Description
Associate Vice President, Total Rewards
University of California
Oakland, California
The University of California (UC) seeks applications and nominations for the position of Associate Vice President of Total Rewards (AVP-TR). Reporting to the Vice President of Systemwide Human Resources and Systemwide Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO), this enterprise-wide leadership role will shape and advance a market-driven total rewards philosophy that supports the recruitment and retention of a world-class workforce across a globally recognized public university system. The AVP-TR will operate in a highly visible environment, partnering with senior leaders across the University to navigate complex strategic, operational, and governance issues.
Founded in 1868, the UC system is recognized as one of the world’s largest and most prestigious academic institutions, with a tripartite mission of research, teaching, and public service. The UC system is the second largest employer in California, employing over 266,000 faculty and staff across ten campuses, six academic health centers, and three affiliated national laboratories. The ten campuses that make up the UC system – Berkeley, Davis, Irvine, Los Angeles, Merced, Riverside, San Diego, San Francisco, Santa Barbara, and Santa Cruz – collectively enroll approximately 299,400 students and have a combined 2.5 million alumni living and working around the world. Another half million people benefit from UC’s continuing education courses each year, as well as from research centers and educational programs operating throughout the state. UC’s scope extends beyond its campus locations, with its national laboratories, medical centers, and outreach programs in neighboring communities, throughout California, and around the world.
This is a uniquely high-impact role, with responsibility for designing and delivering integrated compensation, benefits, retirement, and wellness programs serving approximately 160,000 employees and 200 senior executives. The AVP serves as a trusted advisor to the VP Systemwide HR, the President, Chancellors, and Board of Regents, requiring exceptional political acumen, sound judgment, and the ability to build credibility across a broad range of stakeholders while influencing critical decisions that affect talent strategy, organizational competitiveness, and institutional sustainability. With a strong focus on equity, market alignment, and innovation, this leader will advance a cohesive total rewards philosophy that strengthens UC’s position as an employer of choice. The successful candidate will be an exceptional communicator, equally translating complex compensation and benefits strategies for employees, labor representatives, executive leadership, and the Board of Regents while moving seamlessly between enterprise strategy and the policy and operational details necessary to implement complex programs.
Working collaboratively with fellow HR executives and leaders across the UC system, the AVP-TR will help shape integrated workforce strategies that align compensation, benefits, labor relations and organizational priorities. The AVP oversees a team of 56 professionals and directs an operating budget of approximately $28 million, providing both the scale and resources to drive meaningful, systemwide impact. Through close partnership with senior leadership and stakeholders across campuses, health systems, and affiliated entities, the AVP will lead the design and execution of complex programs, guide executive compensation strategy, and ensure the effective delivery of comprehensive total rewards offerings that meet the evolving needs of a diverse workforce through innovative, accessible, and employee-centered programs that improve understanding, engagement and access to total rewards.
Nominations and inquiries can be directed to the Isaacson, Miller consultants supporting the search: Rebecca Kennedy, Managing Partner and Lehman Robinson, Senior Associate. Screening of complete applications will begin immediately and continue until the completion of the search process.
For best consideration, applicants are encouraged to apply by August 31, 2026 via the Isaacson, Miller website:
Applications must be complete to be reviewed for consideration. A complete application includes: 1) CV, 2) completion of the UC Applicant Self-Identification forms. Applicants are also strongly encouraged to submit a cover letter.
Expected PayScale: $390,000 - $415,000 annually, commensurate with experience.
Full Salary Range: $205,500 - $427,700 annually.
The University of California, Office of the President (UCOP)is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The full salary range shows the growth potential for this position, and the pay scale is the budgeted salary range that the University reasonable expects to pay for this position. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position.
Successful completion of a background check is required for this critical position. Details about UCOP’s background check process can be found at: UCOP HR - Background Checks
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.
