Senior Director, Total Rewards & People Operations

About the Role

We are seeking a Senior Director, Total Rewards & People Operations to join the People & Impact team. In this newly crafted role, this individual will be responsible for the design and implementation of innovative and scalable compensation and benefits programs that enable the attraction and retention of top talent. This role will also oversee global People Operations — spanning HRIS, compliance, HR policies, and people data — including the management and modernization of all HR systems and processes worldwide. This leader will partner in a matrixed capacity with regional People Operations leaders at each of our global sites to ensure consistent, locally compliant execution of total rewards and people programs. The role is remote, reporting to the VP, People, and will have 4-5 direct reports across Benefits, Compensation, HRIS, and People Operations/Compliance.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the subject matter expert on total rewards (inclusive of base salary, bonus programs, variable compensation, equity, recognition awards, and benefits) and global People Operations (HRIS, compliance, HR policies, and people data).
• Lead and develop a team of 4 direct reports across Benefits, Compensation, HRIS, and People Operations/Compliance, overseeing their career growth into advanced individual contributors, people managers, and potential successors.
• Champion the adoption of AI and automation across total rewards and People Operations to streamline workflows and focus on higher-value strategic work.
• Design competitive, attractive total rewards and benefits programs aligned with Arcadia's values, ensuring internal equity, external competitiveness, and compliance with all governmental regulations.
• Partner closely with Finance and the business throughout the performance review process, bonus, promotions, and total rewards statement process by providing analytical, forecasting, budgeting, and structural guidance.
• Collaborate with Executives and HR/Legal/Finance on company stock & equity programs (grant guidelines and execution).
• Own compensation benchmarking, pay equity analysis, and related data and external partner/vendor relationships, running these at least annually.
• Partner with HR Business Partners on compensation recommendations, job architecture, and total reward packages for roles.
• Oversee operational elements of the global People Operations function including HR-related documentation, policies and compliance, HRIS & systems, leave of absence, and people data.
• Continue to evaluate and implement systems and vendors to support Arcadia's global growth.

Requirements

• Typically 10+ years of global compensation and benefits experience, ideally in a fast-paced, high-growth start-up or tech company. Public company experience is a plus.
• Strong knowledge of relevant ERISA, IRS, and DOL regulations, and legal requirements impacting compensation.
• Subject matter expertise in executive compensation, bonus, equity, variable compensation, and benefits, with strong communication skills to educate the organization.
• Hands-on expertise across equity vehicles (ISO/NSO/RSU, ESPP, and vesting structures) and compensation tools, including tool integrations and consultant partnerships.
• Technical knowledge of compensation design, including incentive, commission, and executive compensation program designs and associated tax implications.
• Track record of building creative, forward-looking rewards programs and long-term rewards platforms that scale with a high-growth company’s evolving strategy.
• Fluency with AI and automation, and a demonstrated ability to apply modern tools to compensation, benefits, and HR operations to improve speed, accuracy, and the employee experience.
• Experience leading HRIS, compliance, and People Operations functions, including managing distributed or matrixed teams across multiple regions or sites.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with systems integrations and supporting mergers and acquisitions, including harmonizing compensation and benefits programs across combining organizations.
• Experience operating in a global, multi-site organization with local/regional People Operations leadership structures.

Benefits

• "Remote first" culture — work anywhere in the continental US with reliable internet.
• Flexible PTO — no accrued hours and no limit on vacation days for exempt employees.
• 11 annual holidays.
• 10 days sick leave.
• Up to 2 weeks bereavement leave.
• 2 volunteer days off.
• 2 professional development days off.
• Parental Leave Benefits for ALL parents.
• 75-95% employer cost coverage for medical, dental, and vision benefits for employees and dependents.

Pay

Target Annual Compensation Range for this role will be $150,000 to $230,000. There will also be a competitive benefits and equity (bonus if applicable) component to the package.

Arcadia is headquartered in Washington, DC, and is open to fully remote candidates, with preference for those in Washington, DC or the east coast. Please note that we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this position at this time.