Director, Executive Compensation

Leidos•Reston, VA

3d•$139,100 - $251,450•Hybrid

About The Position

The Director, Executive Compensation leads the design, administration, and governance of Leidos' executive and non-employee director compensation programs. This role serves as the primary subject-matter expert on executive pay strategy, equity plan design, regulatory compliance, and Compensation Committee support, partnering closely with the VP, Compensation, senior HR leadership, Legal, and Finance to ensure programs are competitive, compliant, and aligned with company performance and shareholder interests.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree and 12+ years of relevant compensation experience, including significant experience in executive compensation; or equivalent combination of education and experience
Demonstrated experience supporting a Compensation Committee and preparing proxy/CD&A disclosures at a publicly traded company
Strong knowledge of SEC executive compensation disclosure rules, equity plan design, and relevant tax/regulatory frameworks
Experience with executive compensation benchmarking tools and survey data
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience preparing board-level materials

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree (MBA) or professional certification (CCP, CECP)
Experience in a government services, defense, or technology contracting environment
Prior people management experience
Familiarity with Workday or similar HRIS/compensation planning tools

Responsibilities

Design and administer base salary, annual incentive, and long-term incentive (equity) programs for the executive population (Section 16 officers and other senior leaders)
Lead annual executive compensation planning cycles, including market benchmarking, pay recommendations, and merit/incentive funding
Partner closely with the Stock Programs team to align on equity plan operations, ensuring seamless coordination on grant strategy and vesting/settlement processes
Own the end-to-end executive compensation experience with the compensation function, establishing a white-glove service model that makes this role the single go-to resource for senior leaders across pay, equity, and governance matters
Serve as a key preparer for the Compensation Committee materials, including pay-for-performance analyses, peer group benchmarking, and plan design proposals
Partner with Legal and the Corporate Secretary's office on committee meeting logistics, calendars, and documentation
Draft and maintain committee charters, governance guidelines, and related policies as they pertain to compensation
Partner with Legal and the Corporate Secretary’s office in preparation of the Compensation Discussion & Analysis (CD&A) and related proxy statement disclosures, ensuring compliance with SEC rules
Monitor and apply evolving regulatory requirements (SEC, IRS Section 162(m)/409A, ISS/Glass Lewis guidelines, say-on-pay considerations)
Manage clawback policy administration and other governance-related compensation policies
Conduct competitive market analyses using survey data and peer group benchmarking to inform pay decisions
Translate data and insights into clear, actionable recommendations for senior leaders
Advise senior leadership and the CHRO on executive offers, promotions, retention arrangements, and severance/change-in-control provisions
Partner with outside compensation consultants and legal counsel as needed
Partner with Finance on compensation expense forecasting, accounting treatment, and budget planning
Collaborate with Legal on employment agreements, executive offer letters, and severance arrangements
Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing executive compensation team, fostering operational excellence, strategic thinking, and strong client support