strategy, design, and continuous improvement of our benefits, wellbeing, leave, and recognition programs.

What You’ll Do?

As a subject matter expert in Total Rewards, you will translate strategy into enterprise-wide programs that enhance the employee experience and support talent attraction and retention.

This is more than total rewards administration. This is influencing organizational decisions and strategy with a communication plan and administrative ownership. This is:

• Leading annual benefits renewals and open enrollment.
• Managing vendor relationships and benchmark programs against market trends.
• Data analysis: program utilization, employee feedback, and costs to develop insights, recommendations, and leadership dashboards.
• Supporting Total Rewards communications by creating clear, engaging content that helps employees understand and maximize their benefits and rewards.
• Ensuring compliance with ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, FMLA, ADA, and applicable leave laws.
• Maintaining accurate Total Rewards data and processes within Workday HRIS.
• Partnering with Compensation, HR, Payroll, and Finance to ensure programs are aligned and integrated across the organization.
• Serving as a resource for the Total Rewards team, providing guidance on complex program and employee issues.

What You'll Bring

A people-first approach. The ability to thrive in a dynamic, evolving environment. A balanced skill set and approach for strategic thinking with day-to-day operational needs. You should possess the following:

• Expertise managing employee benefits, wellbeing, leave, recognition, or other Total Rewards programs, including vendor management and program implementation.

• Strong knowledge of applicable federal and state laws governing employee benefits and leave programs, including ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, FMLA, ADA, and related regulations.

• Experience analyzing market trends, workforce data, financial metrics, and employee feedback to develop recommendations that improve program effectiveness, employee experience, and organizational outcomes.

• Strong expertise in benefits administration and regulatory requirements.

• Compensation program administration knowledge to help develop the total rewards strategy.

• Exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to meet deadlines while juggling several projects.

• A track record of building strong relationships with employees, managers, executives, and external vendors.

• A cost-conscious mindset and a process-oriented approach to improve efficiency.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in Total Rewards, benefits, compensation, human resources, including responsibility for enterprise-wide program administration and strategic initiatives.

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field required; relevant professional certification (CEBS, SHRM-CP/SCP, PHR/SPHR, CBP, CCP, or similar) preferred.  

• Microsoft Suite required and Excel superuser preferred

• Benefit-driven HRIS systems (Workday preferred)

Why Join Van Andel Institute?

At Van Andel Institute, our work changes lives through biomedical research and science education, and our people make that mission possible. Across the organization, we are committed to harmonizing how we work, investing in our shared success, leading with purpose-driven decisions, and remaining united in service of our mission.

Compensation and Benefits

All full-time employees of Van Andel Institute are eligible for benefits, effective Day One! The salary you can expect in this role is based on your experience and skills

YOUR NEXT STEPS!

If you are a person who has demonstrated success in these areas and you want to join us in building a total rewards program that recognizes excellence, supports growth, and helps exceptional people make an extraordinary impact.

The first step is to start your application.

Please submit the following as one single PDF document via our online application:

• CV/Resume
• Cover Letter outlining why this role resonates with you and how it aligns with your values and goals. We read every application and want to understand not just your experience, but what draws you to this work.
• 3 References (names, how you know them, email and phone number) – Please note: we will not reach out to your references without informing you first.

ABOUT VAN ANDEL INSTITUTE
Van Andel Institute (VAI) is committed to improving the health and enhancing the lives of current and future generations through cutting-edge biomedical research and innovative educational offerings. Established in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 1996 by the Van Andel family, VAI is now home to more than 650 scientists, educators and support staff, who work with a growing number of national and international collaborators to foster discovery. The Institute’s scientists study the origins of cancer, Parkinson’s and other diseases and translate their findings into breakthrough prevention and treatment strategies. Our educators develop inquiry-based approaches for K–12 education to help students and teachers prepare the next generation of problem-solvers, while our Graduate School offers a rigorous, research-intensive Ph.D. program in molecular and cellular biology. Learn more at vai.org.

Van Andel Institute is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) Employer. We are committed to cultivating a workplace in which different perspectives and experiences are welcomed and respected. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, ancestry, national origin, sex, age, disability (physical or mental), marital or veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, political ideology, or membership in any other legally protected class. We are an Equal Opportunity employer. 

As Van Andel Institute is a drug free employer, all prospective new employees undergo a urinalysis/drug test as part of our pre-employment process.  This is a 7-panel drug screen and it includes testing for Marijuana, Cocaine, Amphetamines, Opiates, PCP, Barbiturates, and Benzodiazepines. 

About Grand Rapids, MI  

Van Andel Institute is in downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan in the center of the Medical Mile.  A remarkable combination of a cosmopolitan atmosphere and small-town warmth, Grand Rapids is known for its philanthropic and sustainability-driven community. It’s fun affordable and family-friendly.  

Located on the banks of the Grand River, Grand Rapids offers all the big-city excitement you'd expect from a million-resident metropolis, featuring hundreds of restaurants and nightspots, theaters, museums, sports and concerts. The safe and clean downtown is surrounded by an eclectic mix of walkable neighborhoods and natural areas. The downtown area is safe and clean with an eclectic mix of walkable neighborhoods and natural areas.