Senior Total Rewards Specialist Jobs in Illinois
Senior Total Rewards Specialist jobs in Illinois concentrate heavily in financial services, healthcare systems, and large corporate headquarters, with the state ranking among the most active markets in the Midwest for compensation and benefits professionals at the senior level. Most openings are based in Chicago, Deerfield, and Lisle, where employers like United Airlines, Baxter International, and Walgreens Boots Alliance maintain major HR operations and regularly seek experienced total rewards professionals. Equity plan administration, executive compensation benchmarking, and leave and well-being program design are the most in-demand specialties across Illinois listings. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Reporting to the Chief Talent Officer, the Senior Vice President, Total Rewards will be responsible for in partnership and alignment with Thresholds leadership, leading the strategy, design, development, implementation, and administration of total rewards programs (Compensation, Benefits and HRIS) that will attract, motivate, and retain high performing talent. The Senior Vice President, Total Rewards, will ensure quality, service delivery and compliance with Thresholds' policies, as well as applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Total Rewards Programs:
- Develops compensation and benefits strategies, structures, administration, policies and practices which deliver results.
- Manages compliance, reporting and fiduciary activities related to compensation and benefits.
- Provides direction and coaching to direct reports and management towards appropriate resolution of compensation and benefit issues.
- Oversees compensation and benefits administration, process management and development of wellness initiatives.
- Oversees benefits billing, reconciliation and audit activities.
- Leads the relationship with benefit providers.
- Identifies and delivers innovative and creative programs to foster recognition.
Strategic Leadership:
- Assists in the preparation of departmental budget, strategic plan and department performance goals.
- Provides strategic direction on best practices and processes.
- Champions the development and implementation of methods to improve employee engagement and recognition.
- Manages long-term projects to improve functional capabilities, such as systems and process improvements, cross-training and coaching of team members.
HRIS Operations
- Oversees the implementation and enhancements of HRIS systems.
- Maintains up-to-date knowledge of legal requirements and government reporting to ensure that agency policies, procedures, and reporting are in compliance.
- Oversees the management of electronic data systems to ensure data integrity, accurate reporting and efficient management of employee records.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
- Directs and supervises a team of compensation, benefits and HRIS professionals. Fosters a culture of learning and development. Mentors and supports individual growth through continuous feedback.
Education:
- Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent plus 7-10+ years of technical experience in benefits, compensation, HRIS and other reward programs.
- Master’s Degree preferred.
Experience:
- Minimum of seven (7) years of progressive benefits and compensation with a strong operational focus.
Skills:
- PHR, SPHR, CEBS and/or CCP certification a plus.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills. Experience with senior leadership presentations.
- Strong analytical, project management and critical thinking skills are essential. Agility is key.
- Knowledgeable of legislation impacting compensation and benefits programs.
- Strong technical skills, knowledge of HRIS and various software applications is essential. Expertise in MS Office including intermediate/expert level in Excel applications. Experience with UltiPro a plus.
What Sets Thresholds Apart:
- Competitive pay – Salary Range: $150,000.00 - 175,000.00 annually
- Generous PTO (9 federal holidays, 8 days of sick leave, 15-22 days personal and vacation)
- Dental insurance, vision insurance, choice of 3 medical insurance plans
- 403(b) retirement plan with 3% employer match
- Robust employee assistance program (EAP)
Thresholds is a mission-driven agency with a deep commitment to fostering an environment where all feel valued and respected, a place where every employee can be themselves, thrive, and support the agency’s mission. Click here to learn more (https://www.thresholds.org/about).
One of the oldest and largest community mental health organizations in Illinois, we pride ourselves in being a Chicago Tribune Top Workplace and one of Chicago’s 101 Best & Brightest Companies to Work For, several years in a row.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.
See All 7 Senior Total Rewards Specialist Jobs in Illinois
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Find JobsSenior Total Rewards Specialist Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Senior Total Rewards Specialist Job Market in Illinois
A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



Top Industries Hiring
- Energy
- Food & Beverage
- Healthcare & Medical Services
What Illinois Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in senior total rewards specialist jobs across Illinois.
- Bachelor's degree in human resources, business administration, finance, or a related field
- Five or more years of progressive compensation and benefits experience in a corporate environment
- Professional certification such as CCP, CBP, or CEBS from WorldatWork or IFEBP
- Demonstrated expertise administering equity compensation plans and executive pay programs
- Proficiency with HRIS platforms such as Workday, SAP SuccessFactors, or Oracle HCM
- Strong analytical and data modeling skills using Excel, Tableau, or comparable tools
Senior Total Rewards Specialist Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a senior total rewards specialist in Illinois?
The Illinois path typically begins with a bachelor's degree in human resources, finance, or business, followed by several years in compensation, benefits, or HR generalist roles at a mid-size or large employer. Illinois does not require a state-issued license for this role, but employers across Chicago and its suburbs strongly favor candidates who hold the Certified Compensation Professional credential from WorldatWork or the Certified Employee Benefit Specialist designation from IFEBP, both of which are well recognized by Illinois corporate HR departments.
Which companies hire senior total rewards specialists in Illinois?
Companies currently hiring senior total rewards specialists in Illinois include CVS Health, Thresholds, and Caterpillar, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. Illinois's dense concentration of Fortune 500 headquarters, major health systems, and financial services firms means steady, ongoing demand for senior-level total rewards expertise across the state.
Which Illinois cities have the most senior total rewards specialist jobs?
Chicago, Illinois, and Peoria lead Illinois for senior total rewards specialist openings. Chicago drives the bulk of demand through its concentration of corporate headquarters, major hospital systems, and professional services firms, while Deerfield and Lisle attract openings from the large consumer goods and pharmaceutical companies that anchor those suburban corridors.
Are there remote senior total rewards specialist jobs in Illinois?
Yes, and more than many HR roles, because the analytical and program design work of a senior total rewards specialist translates well to remote settings. About 33% of senior total rewards specialist openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of July 2026, reflecting broad employer acceptance of flexible arrangements. Compensation benchmarking, equity plan modeling, and benefits strategy work are the parts of the role most commonly performed fully remote.
How can I get hired as a senior total rewards specialist in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is moving into total rewards from a related HR, finance, or payroll analyst role at a large Illinois employer. Major Chicago-area corporate employers and health systems such as Northwestern Medicine and Rush University Medical Center regularly hire HR coordinators and benefits administrators who can grow into total rewards functions over time. Earning the WorldatWork Total Rewards certification early and gaining hands-on experience with HRIS platforms significantly strengthens a candidate's profile for Illinois employers making internal promotions or lateral hires into junior total rewards positions.
Where can I find and apply to senior total rewards specialist jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to senior total rewards specialist jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current Illinois openings across Chicago, the northern suburbs, and downstate markets. Search the listings, find roles that match your background and preferred location, and apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 7 Senior Total Rewards Specialist Jobs in Illinois
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