Manager, Executive Compensation & Strategic Initiatives

Mission Statement

Michigan Medicine improves the health of patients, populations and communities through excellence in education, patient care, community service, research and technology development, and through leadership activities in Michigan, nationally and internationally. Our mission is guided by our Strategic Principles and has three critical components; patient care, education and research that together enhance our contribution to society.

Job Summary

At Michigan Medicine, executive compensation is a critical lever in aligning leadership performance with organizational priorities.

We are seeking a Manager, Executive Compensation & Strategic Initiatives to lead the design, governance, and execution of executive compensation programs while driving high-impact strategic initiatives across the organization.

In this role, you will partner closely with senior leadership, HR, Finance, Legal, and the Compensation Committee to ensure programs are competitive, compliant, and aligned to long-term business strategy. You will also lead efforts to modernize compensation processes, enhance manager self-service capabilities, and improve decision-making through data and technology.

This is a highly visible role for a leader who brings strong executive presence, strategic thinking, and the ability to lead complex initiatives that have enterprise-wide impact.

Reports to the Senior Director, Compensation, HRIS & Payroll.

Responsibilities*

Elevate Executive Compensation to a Strategic Function

• Design and administer executive compensation programs including base, incentives, and retention structures
• Deliver analytics that inform executive compensation decisions and workforce strategy
• Support Compensation Committee materials and executive-level decision making

Lead Strategic Initiatives

• Lead the vision and direction for executive compensation programs and strategic initiatives
• Ensure alignment of compensation programs with organizational priorities and long-term strategy
• Lead large-scale compensation initiatives including merit cycles and labor market adjustments
• Ensure projects are progressing as expected and stakeholders are aligned
• Drive initiatives that improve consistency and effectiveness of compensation programs

Modernize Compensation Processes

• Enhance manager self-service capabilities and compensation tools
• Identify opportunities for process improvement, automation, and efficiency
• Ensure scalable and consistent compensation operations

Lead with Impact

• Build and develop a high-performing team of compensation professionals
• Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and strong execution
• Provide coaching, mentoring, and development opportunities

Drive Execution, Compliance & Governance

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local compensation regulations
• Maintain governance of compensation policies and practices
• Use data and metrics to evaluate effectiveness and drive improvement

Required Qualifications*

EDUCATION

• Bachelor's degree in Economics, Mathematics, Psychology, Statistics, Business Administration, Finance, Human Resources, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Preferred: Master's degree or WorldatWork certification.

EXPERIENCE

• 8+ years of progressive compensation or HR experience
• 5+ years of leadership experience
• Deep expertise in executive compensation design and governance
• Experience leading complex, enterprise-wide initiatives
• Experience advising senior leaders and executives
• Preferred: Healthcare, higher education, or HRBP experience

Skills You Have

• Strong executive presence and ability to influence senior stakeholders
• Ability to lead complex, high-impact initiatives
• Expertise in executive compensation strategy and program design
• Strong project management and organizational skills
• Excellent communication skills with ability to simplify complex concepts
• Ability to operate independently in a fast-paced environment
• High level of discretion and judgment
• Leadership skills including coaching and team development
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail

Why join Michigan Medicine?

This is more than just a job - it's a chance to contribute to a world-class academic medical center where your work will help enable life-saving care and groundbreaking research. You'll work alongside dedicated professionals who are team-oriented, mission-driven, and passionate about what they do. We offer a collaborative culture that values your ideas and expertise, opportunities for professional growth, and the satisfaction of knowing that your efforts directly support our caregivers, educators, and researchers. We also prioritize work-life balance and employee well-being, because caring for our team is as important as caring for our patients.

WHAT BENEFITS CAN YOU LOOK FORWARD TO?

• Excellent medical, dental and vision coverage effective on your very first day
• Flexible spending accounts
• Prescription Drug Plan
• Mental and emotional health programs
• Child Care Resources
• Life Insurance
• Legal Services Plan
• Retirement Savings Opportunities with 2:1 match and immediate vesting

Modes of Work

This is a hybrid position reporting directly to the Senior Director, Compensation, HRIS & Payroll.

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Work Locations

This position requires 3 days per week in office in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Additional Information

WHY THIS ROLE STANDS OUT

• Opportunity to shape executive compensation strategy at a leading academic medical center
• Direct partnership with senior leadership and Compensation Committee
• High-impact role influencing enterprise leadership decisions
• Leadership opportunity with visibility across the organization
• Ability to drive strategic initiatives that shape the future of compensation

Background Screening

Michigan Medicine conducts background screening and pre-employment drug testing on job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent job offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background screenings. Background screenings are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Report Act. Pre-employment drug testing applies to all selected candidates, including new or additional faculty and staff appointments, as well as transfers from other U-M campuses.

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.