Director, Compensation

OverviewJoin to apply for the Director, Compensation role at AVThe Director, Compensation plays a strategic role in the support the support the design, implementation, and administration of our global compensation programs. This position plays a critical part in administering the AV total rewards strategy, ensuring programs are competitive, equitable, and aligned with business objectives. This position acts as a trusted advisor to the VP, Total Rewards, driving compensation strategy and overseeing all aspects of base pay, variable incentives, equity programs, and retention awards.Position DetailsWorker Type: RegularJob DescriptionSummaryThe Director, Compensation plays a strategic role in the support the support the design, implementation, and administration of our global compensation programs. This position plays a critical part in administering the AV total rewards strategy, ensuring programs are competitive, equitable, and aligned with business objectives. This position acts as a trusted advisor to the VP, Total Rewards, driving compensation strategy and overseeing all aspects of base pay, variable incentives, equity programs, and retention awards.ResponsibilitiesDevelop, refine, and execute compensation strategies that align with the company’s business and people objectives.Support the design, implementation, and administration of base salary structures, short- and long-term incentive plans, equity programs, and retention/recognition awards.Oversee annual and mid-year compensation planning processes, including merit increases, promotions, and bonus cycles.Conduct regular market analyses to ensure compensation practices remain competitive and aligned with industry benchmarks.Partner with Benefits, Talent Development, and HR Operations to create a seamless Total Rewards experience for employees.Ensure compensation strategies are fully integrated with performance management, talent acquisition, and career development programs.Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations, including California pay transparency laws and other international pay guidelines where applicable.Maintain strong governance over job architecture, pay equity processes, and compensation policy adherence.Streamline and enhance compensation processes to drive scalability and efficiency.Leverage data, analytics, and technology to improve decision-making, reporting, and transparency.Lead compensation-related initiatives for M&A and post-merger integration, ensuring alignment with company objectives.Develop clear communication strategies to help employees understand and value compensation programs.Craft executive presentations, dashboards, and data-driven narratives to inform leadership decisions and foster trust in pay practices.Build organizational capability by coaching HR partners and business leaders on compensation best practices.Implementation of a competitive, market-aligned compensation frameworkImproved employee understanding and trust in compensation programs, measured via engagement surveys.Demonstrable pay equity across roles and levels, supported by analytics and reporting.Streamlined compensation processes leading to greater efficiency and scalability.Enhanced collaboration across HR, Finance, and business leadership to drive unified people strategies.Other duties as assignedQualificationsBasic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)Bachelor’s degree is required in a related field or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.Advanced degree, MBA or MS is highly preferred.12+ years of progressive experience in compensation leadership roles, ideally within publicly traded govt. contracting organizations, technology, or high-growth companies.5+ years of people leadership experience.Demonstrated success developing and executing comprehensive compensation strategies, including incentive plans for technical, and specialized roles.Deep expertise in base pay, variable pay, and equity programs.Equity program management.Exceptional analytical and data storytelling skills, with the ability to simplify complex concepts for diverse audiences.Strong understanding of California employment laws and U.S. compensation regulations.Experience managing M&A-related compensation strategy and integration activities.Other Qualifications & Desired CompetenciesExperience with global compensation programs and govt contractors. FAR regulationsFamiliarity with Workday, Radford, Mercer, or other compensation benchmarking tools.Advanced degree or certification (e.g., CCP – Certified Compensation Professional) is a plus.Excellent written and verbal communication skillsStrong analytical, critical thinking and interpersonal skills, with the ability to speak and write persuasivelyDemonstrated experience working with cross-functional teams; ability to develop and maintain internal and external trusting, professional relationshipsUses vision to think beyond the immediate situation, explore multiple potential paths, and adapt decision-making style based on the situational circumstancesInspires, motivates, and empowers people to deliver organizational goals, while also delivering value back to employeesBrings organizational values to life using personality, uniqueness, and the creation of a shared visionChampions the process of change and promotes a culture of quick adaptation while helping others deal with the effects of changeTakes ownership and responsibility for assigned tasksIs committed to learning from mistakes and driven to improve and enhance performance of oneself, others, and the companyFocuses on teamwork and puts the success of the team above one’s own interestsPhysical DemandsAbility to sit, stand, stoop, reach, lift (up to 10 lbs.), bend, etc. Hand and wrist dexterity to utilize the computer.May require travel to sites/program and special functions.Environmental Conditions Critical To PerformanceWork is in an office environment, climate controlled through central air conditioning/heating.May have some exposure to outside environment while traveling.Special RequirementsU.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (Green Card holder) or asylee/refugee status as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) required.Must be able to travel within the Continental U.S. and internationally when required.Salary RangeThe Salary Range For This Role Is $165,580 - $234,465AeroVironment considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to location, role and responsibilities, candidate work experience, education/training, and key skills.EEO and ITARWe are proud to be an EEO/AA Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans. This position may be subject to ITAR/EAR regulations; U.S. Citizenship or Permissible status may be required for certain roles.About AVBased in California, AeroVironment (AVAV) is a global leader in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems. AV designs, develops, produces, and supports an advanced portfolio of UAS and tactical missile systems. For more information about our company benefits and opportunities, visit the AV website. #J-18808-Ljbffr

Created: 2025-09-17