Director - Compensation

ViaSat • Carlsbad, CA

73d • $199,500 - $315,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

We're thrilled to announce an exciting opportunity to join our Viasat Government People & Culture (P&C) team as a Director, Compensation. This hybrid role offers the best of both worlds: meaningful collaboration in our Carlsbad office and the flexibility of remote work. The Director, Compensation is responsible for designing, implementing, and governing Viasat Government's (VGOV's) compensation programs to support business performance, workforce equity, and regulatory compliance. This role leads enterprise-wide compensation initiatives-including base pay structures, incentive programs, executive compensation, and pay equity-ensuring alignment with VGOV's mission, values, and talent strategy. Operating within a complex, regulated defense environment, the Director partners closely with Finance, Legal, Talent, and People Systems to deliver scalable, data-driven solutions that attract, retain, and reward top talent. This leader plays a critical role in shaping the employee experience through transparent, competitive, and compliant compensation practices.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in human resources, Finance, Business, or related field; advanced degree preferred
• 10+ years of progressive experience in compensation leadership roles
• Deep expertise in compensation strategy, program design, and regulatory compliance
• Strong analytical, stakeholder engagement, and communication skills
• Experience in defense, aerospace, or highly regulated industries preferred

Nice To Haves

• Understanding and working knowledge of Strategic Compensation Design
• Regulatory Compliance & Governance
• Data-Driven Decision Making
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Operational Excellence & Systems Thinking
• Equity, Transparency & Ethical Leadership

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute VGOV's compensation strategy, including salary structures, incentive plans, and executive compensation frameworks
• Lead annual compensation planning cycles, including budgeting, benchmarking, and pay-for-performance calibration
• Ensure compensation programs are market-aligned, equitable, and responsive to business needs
• Maintain governance over job leveling, titling, and compensation architecture in partnership with Talent and Organizational Design
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and defense industry regulations, including audit readiness and pay transparency standards
• Monitor labor market trends and conduct competitive benchmarking to inform compensation decisions
• Deliver compensation analytics and insights to senior leaders and HR stakeholders
• Partner with Talent Management and Organizational Design to align compensation with career frameworks and internal mobility strategies
• Collaborate with Finance and Legal to ensure fiscal responsibility and regulatory alignment
• Support HRIS and People Systems teams in integrating compensation data and workflows into enterprise platforms
• Oversee compensation tools, vendor relationships, and systems to ensure efficient program delivery
• Lead compensation-related communications, training, and change management across VGOV
• Serve as a strategic advisor on compensation matters during reorganizations, M&A, and transformation initiatives
• Lead and develop a high-performing compensation team
• Set clear goals, foster accountability, and build capabilities to support evolving business needs
• Champion a culture of service excellence, data integrity, and continuous improvement

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, financial, and/or other benefits
• Additional cash or stock incentives may be provided as part of the compensation package

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Industry: Telecommunications
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees