Director of Total Rewards

Morrison & Foerster, LLP • Washington, DC

6d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Director of Total Rewards is responsible for leading the development and overseeing the execution of the Firm’s global total rewards strategy, including compensation, benefits, retirement plans, wellbeing, leaves of absence, job architecture, and global mobility programs. This role serves as the Firm’s senior leader and subject matter expert across all total rewards disciplines, ensuring programs are market-competitive, compliant, and aligned with the Firm’s business objectives. This role will partner closely with Firm Leadership, the CPO, Finance, Legal and the broader People Function to design and deliver innovative, market-competitive programs that attract and retain top talent and enhance employee engagement. The Director will build and lead a high performing total rewards team with a strong focus on operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and data-driven decision making.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required
• 10-15+ years of progressive total rewards experience, including strategic leadership across compensation, benefits, and retirement programs.
• Skilled in workforce analytics, benchmarking, and financial modeling to inform decision-making.
• Proven track record leading and developing high-performing teams, including global/functional leaders.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, translating complex data into actionable recommendations.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills, able to convey complex concepts to varied audiences and build credibility with leadership and stakeholders.
• Fosters a collaborative, inclusive, service-oriented culture while driving innovation and continuous improvement.
• Strategic thinker who contributes to broader people strategy and serves as an ambassador for the People function.
• Resilient, adaptable self-starter with a global mindset, able to manage competing priorities under pressure and tight deadlines.

Nice To Haves

• Master's in HR, Business, Finance, or related field preferred
• CCP, GRP, or similar certification strongly preferred
• Law firm or professional services experience strongly preferred, ideally with global, multi-jurisdictional scope across compensation, benefits, leaves, and mobility.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the Firm's global compensation strategy, including philosophy, market positioning, and pay practices for attorneys and business professionals.
• Analyze compensation surveys, benchmarking data, and workforce analytics to keep programs market-competitive and internally equitable; develop and periodically review salary structures across jurisdictions.
• Partner with Finance on annual compensation budgets, forecasting models, and cost projections.
• Provide strategic oversight of compensation cycles for attorneys, patent agents, legal analysts, and business professionals, including related training and resources for partners and managers.
• Oversee off-cycle and special compensation programs (sign-on bonuses, retention awards, special bonuses), ensuring consistent, strategy-aligned application.
• Oversee job architecture and evaluation processes for internal equity and external competitiveness.
• Oversee compensation data integrity in HRIS systems, identify improvement technologies, and monitor legislative/regulatory developments to ensure compliance.
• Oversee compensation communications so employees and managers understand the Firm's programs and philosophy.
• Set strategic direction for benefits, retirement, leave of absence, and well-being programs that support attraction, retention, engagement, and productivity; evaluate market trends and employee feedback to keep programs competitive and cost-effective.
• Ensure a global benefits footprint, collaborating with non-US offices on market-relevant programs.
• Oversee relationships with benefits/retirement brokers, consultants, insurers, and vendors, including negotiations, RFPs/RFIs, performance reviews, and renewals.
• Support the Retirement and Benefits Committees on plan design, fiduciary, and effectiveness recommendations; ensure ERISA compliance with ERISA counsel.
• Provide oversight of U.S. retirement programs (401(k), Cash Balance Plan, Partner Owned Life Insurance (POLI), including audits, government filings (Form 5500, PBGC), and non-discrimination testing.
• Monitor legislative/regulatory developments (ERISA, IRS, PBGC, SECURE Act) affecting retirement and benefits, and ensure ongoing federal, state, and international compliance.
• Oversee U.S. leave of absence administration and policy, recordkeeping for non-U.S. leaves, and maintain up-to-date documentation of benefits/retirement processes for cross-training.
• Develop total rewards communication strategies, manage external/regulatory stakeholder communications, and oversee delivery of firm-wide benefits and retirement programs, including annual enrollment and related training.
• Conduct periodic program reviews for effectiveness and competitiveness; direct firm-wide well-being initiatives (physical, emotional, mental, financial, social); collaborate on annual budgeting/monthly reconciliation; and support resilience-building resources and training.
• Oversee global mobility programs ensuring consistent employee experience, regulatory compliance, and cost effectiveness.
• Monitor global mobility trends and recommend/implement changes as needed.
• Monitor assignment-related costs, risks, and compliance obligations.
• Leverage workforce analytics and market intelligence to inform strategic decisions.
• Establish metrics to assess total rewards program effectiveness.
• Identify opportunities for operational improvement through process optimization, technology, and automation.
• Evaluate, mentor, and develop direct reports, providing opportunities to grow their skills and knowledge.
• Deliver coaching and feedback; collaborate on goal-setting to support achievable team and individual goals.
• Develop team members' skills to meet client service priorities; ensure the team is structured effectively with clear ownership and accountability.

Benefits

• A variety of options for medical, dental, vision, life and disability coverage to meet the needs of you and your family.
• Industry-leading parental leave and family benefits including adoption and fertility treatment options and backup child and elder care.
• Global wellness program, including free access to Talkspace and Calm apps.
• Annual community service day to make an impact on your community and a birthday holiday just for fun.
• Education reimbursement annually.
• Dedicated Talent Development team.
• Competitive annual profit-sharing contribution.

What This Job Offers

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