Director, Compensation

RAND • Washington, DC

21h • $151,000 - $230,100 • Hybrid

About The Position

RAND is seeking a strategic and experienced Director of Compensation to lead the operational performance of our compensation function. This role is responsible for ensuring that base and incentive compensation programs are aligned with RAND’s strategic objectives and compliant with all relevant regulations. As a key business partner, the Director of Compensation will develop and interpret company policies, procedures, and guidelines to ensure compensation programs are both internally equitable and externally competitive. The Director will work closely with senior leadership and HR teams to design and administer comprehensive compensation plans that attract, retain, and motivate top talent.

Requirements

• Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in Human Resources compensation functions.
• Advanced knowledge of state and federal employment and wage & hour laws.
• At least 6 years of experience developing and implementing base and incentive compensation plans.
• Minimum of 2 years of direct team management experience.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; general knowledge of human capital management systems.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in an academic or research organization preferred.
• Experience with advanced data analytics, automation, or AI tools as applied to compensation, HR, or workforce planning preferred.
• Experience in developing and implementing job architecture frameworks, including the creation of job families, leveling guides, and career paths with proven ability to analyze organizational structures, define job roles and responsibilities, and align job architecture with compensation is a plus, but not required.
• Prior experience with Workday is a plus, but not required.
• Master’s degree preferred.
• Certified Compensation Professional (CCP) or equivalent certification highly desirable.
• Additional certifications such as SHRM-SCP, SPHR, HRMC, and/or CCP are preferred.

Responsibilities

• Ensure fair and consistent administration of all compensation programs across the organization.
• Lead the analysis, development, and implementation of base and incentive compensation plans.
• Oversee the preparation of comprehensive analyses using internal and external compensation data.
• Advise and consult with management on compensation matters, including job descriptions, salary management, incentive programs, and performance management.
• Lead or participate in projects to design, implement, and communicate new or enhanced compensation programs.
• Develop reporting tools to monitor, measure, and analyze compensation program effectiveness.
• Manage relationships with external compensation consultants and the Compensation & Leadership Development (C&LD) Committee Chair.
• Provide assessments and recommendations for executive compensation and manage the preparation and delivery of C&LD committee meeting materials.
• Oversee the administration and ongoing effectiveness of compensation-related programs and recognition awards, including variable compensation plans.
• Determine staffing needs, interview and hire new team members, ensure appropriate training, conduct performance reviews, provide coaching, and take disciplinary action as needed.
• Develop and administer objectives, operating policies and procedures, budgets, and strategic action plans to achieve departmental goals.
• Provide leadership and motivation by setting clear expectations, delivering specific performance feedback, and conducting timely and thorough performance reviews.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• health insurance coverage
• life and disability insurance
• savings plan
• paid time-off
• sabbatical pay (which provides additional compensation above base pay when vacation is taken)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director