What are the responsibilities and job description for the Executive Director, Total Rewards position at Vaco by Highspring?
We are seeking an experienced and strategic Head of Total Rewards to lead the design, execution, and governance of enterprise-wide compensation and benefits programs. This leader will play a critical role in shaping a competitive and scalable total rewards strategy that supports business growth, attracts top talent, and reinforces a high-performance culture.
Key Responsibilities- Lead the development and execution of the company's total rewards philosophy, strategy, and operating model
- Design and manage compensation architecture, including job leveling, salary structures, market benchmarking, pay equity analysis, and compensation planning processes
- Develop and oversee short- and long-term incentive programs aligned to company performance and business objectives
- Partner with executive leadership and the Board/Compensation Committee on executive compensation strategy and governance
- Direct benefits strategy and program design, including health and welfare, retirement, wellness, leave programs, and employee experience initiatives
- Ensure total rewards programs remain competitive, scalable, compliant, and aligned with organizational goals and culture
- Establish governance frameworks, policies, and controls related to compensation and benefits administration
- Monitor regulatory developments and ensure compliance with federal, state, and international compensation and benefits requirements
- Lead vendor relationships, program evaluations, and ongoing optimization of rewards offerings
- Deliver insights and recommendations through data analysis, workforce trends, and market intelligence
- Build and lead a high-performing total rewards team while fostering strong cross-functional collaboration
- 10-15 years of progressive experience in total rewards, compensation, and benefits leadership roles
- Deep expertise in compensation architecture, incentive design, executive compensation, and benefits strategy
- Experience developing scalable rewards programs within complex and growing organizations
- Strong knowledge of compensation governance, regulatory compliance, and market practices
- Proven ability to influence senior executives and partner effectively across HR, finance, and legal functions
- Strong analytical, communication, and leadership skills
- Experience leading compensation cycles, market benchmarking, and enterprise-wide rewards initiatives
- Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree or relevant certifications preferred
Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco/Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to the individual's skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, office location and other geographic considerations, as well as other business and organizational needs. With that said, as required by local law in geographies that require salary range disclosure, Vaco/Highspring notes the salary range for the role is noted in this job posting. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses, and can participate in medical, dental, and vision benefits as well as the company's 401(k) retirement plan. Additional disclaimer: Unless otherwise noted in the job description, the position Vaco/Highspring is filing for is occupied. Please note, however, that Vaco/Highspring is regularly asked to provide talent to other organizations. By submitting to this position, you are agreeing to be included in our talent pool for future hiring for similarly qualified positions. Submissions to this position are subject to the use of AI to perform preliminary candidate screenings, focused on ensuring minimum job requirements noted in the position are satisfied. Further assessment of candidates beyond this initial phase within Vaco/Highspring will be otherwise assessed by recruiters and hiring managers. Vaco/Highspring does not have knowledge of the tools used by its clients in making final hiring decisions and cannot opine on their use of AI products.
Vaco by Highspring values a diverse workplace and strongly encourages women, people of color, LGBTQ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply.
Vaco by Highspring is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race (including but not limited to traits historically associated with race such as hair texture and hair style), color, sex (includes pregnancy or related conditions), religion or creed, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, status as a veteran, union membership, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, political affiliation, or any other protected characteristics as required by federal, state or local law.
Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact HR@vaco.com .
Vaco by Highspring also wants all applicants to know their rights that workplace discrimination is illegal.
By submitting to this position, you agree that you will be giving Vaco by Highspring the exclusive right to present your as a candidate for the foregoing employment opportunity. You further agree that you have represented information about yourself accurately and have not affirmatively misrepresented your qualifications. You also agree to maintain as confidential, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any information you learn from Vaco by Highspring about the position and you will limit disclosure of information about the position only to the extent necessary to perform any obligations in furtherance of your application. In exchange, Vaco by Highspring agrees to exercise reasonable efforts to represent you through all solicitation, job screening and resume dispersal.
Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries ("we," "our," or "Vaco by Highspring") respects your privacy and are committed to providing transparent notice of our policies.
- California residents may access Vaco by Highspring HR Notice at Collection for California Applicants and Employees here.
- Virginia residents may access our state specific policies here.
- Residents of all other states may access our policies here.
- Canadian residents may access our policies in English here and in French here.
- Residents of countries governed by GDPR may access our policies here.
Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco by Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to:
- the individual's skill sets, experience and training;
- licensure and certification requirements;
- office location and other geographic considerations;
- other business and organizational needs.
With that said, as required by local law, Vaco by Highspring believes that the following salary range referenced above reasonably estimates the base compensation for an individual hired into this position in geographies that require salary range disclosure. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses.